Gluten Intolerance

Please read our helpful Living As A Celiac article

We hear the term “Gluten Intolerant” from many sources. So, what is gluten? It is a water-insoluble complex protein that is found in the major grains, such as WHEAT, BARLEY, OATS, RYE, and other hybrid forms of wheat. Gluten provides the elasticity and stretch needed to allow the rise during the baking of bread, cakes, etc. The excellent job that gluten has accomplished for the baker has increased the use of gluten into the greater share of processed foods. Gluten is used in these foods as a result of the ability to bind, shape, fill, and extend the product. Caution with your medical prescriptions may be warranted. Always ask your pharmacist if your prescription has any binders or fillers that contain gluten.

Beware of “modified gluten diets” or “low gluten flours”. Total gluten avoidance is the only solution for the gluten intolerant. If you remember one thing from this website, Let it be the need to read product labels. If the product does not state that it is gluten free, read the ingredients, and do not use any product that lists an item that contains gluten. If you are not sure of the listed items, call the company at their 800 number or choose another brand. The search for gluten free products will not be easy. You will need to learn about all the foods and many terms and terminology pertaining to items that do and do not contain gluten. Gluten may be present in a food product and not recognized because it is hidden in the labeling terminology. You must learn this terminology to be aware of gluten content. An excellent source for this information is a book entitled “Gluten-Free Diet” by Shelley Case, B.Sc.,RD. More information is available at www.glutenfreediet.ca Another small booklet which covers many of the aspects of gluten is available and is recommended reading material. The booklet is “Gluten Intolerance” by Beatrice Trum Hunter and is published by Keats Publishing, Inc. Los Angeles

How do you know that you may be suffering from gluten intolerance? A large part of the time the symptoms appear to be minor and are passed off as just indigestion or small pain or discomfort. If the disease is not detected, your health will deteriorate over time until an acute illness occurs.

What are the symptoms of celiac disease? Do you have a poor appetite, feel drowsy? Do you feel abdominal discomfort even after just a light snack? Are you anemic? Are you loosing weight without being on a diet? Are you feeling nausea or have diarrhea? Do you have muscle cramps or feel joint pains? These are the symptoms of gluten intolerance. The symptoms may also be similar in many other disorders, therefore DO NOT try to diagnose your condition yourself. Discuss these discomforts and symptoms with your medical professional and ask about the possibilities of gluten intolerance. The disease should not be considered lightly and may develop into very serious health situations.

This gluten tolerance information is not intended to provide any medical advice. It is intended only to provide general information and facts concerning gluten and gluten intolerance. www.celiacdiseaseinfo.org

www.celiacdiseaseinfo.org