Amaranth

Amaranth is estimated to have been domesticated between 6000 and 8000 years ago, and was a staple food crop for the Aztec's.  Commonly called amaranth, it represents over 60 plant species called amaranthus.  The amaranth plant is a full, broad leafed plant that is very colorful.  The amaranth plant can contain up to 60000 seeds.

Amaranth is gluten free and it contains about 30% more protein than rice, sorghum, and rye.  Amaranth flour can be made from the seeds and is a excellent replacement for those suffering from celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. 

Amaranth flour has a unique chemical composition.  It has a relatively high content of calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and fiber and an almost perfect amino acid profile.  Its particularly high in lysine, which is lacking in wheat and corn. 

Another benefit of amaranth is that it is a natural source of folic acid.  Amaranth is not a true grain, it is a pseudo-cereal and similar to quinoa. 

Lucky Charms Gluten Free

It is finally here and it is yummy.  That is right that wonderful cereal with marshmallows we loved as a kid and still do,  are now made with gluten free oat flour. Finally kids and adults can devour a yummy bowl of cereal that tastes just as they remembered. General Mills announced it was adding lucky charms to the gluten free list right after cheerios went gluten free.  The sorting of the oats that is used allows it to meet the FDAs guideline for gluten free.
They were available to some in September of 2015, but until now was hard to find.
Once gluten free cheerios and lucky charms hit the shelves, gluten free products will make up over half of its cereal sales and 17% of total category sales, for the company.  General Mills introduced gluten free rice chex cereal in 2008 as the first mainstream gluten free product in the segment. 

Easy Gluten Free Oatmeal Cookies

Chewy, chocolaty, and yummy with milk.  These flourless oatmeal peanut chocolate chip cookies are tasty and easy to make.  Best of all they are gluten free so everyone can enjoy!

Makes about 20 cookies

Ingredients
1 stick softened butter
1 cup peanut butter
3 cups of gluten free oats
1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla 1 tsp baking powder
3/4 cup of chocolate chips, I like enjoy life chips

In a large bowl mix peanut butter, butter and sugars till smooth
Beat in one egg at a time with the vanilla
Stir in oats, baking powder and chocolate chips

Chill batter for 15 minutes
Preheat over to 350
Use parchment paper or spray cookie sheet and place 1 inch round ball of dough
Space about 1 inch apart
Bake about 12-15 minutes and let cool for 5 on pan

Travel Tips

Summer vacations are here at last, so here are some tips to help ease your mind with food.  With a diagnosis of Celiac disease, travel  requires some planning.  Here are some tips to make it easier for all.

1.  Look ahead of time, check for stores that carry gluten free foods you can buy once you are there.  You can stock up for the week, and have safe food for you to eat.

Can A Virus Cause Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is a auto immune condition brought on by ingesting gluten and in genetically susceptible patients.  In recent years a larger number of people have stated they are gluten sensitive or feel better not eating gluten. 
A new study opens up the possibility that Celiac disease could be associated with a virus.  This could also explain why infants who have already had a rotavirus infection are more likely to develop the disease. 
A study done confirmed a link between intestinal viral infections and Celiac disease.  The study analyzed samples of blood serum and biopsies from Celiac patients and compared them with healthy patients. 
They found that viruses can become the trigger of the disease, if gluten is ingested at the same time as a viral infection occurs, the already alerted dendritic cells also present gluten antigens to the T lymphocytes. 
More research needs to be done regarding this topic.  You need to have the gene for the disease, in order to get the disease. 

FAQ Celiac Disease

What does gluten free really mean on a food label?

On August 2nd, 2013, the FDA ruled that for a product to be labeled as gluten free it must either not involve any gluten containing ingredients, or if it does have gluten containing ingredients, the product must be processed to remove gluten and the final product must contain less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten.

Genetic Testing For Celiac Disease

You hear it all the time, I think I may have Celiac disease.  My stomach hurts,  I have diarrhea, constipation, and the list goes on and on.  Many doctors do an array of tests which might be unnecessary, until you check for the gene for Celiac.  So as you see, you need one of two genes in order to get Celiac,  if no gene present the you can never get the disease.  Just because you carry the gene it also doesn't mean you have or will get the disease, you carry the gene for it.  First step should be to see if it is possible for you to have the disease by this simple blood test. 

Old Food Label Verses New One

Here is a picture of the food labels side by side. The new one is bolder, easier to read, with sugar added and more accurate serving size.  There could always be improvement, but it is a great start to help with label reading.

3 Reasons Your Child Should't Go Gluten Free

This is a misleading title.  There are a few reasons that your child shouldn't go gluten free unless they have too.  There is a new phenomenon that many parents are putting their children on gluten free diets.  Parents are doing this because they think its healthy, however a gluten free diet can be very unhealthy for children.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and some other grains.  It is found in bread, baked goods, cereals, pastas, and many other foods in small amounts.  For people with Celiac disease, even those small amounts can make them sick. 

Day 2 Of 2 Looking For Gluten

 If product is labeled gluten free, you don't have to check the food label.  Most USDA foods follow the FDA gluten free labeling rules, here are some more ingredients to avoid, food starch, and dextrin.

6.  Avoid grain based products that are labeled may contain or made on shared equipment with wheat or gluten that are not labeled gluten free.  These products are  more likely to contain gluten from cross contamination.

7.  Prevent cross contamination at all costs.  It is very important to avoid consuming even small amounts of gluten.  1/8 of a teaspoon is enough to cause intestinal damage in most people with Celiac disease.

Day 1 Of 2 Looking For Gluten

Now that you need to eat gluten free, you need to educate yourself and learn to read labels.  You have been recently been told you have Celiac disease, it is important to eliminate gluten from our diet.  This new lifestyle change will take time and practice till it feels normal.  Some tips to find and look for gluten and hidden gluten.

1.  Educate, educate and educate yourself some more.  Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and triticale.  It is found in many baked goods and food.  It is also found in licorice, soy sauce and some over the counter medicines.

2.  Only eat products containing oats if they are labeled gluten free.  Oats are grown next to wheat, and can be contaminated unless properly cleaned and labeled gluten free.

Day 2 Of 2 Questions About Gluten

5.  Does school have to provide a gluten free lunch?  Yes.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, schools are required to provide students with Celiac disease and other food allergies safe and nutritious food options.  However, they are not required to provide meals equivalent to those served to other students.

6.  Is it safe to work in a bagel or bakery, knowing I can not eat anything?  Well, breathing in gluten is similar to ingesting it.  Although flour can not be absorbed through the skin, you can breathe it in.  Working at either of these, unless gluten free is not recommended for people with Celiac disease. 

7.  Can I still drink coffee and eat corn on a gluten free diet?  Coffee and corn are both gluten free.  Both are safe for people with Celiac disease.

8.  Are there any products to help those with Celiac digest gluten?  No there is nothing out there at this time, other than a gluten free diet.

9.  Do I have to use special soaps, shampoos and lotions?  While all of these are available gluten free the answer is no.  Gluten cannot be absorbed through your scalp or skin.  Lipstick and lip products however should be gluten free. 

Day 1 Of 2 Questions About Gluten

It could be you, a friend, child or a spouse recently diagnosed with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.  There are many questions that come up, so I will go over a few that are the most common.

1.  Does gluten make you fat?  No, gluten does not make you fat, lifestyle choices do.  If we eat more calories than we need or expend it will be stored as fat.  It has little to do with gluten.

2.  Now that I am on a gluten free diet, will I lose weight?  Most people who start a strict gluten free diet, gain a few pounds.  When their body starts to heal, they absorb more nutrients and gain the weight they may have lost due to Celiac.  Some of the gluten free products are also higher in calories and fat, leading to weight gain.  A naturally gluten free diet, lean meats, fruits and vegetables, will help with weight management.  It is all about lifestyle choices, whether gluten free or not.