Gluten And Beauty Products

Bread and pasta have taken a major hit recently, thanks to the gluten free
movement that blames bread and pasta for excessive bloating and GI
problems.  There are many proponents for gluten free beauty products,
which has many experts questioning its validity.

As per many doctors, gluten has no effect on the skin, unless you have
a severe allergy to gluten.  There really is no need for gluten free beauty
products. 

Day 2 Of 2 Restaurant Guidelines

5.  Order simple dishes-  always ask for sauce or dressing on the side.
6.  Ask about flour dusting- Even gluten free food or deserts are often
baked in a pan dusted with flour.  Ask first before ordering.
7.  Be prepared to walk out if the restaurant does not meet your needs.
8.  Do not hesitate to send food back if not correct.
9.  Thank the manager and server if all went well.  Try to go back
knowing they accommodated you.

Knowing all this, I hope it makes dining out a bit easier.  It all comes
down to researching ahead and asking questions.  If unknown, do not
eat, stay simple with a baked piece of meat or chicken, steamed vegetables
and a baked potato.  There is always something you can choose. 

Day 1 Of 2 Restaurant Guidelines

Eating out can be a fun, pleasant experience.  Following a gluten free diet
 should not change that.  While many places now have a gluten free menu,
 you should not limit your options those restaurants.  It may take a little
 longer for you to decide what to order but you can still eat a safe and
delicious meal.  With the help of these tips I hope you can make the most
 out of dining out anywhere!

1.  Call ahead- Call the restaurant, ask about their gluten free options. 
2.  Use the internet- If you know your plans in advance, go online and look
up their gluten free items, menu. If no menu, check out your safe options.
3.  Always tell the server you have a food allergy.
4.  Speak to the manager or chef- If the waiter appears not to know or
care, ask to speak to the manager or chef. 

To be continued...

Tips To Living Gluten Free

When my son was diagnosed with Celiac disease, I thought to myself, how will I do this.  Having another child who isn't gluten free and a husband, I was up to the challenge.  As you know I am a Registered Dietitian, this helped alot.  Many people make their house gluten free, but that could be costly and is not necessary.  Let's face it, gluten tastes good. 

To start designate a freezer, refrigerator and cabinet section that is gluten free.  This will help limit cross contamination.  Can your family enjoy gluten free brownies and cake, yes.  Most people will not even know its gluten free.  Sectioning off sections will help keep gluten free food from being contaminated with gluten. 

Moon Cheese

Can't wait to try this!

Day 2 Of 2 Unexpected Signs You May Have Celiac Disease

3. Family History
 As I have said before, people with a first degree relative are 5 times more likely to be diagnosed.  It is suggested that you be screened for the disease.

4.  Lactose Intolerance
Celiac disease damages the small intestine and erodes the microvilli lining responsible for making lactase.  Lactase is the enzyme needed to break down lactose that is found in milk, yogurt and cheese.

Day 1 Of 2 Unexpected Signs You Have Celiac disease

A recent study found that people with first degree relatives are five times more likely than the national average to be diagnosed.  Symptoms of Celiac disease tend to differ by age.  Only about 1/3rd of adults are aware of their GI issues, and many others report unexplained joint pain or depression.  In children, digestive symptoms are more common, like bloating, and diarrhea.
Due to the many symptoms associated with the disease, about 80% go undiagnosed. 

More Hidden Sources Of Gluten

Gluten contamination doesn't always come from food, it can also come from unknown sources around your house that you come in contact with daily.  If you have cut all gluten out of your diet, and still experience symptoms, look for other sources of contamination.

Here are a few places that gluten hides and contaminates.

The good old toaster, loaded with gluten crumbs.  The first thing you should do when going gluten free is get your own toaster.  Any toaster can have traces of gluten and cause a reaction.  Even the smallest amount can wreak havoc on your immune system. 

Day 6 Of 6 You Have Celiac Disease

Last food group I will talk about, is yummy candy.  Candy is the hardest thing for many to stay away from on any diet.  The sweet an salty flavors draw us in, and temp us.  The good news is most candy is gluten free.  Again check every lable to make sure.

Gluten free candy

Butterfinger
3 Musketeers
Hersey's chocolate
Laffy Taffy
Dum Dum lollys
Jolly Ranchers
Lemonheads
Life savers
Milk Duds
Reeses (not minis)
Skittles
Snickers

Day 5 Of 6 You Have Celiac Disease

Thankfully more gluten free cereals, pastas and breads are available.  Their taste has improved, some won't even know the difference. Again, when buying any cereal, bread or pasta, read the lable. 

Gluten free cereals

Rice chex
Gluten free Cherrios
Gluten free Lucky Charms
Fruity and Cocoa Pebbles
Any Glutino Cereal
Gluten free Oats
Glufreeda Cereals
Many gluten free granolas

Cereals to avoid

Wheat cereals
Whole grain cereals
Any cereal with gluten, read ingredients

Much like cereal, it is important to look for gluten free oats.  Oats are gluten free, however grown next to wheat, there is cross contaimination.  So look for the gluten free label.

Day 4 Of 6 You Have Celiac Disease

Now lets talk grains.  Many grains contain gluten, and it can be hard in the beginning to know which ones are safe to eat.  In these past few years, more companies have marketed gluten free grains and products making it easier for those with Celiac disease. 

Although wheat may not be advertised on a certain product, it can still be in the ingredient list.  As with all foods, I can't stress enough to read every label.  Wheat hides in many products such as cake mix, cookies, candy bars and even ice cream.

Gluten free grains

Rice, cassava, corn, potato, beans, quinoa, millet, amaranth, flax, arrowroot, tapioca
gluten free oats, nut flours, gluten free flours

Day 3 Of 6 You Have Celiac Disease

Soups can be tricky, and all ingredients should be checked to see if they are gluten free or not.  Often wheat is used as a thickening agent and is found in many cream based soups.  You must read the label, or make it from scratch to ensure that it contains no gluten.

Some gluten free soups

Lentil, Split pea and vegetable soup

Avoid

Cream based soups
Wheat, rye or barley soups
Potato soups

Day 2 Of 6 You Have Celiac Disease

Much like fruits and vegetables, meats, chicken and fish are usually safe to eat.  You just need to check on label to make sure no seasonings or fillers were used.  You need to steer clear of meats containing bread crumbs and ones that are fried.  Most places use the same oil for frying, which causes cross contamination.  Once again, fresh is best.

Gluten free

Fresh meat, chicken and fish
hot dogs

Meat,  chicken and fish to avoid

Breaded, battered or fried
Meatballs
Any meat chicken or fish seasoned with a filler or gluten ingredient

Day 1 Of 6 You Have Celiac Disease

Finding out you have Celiac disease changes your life.  Foods you have once enjoyed, you have to now avoid.  You need to do your research to what has gluten and what doesn't.  In today's world there are so many choices, eating gluten free is easier than years ago.  After some time, you will adapt to your new lifestyle. 
The easiest way to stick to a gluten free diet is to eat unprocessed, fresh foods, and avoid prepackaged, canned or frozen.
Here is a list of gluten free food items that will help make it easier to stick to a gluten free diet.

Enzyme From Oral Bacteria Could Help Celiac

There has been research to show that an isolated enzyme from bacteria present in human saliva
has potential as therapy for Celiac disease.  Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes
severe digestive and other health problems when gluten is ingested.  An estimated 3 million
people have the disease with the only treatment, a strict gluten free diet. 

Gluten found in wheat, barley and rye contain the immunogenic sequences that drive Celiac
disease.  The immune response in the small intestine goes into overdrive when people with
the disease ingest gluten.

Many patients find it hard to adhere to a strict gluten free diet.  The new research focuses on
methods that target the peptides in gluten.  This includes a vaccine based strategy and the use of
enzymes that break down gluten before gluten reaches the small intestine.  More research has to
be done.

10 Hidden Sources Of Gluten Day 2 Of 2

When eating gluten free, it is not just bread and pasta you need to avoid.  Gluten whether it is in the form of wheat, barley or rye can be in just about any food.  Here are a few more hidden sources of gluten.

6.  Salted or flavored dried fruits or nuts.  You need to read the label and make sure it is gluten free.  Best bet is to stick with unsalted and unflavored nuts and dried fruit.

7.  Ketcup-  You think well it is a tomato, however some companies use wheat as a thickener.  Read the label and ingredients before using.

10 Hidden Sources Of gluten Day 1 Of 2

If you have Celiac disease, or gluten sensitivity, you are advised to completely avoid gluten.
Any ingestion causes damage to the small intestine.  You will be shocked by these hidden gluten sources. 

1.  Make up products may contain gluten.  Gluten is not absorbed through skin, however watch for the lip glosses and lip products.  Many lip products or balms contain gluten and can easily be swallowed.

2.  Hing spice, which is a popular indian spice.  It is used in many indian dishes. Always ask if this is being used in the food before eating any indian dishes.

Gut Bacteria And Celiac

  A new study has found that gluten, which we know damages the small intestines of people with Celiac 
disease, could be metabolized by bacteria when the gut fails to digest it.
Celiac  is a genetic autoimmune disease where the person is unable to digest gluten, leading to
damage in the small intestines.  This damage leads to deficiencies of iron, calcium, vitamin D, protein,
fat and several other nutrients.

This disease affects 1 in 100 people worldwide while in the United States almost 2.5 million people
still haven't been diagnosed, exposing them to the risk of long tern health problems.