Celiac Mom R.D.: Medjool Dates

Celiac Mom R.D.: Medjool Dates: So why write about dates.  Now that I buy a lot of gluten free items, I noticed the base for a lot were dates, Medjool Dates.  So what is t...

Gluten Free Shampoo And Makeup?

This is a personal decision that each of us
has to make, science indicates that gluten
in shampoo and makeup is not a threat to
people with Celiac disease.  The only
ones that should be considered are chap stick,
lipstick or any lotion that can be easily
ingested.  Some people may be sensitive, for
those there are plenty of gluten free products
available.

Eating Out Gluten Free

This is a challenge for everyone with Celiac.
There is no ordering without multiple questions
to ask.  Never assume that the restaurant  knows
how and what is gluten free.  Ask questions, how
and where is it prepared.  Ask if a different fryer is
being used.  Many places share the fryer with
breaded items.  If you are unsure, do not eat it.
Always call ahead, and look at the menu online.
There is always something safe for you, just may
not be what you want. Many restaurants do
prepare safe gluten free entrees. 

Why Does Celiac Disease Seem To Be On The Rise?

There are many theories as to why Celiac
disease is becoming more prevalent.  One is
that wheat has been bred to contain more gluten.
Other factors, we are consuming more wheat and
a wheat additive such as vital wheat gluten.  It
could just be, we are better at diagnosing the
disease.  None of these have been proven. 

How Much Gluten Does Gluten Free Food Contain?

Gluten free food should contain no gluten right? 
This seems like a simple expectation, but in
reality it is nearly an impossible feat.  This for
sure would limit our food choices.  Currently,
gluten free foods will test to 3ppm at the lowest
and other more reliable tests will detect as low as
5ppm.  Researchers agree that most people with
Celiac disease can safely tolerate up to 20ppm
of gluten. 

Almond Flour

Everyone knows how nutritious almonds
are.  Almonds are packed with magnesium,
copper, L- arginine, calcium and potassium.
Almonds are also high in fiber and contain
some healthy fats.  Almond flour is good
for baking cookies, cakes and other baked
goods.  You can also use almond flour for
coating chicken or fish. 

Tapioca Flour

Tapioca is one of the purest forms of
starch there is.  Tapioca is typically used
as a thickening agent in many recipes.
It may not offer many nutrients, but it
is low calorie and sugar free. 

My Favorite Oat Flour

Oats,  if natural they can be gluten free.
The question with oats, is they are grown
next to wheat.  I always recommend, buying
oats or oat flour labeled gluten free.  Oat flour
can be used in baking, and tastes great.
Oats are easy to digest, and are high in
fiber which can help with fullness and
lower cholesterol.

Coconut Flour

Coconut flour is a great replacement to
wheat and white flour.  It is high in fiber
and healthy fats, great for a lower carb diet,
or vegan. 

Coconut flour is low on the glycemic index.
This means it will not spike blood sugar levels.
It is high in fiber, and has healthy MUFA fat
content.

Coconut flour tastes great in cookies, cakes,
and any type of muffins.  It is a flour to try for
sure.  Here is a great recipe to try.

Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies

Going Gluten Free May Not Be So Good For You

For some individuals, a gluten free diet is
not a choice, it is a necessity.  People with
Celiac disease, have no choice but to avoid
gluten. 

Gluten free diets have recently gained
popularity, many believe that avoiding
gluten is healthier for them.  Some say they
feel better and lose weight after cutting back
on gluten and gluten containing products.

Celiac Mom R.D.: Soy

Celiac Mom R.D.: Soy: Many popular energy bars and cereals contain soy powder for added protein. Soy is often found in processed deli meats in the form of hyd...

Celiac symptoms in Children

Here are some common symptoms of
Celiac disease in children.

• Weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Growth issues
• Abdominal bloating and pain
• Gas pain
• Fatigue
• Failure to thrive

Last Day Tips For A Gluten Free Diet

Once diagnosed, you can start to make
some positive changes to improve your
health and diet.  Here are the last of my
gluten free tips.

4.  Know which alcohol to avoid.  You
need to remember beer, lager, stouts and
ales contain gluten.  There are gluten free
brand available.  Some gluten free alcohol
includes cider, wine, sherry, and liqueurs.

Day 1 Of 2 Tips For A Gluten Free Diet

The only treatment for Celiac disease is diet.
It is an autoimmune disease caused by the
immune system reacting to gluten.  Gluten
is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye.
Here are a few tips to help adjust to your new
gluten free lifestyle.

1.  Read all labels.  You need to get used to
reading labels when you food shop.  You need
to learn any hidden words, and make sure
what you eat is a good choice.  You are
always safe if it is labeled certified gluten
free.

What is the tTg anibody test?

The tTG antibody test is a tissue damage test.
The tTG is a specific antibody made against
muscle tissue damage in your small bowl.
It is a sensitive indicator of the small bowl
damage that can be caused by the gluten in
your diet.  If you have high levels, it means
you may have gut damage and possibly
Celiac disease.

Test For Celiac Or Eat Gluten Free?

Many people follow a gluten free diet, they say
"gluten hurts my stomach".  These are the people
that should have a proper diagnosis.  Screening is
simple, most common is a tTG-IgA test.  If this
test comes up positive, a biopsy will be
recommended to confirm Celiac disease.  

It is important to know, so all gluten is avoided.
You will feel better, and learn to make new
lifestyle changes.