Food Claim "Baked Not Fried"

Yes baked foods are healthier than fried
foods.  However when it comes to junk
food, such as potato chips, baked does
not always mean healthier.
If you compare labels, baked chips
often contain more salt.  The usually
only have a few less calories.  Read the
label always.

Food Claim "Organic Sugar"

Although there are foods many feel you should
buy organic, sugar is most likely not one of
them.  The chemical compound of organic
sugar, is the same as sugar.  This does not
make it a healthier choice.

Food Claim "No Sugar Added"

The no sugar added claim is often on many
food labels.  Sometimes this means no sugar
in its traditional form.  The manufactures
play on this by including high fructose corn
syrup or other names for sugar.
You need to look at labels, high fructose corn
syrup is found in many processed foods.  It
has been linked to increase the risk of type 2
diabetes. 
It is important to read all the ingredients before
buying a product.  Most likely, the less ingredients
the better. 

Happy Gluten Free Memorial Day!

Food Claim "Whole Grains"

How many times have you looked at a box
of pasta or cereal claiming to be made with
"whole grains".  Many see this claim and feel
it is healthy, this is not always true.
There is a loophole in the definition of
"whole grains", leading to misuse of the
term.  These foods can be labeled whole
grain, and only contain the grain in a fine
flour form, which the body often processes
as sugar.

Food Claims "Gluten Free"

If you have Celiac disease or a gluten
intolerance, gluten free is a must.  However
if you are cutting out gluten because you
think it is healthier you are wrong.
Gluten free foods often contain sugary
starches and additives that mimic gluten.
Some contain more salt and fat.  So
once again read labels, and try to make
the healthy option.

Food Claims" Reduced Fat"

Sometimes food claims, may not be good for
you.  One to watch is "reduced fat" or " low fat".
When products are labeled with these, they are
likely increasing other aspects to make it taste
better, including added sugar.
Take a good look at the label to determine if
it is actually a healthier choice. 

Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity

What causes non celiac gluten sensitivity?
The pathogenesis of NCGS is not yet
understood.  It was thought that gluten,
as occurs in Celiac disease, is the cause.
Many people experience the symptoms
similar to that of Celiac, without the
positive diagnosis. 
To get tested for NCGS, you need to rule
out Celiac disease.  If  ruled out, your doctor
may recommend a  gluten free diet.  If
your symptoms improve, it may well be
a NCGS.

Celiac Testing

All Celiac disease blood tests require that
you be on a gluten containing diet to be
accurate.  Many people cut gluten out, feel
better, and get tested.  This leads to false
results.  The tTG (transglutaminase Antibodies)
test will be positive in about 98% of people
with Celiac disease. 

Facts About Celiac Disease

For people with Celiac disease, a crumb from
a piece of toast can be dangerous.  Having celiac
means that exposure to gluten causes the immune
system to attack the small intestine, damaging
the  lining.  This leads to vitamin, mineral and
nutrients from being absorbed.

Celiac disease is on the rise.  A gluten free diet is the
only cure as of yet.  Once eating gluten free, symptoms
will go away.

Gluten sensitivity and celiac are different.  People
with celiac disease and sensitivity may have
similar symptoms, such as bloating and fatigue.
Only those with the disease dose the immune system
disrupt the body's ability to absorb vitamins, minerals
and nutrients.

Celiac And Vitamin A and D

Celiac disease is characterized by an
intolerance of gluten.  This often leads
to vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
The most common deficiencies are
vitamin A and D, especially in newly
diagnosed children.
This occurs due to the malabsorption in
the gastrointestinal tract.

Celiac Awareness Week!

So today marks the start of Celiac awareness
week.  It is important to educate as not to
be confused with fad diets or an allergy.
There are many things people with Celiac
are sick of hearing.  Here are just a few.

1. Can't you eat just a little.  This one makes
me laugh, a crumb can cause a reaction to most.

2.  Oh I gave up bread too.  Don't we wish it was
just bread we had to give up.  Gluten is everywhere.

3.  Think of all the weight you will lose going
gluten free.  That is what people think, however
it  may be the opposite.  Unless you prepare, read
labels, gluten free foods are not always healthy.

Celiac is a disease not a fad and not an allergy!

Celiac Disease

The month of May is Celiac Disease Awareness
month.  Celiac disease on average affects one in
100 people.  It is an autoimmune disease in which
the ingestion of gluten damages the villi of the
small intestine.

The function of the villi is to absorb nutrients. 
When damaged, nutrients cannot be properly absorbed,
which can lead to health problems.

The only treatment for this disease, is a strict gluten
free diet.  Luckily there are many gluten free options
available.  Eating gluten free is not just a trend, for many
it is the only answer.

Eat Whole Grains

There are many healthy alternatives to eating
whole grains and gluten free.  Your brain
needs continuous energy from healthy
carbohydrates, such as fruit, whole grain
gluten free products and legumes.  Legumes
are high in protein and carbohydrates, making
them a great option.  Brown rice, wild rice, and
almond flour are gluten free and healthy
carbohydrates. 
Being gluten free and eating healthy is not hard
to do, just takes some planning and label reading.
Always think whole grains, and brown over
white. 

Gluten Removed Beers?

There are beers on the  market that are  made
without gluten.  They can be made from sorghum
instead of barley or wheat.  One brand is
Redbridge, from Anheuser Busch.  These types
of beers are safe for those with Celiac.

The question is about gluten removed beers.
These are beers where the gluten is removed.
Conventional beer is typically made from a
combination of malted barley and hops. 
Many experts suggest that these gluten
removed beers are unsafe, as of now for
those with Celiac disease.

Gluten Free Peanut Butter Balls

If you love peanut butter, you will love these
yummy treats.  Simple to make for all to enjoy.

Peanut butter balls

Ingredients

• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups gluten free oats
• 1/2 cup gluten free granola or shredded coconut
• 1/3 cup mini chips or any chocolate pieces

Last Day Protein Packed Grains

Sorghum is one of the lesser known gluten
free grain.  It is loaded with fiber and protein.
It contains about 8 grams of protein per 1/4
cup serving.  It has a naturally sweet flavor
and cooks up to a great yummy grain.

Day 5 Of 6 Protein Packed Grains

Millet is said to be one of the best grains
for those with digestive sensitivities.  It is
gluten free and is great when cooked as
a porridge or used in baked goods.
Millet contains manganese, magnesium,
B vitamins, and iron.
It contains about 5 grams of protein
per 1/4 cup serving. 

Celiac Awareness Month