There Is No Test For Gluten Sensitivity

Gluten sensitivity shares many symptoms
with Celiac disease.  These symptoms
include gas, bloating, belly ache,  diarrhea,
joint pain, brain fog, and weight loss to name
a few. If Celiac is ruled out, a gluten free diet
should be followed to see if symptoms get
better.

The Celiac Gene

People who have Celiac disease have one or both
genes, they are the HLA DQ2 and the DQ8 genes.
If you have at least one of these genes, about 40%
people do, that doesn't mean you have or will
develop the disease.  If you do not have one of these
genes, Celiac can be ruled out.

If Getting Tested For Celiac Eat Gluten

If you are being worked up for Celiac disease,
do not cut gluten out of your diet yet. To get a
true diagnosis, you need to eat gluten and be
tested with an endoscopy.  You need to be
eating gluten for about 6 weeks before test, for
an accurate diagnosis.

Gluten Sensitivity Is Not A Mild Form Of Celiac Disease

Also known as non celiac gluten sensitivity,
gluten sensitivity is a completely different
condition from Celiac disease.  The symptoms
may be similar, but have different responses
going on in the body.  Celiac disease is an
auto immune disease, where as with NCGS,
we are not quite sure.  Both require a complete
gluten free diet.
Many people follow a gluten free diet.  Only 1%
of Americans are diagnosed with Celiac, while
up to 6% are thought to have NCGS. 

Eating Gluten Adds Protein To Your Diet

Yes, fact is gluten is a protein.  Gluten is the name
for the protein found in foods such as wheat, rye,
and barley.  This protein helps foods keep their
shape.  Gluten is found and hidden in many foods.
You always need to read labels to ensure what
you are eating is gluten free. 

Myth Gluten Containing Foods Are Bad For You

Grains that contain gluten, such as barley and rye,
are whole grains and provide beneficial fiber, vitamins,
and minerals to your diet.  Gluten free whole grains,
like rice, quinoa, oats, and buckwheat offer the same
benefits.  If you are following a gluten free diet, make
sure the oats are labeled gluten free.

Bloated Stomach

A bloated stomach is most often caused by eating
foods that are hard to digest.  While this may not
have serious health implications, if could be a
bloated caused by gluten intolerance.  How do you
know what your bloat is caused by?

Foods that can cause bloat vary for each person.
Some are vegetables, fast foods, beans, broccoli,
cabbage, onions, and dairy.  If bloated occurs
after eating gluten, like bread, pasta or muffins,
it could signify gluten intolerance or celiac.

Gluten Free Foods That Are Easily Cooked In A Dorm

Gluten free food that are easily cooked in a
dorm microwave include:

• Baked or scalloped potatoes
• Quesadillas with salsa
• Eggs
• Tuna melt on gluten free bread
• Steamed vegetables

It is also easy to exchange foods containing
gluten for those that do not.
Swapping corn tortillas for flour is an example.
Others include:

• Rice cakes for crackers
• Gluten free flax or fiber cereal for bread crumbs
• Quinoa and polenta for couscous
• Tamari sauce for soy sauce

Where Is Gluten Found?

What is gluten? Where is it found?

Gluten is a type of protein that is found in wheat
and other grains, such a barley and rye.  It helps
foods maintain form by acting as a bonding agent.
Gluten is in many foods we eat.  It is also hidden
in many foods we eat.
Common foods with gluten:

• breads
• cakes, cookies, muffins
• cereal
• pasta
• sauces
• beer
• condiments such as dressing

Hidden foods with gluten:

• Soy sauce or dressing containing soy sauce
• Bars (protein)
• Meat substitutes
• Some chips
• Licorice

Questions To Ask At A Restaurant

Going out to eat can be a challenge for those with
Celiac disease.  Here are some questions you can
ask to ensure your meal is gluten free.

Is there flour in the sauce?
Are there croutons or bread of any kind on the salad?
Does the dressing have gluten?
Are the fries, fried with the breaded chicken?
Is there any wheat that touches the grill?
Is the pan dusted with flour?
And of course, do you have a gluten free menu?