Fact Or Fiction?

Fact or fiction?  Avoiding gluten means all
whole grains are off limits.

Fiction!  Whole grains like wheat, barley and
rye are off limits when you are gluten free, but
there are plenty of other gluten free whole
grains that are good choices.  There is rice,
wild rice, and corn are all gluten free and
easy to find.  You could also try millet,
or buckwheat.  Whole grains are a great
source of fiber, protein, and B vitamins. 
These vitamins help your metabolism,
keep your immune system running good,
and keep your skin and hair healthy.

What Is Gluten?

Gluten is a general name for the proteins
that are found in wheat, rye, barley and triticale.
Gluten helps foods maintain their shape, acting
as glue to hold the food together.  Gluten can be
found in many types of foods, even some
you may not expect.

Genetic Testing For Celiac

People with Celiac disease carry one or both of the
HLA DQ2 and DQ8 genes, but so does up to 25%
of the general population.  Carrying the gene is not
a diagnosis of the disease nor does it mean you will
ever develop Celiac disease.  It does mean your
risk of developing the disease is 3% instead of 1%.

Celiac Symtoms

Celiac disease requires a diagnosis by a
medical doctor.  The classic symptom is
diarrhea.  Other symptoms include bloating,
gas, fatigue, anemia, and osteoporosis. 
There are many that have no symptoms.

Others may experience abdomen or joint pain.
Some may have heartburn, indigestion, nausea
or flatulence.
In children  you may notice weight loss, delayed
puberty with slow growth.

How Many People Have Celiac Disease

How many people have Celiac disease.

About 1 in 100 people which is about 1%
have Celiac disease.  Celiac disease is an
inherited autoimmune disease that causes
damage to the small intestine when gluten
is ingested.  About .4% of people have a
doctor diagnosed wheat allergy.

May Is Celiac Awareness Month

Healthy Meal Tips

Healthy Meal Tips

Aim for about 15-30 grams of protein per meal.

Choose 1 to 2 servings of lean protein, such as
chicken, yogurt, fish, eggs, low fat cottage
cheese, veggie burger, lean ham or turkey.

Add 1 to 2 servings of vegetables and/or fruit.

Choose healthy sources of fat, such as olive
oil, avocado, nuts or seeds.

Limit fatty meats, butter, sugary foods, and
refined sugars.

Limit fried and fast foods.