When Is A Gluten Free Diet Needed?

There is so much nutriton advice everywhere, often without any facts behind the advice.  Some say only buy organic, no dyes, no seafood, too much mercury.  Some say avoid meat, and above all avoid gluten. 

All this advice has no evidence behind it.  It should be taken with a grain of salt.
As an example, avoiding red meat is good advice for lowering cholesterol, however most will find it challenging to adhere too.  Cholesterol lowering medications lower lipids better, than diet.  As most of us know, diets rarely work.  You need to make lifestyle changes for long term health. 
Gluten has become the fad for many.  Gluten is the protein found in wheat, rye and other grains.  It gives the chewy texture to bread. 

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Safety Tips For Living In A Non Gluten Free Home

Whether you own your home, live in a dorm, or live with your parents, there are certain precautions you need to take in order to avoid cross contamination.  Not everyone with Celiac has the luxury of living in a home that is gluten free.  Here is a list of some tips to help you, in the kitchen.

1.  Always wipe down counter tops, table and stove.  Use paper towels so you can toss them in the trash.  Have a separate hand towel for you.

2.  Use the dishwasher for all dishes, for complete cleanliness.  If using sponges, have a separate one for you.  They can absorb gluten too.

Day 2 Of 2 Symptoms Of Celiac Disease

A few more symtoms of Celiac disease.

6.  Skin rash-  A type of skin rash called dermatitis herpetiformis, often occurs in people suffering from the disease.  The rash is triggered by gluten intolerance.  It causes localized apperance of blisters, usually on knees, elbows or butt, often itchy. 

7.  Weakness-  Being a digestive disease with malabsorption occuring, we see low levels of folic acid and vitamin B12.  This can lead to anemia, common in people with Celiac.  When lacking these nutrients, weakness and fainting can happen.

8.  Tooth decay-  Many people with Celiac suffer from dental defects, particularly tooth discoloration.  Yellow, brown, or white spots appear on their teeth. 

9.  Joint pain-  Those suffering from the disease often suffer from joint pain and aching bones.  It is not clear why, but some suggests it from malabsorption. 

These are just a few symptoms to look for.  Always check with your doctor before taking gluten out of your diet.  A diagnosis is important first. 

Day 1 Of 2 Symptoms Of Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that affects those who are genetically predisposed to the disease.  It can occur at any time in life.  It affects the small intestine and usually produces stomach pain and digestive discomfort.
As we know, the only treatment is a strict gluten free diet.  I will go over some symptoms of the disease, and what to be aware of if you think you or someone you know may have the disease.

1.  Diarrhea- People with Celiac disease can suffer from loose stool and diarrhea if a strict gluten free diet is not adhered too.  Their stool is watery, smelly and pale in color.  Many times, those unaware of their condition get used to passing loose movements and do not realize they have the disease.

Celiac Disease

Only an estimated 1% of the population has Celiac disease, an autoimmune
disorder where ingesting gluten leads to damage in the small intestine.  We
 are seeing now that about 22% of  people try to include gluten free foods
 in their diets anyway.  Knowing the pricey mark up  of these foods, and
 lack of additional health benefits, this shouldn't make sense.

A study suggests that people who are sensitive to gluten may feel a bit
 better, but a larger portion will derive no benefit at all.  These are the
 people that simply waste their money. People think gluten free means
 healthier, and food marketers think those people will pay more for
 foods with a gluten free label.  This has contributed to the massive
 growth of the gluten free industry.

For those with Celiac, ingesting gluten causes an inflammatory reaction
 that can severely damage the lining of the small intestine.  But for those
without the disease, gluten does...well nothing. 

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