Celiac Disease Understanding Why

It may seem like the end of carefree
eating after a Celiac diagnosis.  It will
be hard, it will be an adjustment, but
following a gluten free diet is essential
for staying healthy.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye,
barley, rye, and triticale.  When a person
with Celiac ingests gluten, the immune
system overreacts, seeing gluten as a
foreign body.  The immune system attacks
and damages the villi in the small intestines.

Once gluten is removed, the intestine will
start to heal itself.  It is estimated that
nearly 1 out of 100 people have this disease.

Gluten Free Diets Help With Weight Loss

Eliminating a specific food or group of foods
will not make the pounds melt off.  When it
comes to gluten and weight loss, research
shows that most people following a gluten free
diet actually gain weight.  Health benefits, not
weight loss, from following a gluten free diet are
only derived from those with Celiac disease or
gluten intolerance. 

Last Day Beware Of Health Claims

Watch out for health claims that seem too
good to be true.

Doing something short term for long term results.

One of the biggest myths out there is that following
a fad diet for short term will result in long term
results.  Always think can you follow this diet or meal
plan long term?  If not, it's best to not start in first place.
Small positive changes in your diet really can add up to
long term success.

Day 1 Beware Of Health Claims

Every day we are inundated with so many
nutrition messages.  Some are accurate and
others couldn't be further from the truth.
Beware of anything that sounds too good to
be true.  Beware of any quick fixes.  Here
are a few buyer beware  health claims.

Jowar Nutrition

Jowar is called by many names, most of us
know it by roti.  Its English name is Sorghum.
It is a staple source of nutrition in many areas.
Jowar is gluten free and has been found to be
beneficial for people with IBS. 
Jowar is high in fiber which can help with
bloating and constipation.  It is a good source
of antioxidants, and is low on the glycemic
index. 
This grain is high in B vitamins, and folate.
It comes in many forms and can be used in
many dishes.  As you can see there are many
benefits to this grain.  Try some today.

Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency is one of the most common
nutritional deficits found in people with Celiac
disease. The most common symptom is fatigue.
People will say they feel tired, even when they
slept.
If you feel you may be deficient in iron, a simple
blood test will tell you.  If low, you can increase
foods in your diet high in iron, and supplement
with additional iron.

Spelt Is Not Gluten Free

Spelt is an ancient whole grain that can be
nutritious, however it is not gluten free.
Spelt contains the gluten protein, and
therefore, isn't safe for people with Celiac
disease.  The idea that spelt or baked goods
with spelt are safe on a gluten free diet is one
of the oldest gluten free urban myth.