| Whether you've taken a stroll down the bread | | | | testing. In rare cases, other serious diseases can |
| aisle at your favorite grocery store, or visited | | | | cause similar symptoms. Receiving a definitive |
| your favorite artisan bakery, you've probably | | | | diagnosis will give you peace of mind and a green |
| noticed a growing number of labels that proclaim, | | | | light to begin changing your diet. |
| "gluten free!" Peruse your local bookstore and | | | | The good news is that 70% of people will |
| you'll find several magazines with headlines about | | | | improve their symptoms within just two weeks |
| gluten intolerance next to books on gluten free | | | | of adopting a gluten free diet. This means avoiding |
| living. What's behind the hype on gluten, and why | | | | all grain products in favor of vegetables, fruits, |
| are so many people jumping on the bandwagon? | | | | legumes and lean proteins. Most dieticians agree |
| The medical term for serious gluten intolerance is | | | | that this is a healthier way of eating for anyone, |
| "celiac disease." One in every 133 Americans have | | | | but if you have celiac disease, you will find that as |
| it to some degree. Gluten intolerance is an | | | | the intestinal lining heals, this way of eating is an |
| autoimmune condition in which gluten, the binding | | | | excellent means of restoring well being to your |
| protein found in grains like wheat, rye, and barley, | | | | body. |
| causes serious irritation to the upper | | | | If you are gluten intolerant, avoid not only grains, |
| gastrointestinal tract. When people with this | | | | but hidden sources of gluten such as hydrolyzed |
| condition eat grain products, their immune system | | | | vegetable protein. Great non-gluten alternatives will |
| reacts by attacking the villi, the tiny finger-like | | | | allow you to enjoy baked treats, breads, and |
| structures in the intestines that absorb nutrients. | | | | pastas without fear or adverse reactions. Corn, |
| The autoimmune response triggers a harmful | | | | quinoa, rice, potato, soy, arrowroot, tapioca, sago, |
| chain reaction throughout the body. | | | | flax, almond flour, and polenta are all easy-to-find |
| Symptoms of celiac disease can include: | | | | baking substitutes. Popcorn is a healthy way to |
| Abdominal pain | | | | enjoy a crunchy, starchy, non-gluten snack. |
| Bloating | | | | If you choose to go gluten free, it may be helpful |
| Abnormal bowel movements | | | | to see a nutritionist to help you adapt your |
| Rashes | | | | menus to meet all of your nutritional |
| Malnutrition and weight loss | | | | requirements. Celiac disease often contributes to |
| Vomiting | | | | anemia and malnutrition, so as you recover you |
| Muscle weakness | | | | will want to replenish your body. Moreover, many |
| Fatigue | | | | gluten-free commercial products do not supply |
| Irritability or depression | | | | adequate levels of vitamins and minerals. A |
| Poor memory and inability to concentrate | | | | nutritionist can help you compensate with |
| Osteoporosis | | | | complementary food choices. |
| Lactose Intolerance | | | | As you adapt to a gluten-free way of life, you'll |
| Cancer, especially intestinal lymphoma | | | | enjoy experimenting with new cooking materials |
| Neurological disorders such as seizures and | | | | and recipes. Support groups and online resources |
| peripheral neuropathy. | | | | are abundant, and offer a strong sense of |
| If you suspect you may have celiac disease or | | | | community as you embark on a gluten free life |
| gluten intolerance, you should see a doctor for | | | | journey. |