| Gluten-free is the latest buzzword in nutrition | | | | and more. |
| circles, thanks to celebrities coming forward with | | | | Part of the problem is that food labeling laws in |
| stories of their struggles with celiac disease. And | | | | Canada aren't up-to-date, and manufacturers don't |
| for people with celiac disease, a gluten-free diet is | | | | always have to list the major allergens and gluten |
| by far the best option for treating the condition. | | | | in some foods. |
| If you are diagnosed with celiac disease, you | | | | Take seasonings, for example. Right now, a |
| must follow a gluten-free diet to the letter, | | | | manufacturer can just say 'seasonings' on the |
| because the complications of non-treated celiac | | | | label, and they don't have to tell if it has |
| disease include developing other nutritional | | | | something such as modified wheat starch, wheat |
| deficiencies like anemia and osteoporosis, or | | | | flour or something like that. |
| developing another autoimmune disease and | | | | If you're not sure, call the food manufacturers |
| lymphoma, or cancer of the gut. | | | | themselves to ensure a food is safe to eat. And |
| But a gluten-free diet isn't for everyone, and it's | | | | remember there are a growing number of |
| important to be properly diagnosed with celiac | | | | gluten-free specialty products now available, |
| before jumping on the gluten-free bandwagon. | | | | including specialty breads, buns, cereals, cookies |
| If you have been diagnosed with celiac disease, | | | | and much more. |
| it's important to not consume any gluten products. | | | | The good stuff |
| Sound easy? It's a lot harder than you think. Here | | | | Does going gluten-free mean a restricted diet? |
| is some advice on how to ensure what you're | | | | Not at all. Plenty of foods are naturally gluten-free, |
| eating is really gluten-free. | | | | including plain meat, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes, |
| Foods to avoid | | | | nuts, seeds, milk, yogurt, cheese, fruits and |
| Gluten is found in foods such as breads, baked | | | | vegetables. Distilled alcoholic beverages and wine |
| products, cereals, pastas, soups, sauces (often | | | | are also okay, although beer, which is derived |
| made with wheat protein), seasonings, salad | | | | from barley, is a no-no (note: there are |
| dressings, snack foods, prepared meats, beer, | | | | companies starting to manufacture gluten-free |
| candies and more. | | | | beer). All vinegars are safe too, except malt |
| Often, gluten is in foods you wouldn't expect | | | | vinegar. |
| either, hidden in things like barley malt extract, | | | | What grains, flours, cereals and starches don't |
| modified wheat starch, hydrolized wheat proteins | | | | contain any gluten? |