Once very rare, gluten free diets are now rather common. In fact, you probably know at least one person following this type of eating plan.
Gluten is a protein which is found in all types of grains such as barley, rye, wheat and others. For people with wheat allergies or celiac disease, gluten causes the small intestine to react as if an invader is in its presence. Over time, this reaction damages the organ. As a result, the person has trouble getting nutrients from the food he/she is eating.
People suffering from gluten intolerance suffer a range of symptoms related to their body’s inability to absorb nutrients. Chief complaints include fatigue and stomach disturbances. Mood and behavioral issues such as depression and even autism have been connected to gluten intolerance. Luckily, gluten intolerance can be easily diagnosed with a blood test and even more easily treated with dietary changes.
The primary defense against gluten intolerance is a gluten-free diet. The thought of eliminating all gluten and gluten-containing foods from your diet can be intimidating. Initially you may even wonder what you CAN eat! Of course, meats and vegetables should be included in your gluten free diet. However, you may find that you will need to change the way you cook these foods if you are accustomed to frying your foods in flour and oil.
However, you will find that many alternatives to your “old” favorites can easily be found in your local grocery store. The increasing awareness and acceptance of gluten intolerance as a serious medical condition has resulted in many products and labeling procedures that will make the transition to a gluten-free diet more manageable. So, even if you prefer to fry your meats and vegetables, you may find that you simply have to change the flour you use in your batter!
Luckily, for those of you who cannot imagine life without breads, cookies and cakes, you will find that many alternatives exist for these items also. Simply look for the many items that now proudly proclaim themselves to be “gluten free.” Don’t worry – you’ll still be able to eat gluten free sandwiches on a GF diet. It just won’t be on regular bread.
Rest assured, a gluten free diet is no longer a sentence to eat boring food for the rest of your life. Many options are easily available in your local stores. Although the transition can feel like a lot of work, the improvement to your health and mood will be well worth the effort!
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