Still not sure about gluten free

Are you still trying to decide if you should consider a gluten free lifestyle?  Here are answers to the 4 most asked questions that I get from people when they are considering a gluten free diet.

Gluten free pasta

What is gluten?
Gluten is made of two protein found in grains such as wheat, rye, and barley and is an important component in baking. Simply put it is the glue-like or sticky texture in baked goods and it is responsible for causing the baked goods to rise.

What does gluten do to the body?
Gluten doesn’t impact everyone. However, gluten does impact people diagnosed with Celiac (pronounced as See-lee-ak) Disease (CD), an autoimmune condition that damages the small intestines whenever a person eats anything with gluten. In fact, according to the Celiac Disease Foundation, when people with this disease eat foods that contain gluten, it creates an immune-mediated toxic reaction that causes damage to the small intestine and does not allow food to be properly absorbed. Visit the Celiac Disease Foundation website to find out more about the symptoms of CD.

Should you consider a gluten-free diet?
Yes, you should definitely eat gluten-free if you have Celiac Disease! Also, you should consider a gluten-free diet if you have challenges with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ulcerative Colitis, Crohn’s Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Autism, or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).

What foods are gluten-free?
Some examples of gluten-free foods are as follows: brown rice, corn, buckwheat, quinoa, millet, flaxseeds, hemp seeds, tapioca, brown rice flour, cornmeal, sorghum, beans, soy (use caution), poultry, beef, fish, mushrooms, vegetables, etc. There are a lot of foods that are gluten free, but the key thing to remember is that sometimes foods have hidden gluten ingredients, so make sure that you verify before you purchase. Read the labels or ask questions.

I have been eating gluten-free since 2005, and I have seen major improvements in my arthritis and I have not looked back! Do you need to consider transitioning to a gluten-free diet?  If you have more questions, please post a comment!

Save the Date: Greater Phoenix 2011 Gluten-free Expo!

PRESS RELEASE

Source: http://www.phoenixceliac.org

The Celiac Disease Foundation: Greater Phoenix Chapter will host its 3rd Annual Greater Phoenix Gluten-Free Expo on Saturday, April 16, 2011. This event is open to the public and gives people challenged with Celiac Disease, or those interested in transitioning to a gluten-free lifestyle, an opportunity to learn more about gluten-free products and where to purchase those products, as well as learning about local restaurants offering gluten-free menus. In 2010, over 600 attendees and 37 vendors participated in the expo. This year promises to be even bigger, with an expected 800 guests and 50 vendors.

The expo will be held between 10 am and 2 pm at the following location:

Sheraton Crescent Hotel
2620 West Dunlap Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85021

In keeping with the intent of sharing information on a wide array of products now available to the gluten-free community, a variety of vendors nationwide have been invited. There will be a plethora of products for attendees to sample and purchase. The Celiac Disease Foundation: Greater Phoenix Chapter will hold a gluten-free raffle and all attendees will receive free samples to guarantee no one leaves empty-handed.

Admission is $5 for adults; children under 12 are free. Cash only will be accepted at the door. Upon entry, each attendee will be presented with a bag and a vendor list. The proceeds from this event will help further the group’s goals of supporting the gluten-free community and raising awareness about Celiac Disease. For full expo details and to pre-register for the event please visit https://sites.google.com/site/gfexpo/. For additional information regarding the Celiac Disease Foundation: Greater Phoenix Chapter, please visit http://www.phoenixceliac.org.

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About Celiac Disease Foundation: Greater Phoenix Chapter: One in 133 people has Celiac Disease and doesn’t even know it. Those already diagnosed know the only treatment for this autoimmune disorder is a lifelong commitment to a gluten-free diet. The purpose of the chapter is to support those with Celiac Disease and to increase community awareness.