celiac

Gluten-Free Challenge Is May 22 and 23
Food

Gluten-Free Challenge: May 22 and 23

Gluten-free foods are popping up all over and not just in specialty health food stores.
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Gluten-free foods are popping up all over and not just in specialty health food stores. I've seen them in mainstream grocery stores, on restaurant menus, and even on beer lists at bars. Gluten-free is well on its way to becoming a household catch phrase, which is great news for the one in 133 people suffering from celiac disease, which means they're allergic to wheat, rye, barley, and possibly oats.

To raise awareness for this condition, this weekend, May 22 and 23, is the first ever Gluten-Free Challenge. The Gluten Intolerance Group is teaming up with Pamela's Products, and asking everyone to avoid foods containing gluten for those two days. Why go gluten free? It's not because it's healthier, but it's to raise awareness of this condition, so that people can understand firsthand what it's like for people who can't eat gluten. It's also a way you can show your support to a friend or family member who has celiac. Do you think going gluten-free for two days would be difficult or a cinch? Are you going to try?

Do You Pay Attention to Gluten in Products?
Health

Do You Pay Attention to Gluten in Products?

I've never had to be concerned about dishes containing gluten, although I've certainly noticed a rise in gluten-free products, cookbooks, and blogs over the past few years — like this new book, shown above.
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I've never had to be concerned about dishes containing gluten, although I've certainly noticed a rise in gluten-free products, cookbooks, and blogs over the past few years — like this new book, shown above. Tell me: is eating too much gluten a concern for you?

Are Gluten-Free Foods Healthier?
healthy living

Are Gluten-Free Foods Healthier?

A good friend of mine has celiac disease, which means she can't eat any foods that contain these "evil" ingredients: wheat, rye, barley, and possibly oats.
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A good friend of mine has celiac disease, which means she can't eat any foods that contain these "evil" ingredients: wheat, rye, barley, and possibly oats. If she does, she pays the price with painful stomach cramps, bloating, gas, and diarrhea, but the scary thing is that it can even be fatal. She's not alone; it's estimated that one in 133 people in America suffers from this disease.

Due to its prevalence, I'm sure you've noticed the shelves of gluten-free food options available out there from cereals, to baking mixes, to pizza dough, to pastas. I had my friend over for dinner the other night, and a mutual friend wondered if she'd be better off ditching gluten foods from her diet too, even though she has no problem digesting it. To find out if going gluten-free is healthier, read more

Tummy Troubles? Could Be Gluten
tummy

Tummy Troubles? Could Be Gluten

Gluten is in everything.
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Gluten is in everything. From bread, to pasta, to cookies, to crackers, and even soy sauce - it's hard to get away from it.

Gluten is the protein in wheat, rye, oats, and barley. Some people are born with a genetic disorder called Celiac disease (CD), and eating anything with gluten in it can cause major bodily problems.

The thing about CD is that you won't necessarily have symptoms starting at birth. It can be triggered by emotional events, like going away to college, or physical changes like pregnancy or puberty.

Well, whatever sets it off, there is no cure. In order to avoid knife stabbing stomach cramps and other tummy troubles (use your imagination on this one), a person with CD has to steer clear of anything containing those offensive glutinous grains.

If you think you might have CD, talk to your doctor about getting screened for the condition.

Fit's Tips: If you or someone you know is looking for great info on CD, I learned so much from this book. The author's down-to-earth attitude and sense of humor make an otherwise traumatic disease, much easier to live with.