Celiac is an autoimmune condition where if gluten is consumed, damage to the intestines occurs by destroying the lining and absorption ability of the GI tract. Celiac is not to be confused with gluten intolerance......where you may experience many of the symptoms of celiac, but there is nothing pathologically going on. In other words, there is no damage to the intestinal lining. That said, both groups of people should avoid consumption of gluten products.
Going gluten free is really a rather simple process. You basically want to eliminate any foods in the
BROW category:
- Barley
- Rye
- Oats (that are not certified gluten free--high risk of cross contamination)
- Wheat
Seitan, a common vegetarian meat replacer, is 100% wheat gluten.
Many coffee substitutes and tea blends have gluten in them such as barley and malt. There is a Celestial Tea Winter Tea line that comes out each year. Every year for about 5 years I was drinking their Sugar Cookie Blend and had no idea there was gluten in it. Who would think that a cup of tea could set you back??
The question comes to mind with my clients: "Well, what am I going to eat?" Well, for starters, I highly recommend cutting all processed foods from your diet, regardless of whether you need to be GF or not. If you have digestive health issues or are just looking to be healthy, those foods have no place, or should have a very small spot, in your diet anyway. However, there are many gluten free breads, cereals, and grains out there.
- Bob's Gluten Free Oatmeal (one of my favorites)
- Gluten Freeda and Bakery On Main make great instant oats as well
- Quinoa
- Buckwheat
- Whole Grain Rice/White Rice as well
- Amaranth
- Millet
- Teff
Going gluten free has changed my life. I was never able to truly keep enough weight on. After having an endoscopy last year and learning about the damage to my system, I went 100% gluten free....not even a single cheat meal involved gluten. I am very committed to that investment in my health. Two of my favorite foods I eat almost daily are sweet potatoes and sprouted rice. They fill me up, give me energy, and support my health and fitness goals.
Need more information on how to go gluten free? Just ask? I'm here to help.
To your health!!
Tracy Lynn