Going Gluten Free
August 3, 2009 by Standing on Truth
Filed under Nutritional Living
Yes, wheat allergies and gluten intolerances are real. . .for anyone struggling with the physical symptoms of such sensitivities, it can be discouraging to feel less than 100% and yet not know why or how to fix it. Some are even struggling with Celiac Disease.
Dr. Mercola has this about the prevalence of Celiac Disease and gluten intolerances:
“Because celiac disease has been considered rare in this country, it often goes undiagnosed or is misdiagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome or lactose intolerance. My experience is that the true incidence is probably much higher still, perhaps on the order of 1 in 10 people. The bulk of us however do NOT benefit from having wheat.
It is one of the primary reasons why people get sick in this country. It is amazing how many people’s chronic health complaints clear up once they stop the wheat. Some clinicians believe that no one can digest a protein in wheat called gliaden.”
I have been experimenting with a gluten-free diet recently and am eager to learn all I can in order to have a more healthy, productive life. I have a long way to go in what I need to research as well as converting my diet wholly gluten-free (I am about 70/30 now as I am also going dairy and sugar free at the same time). But for this blog, since I am learning right along with you, I will provide resources that I’ve uncovered and then the few suggestions I have and have been following, I will share as well.
First of all, how do you know you have a gluten intolerance, beyond just the fact that you are experiencing some of the symptoms in the link above? The most reliable way I know of (and have come across) is to go gluten-free for a period of time (I’ve seen anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months) and compare your symptoms before and after. This article here is excellent at giving you a step-by-step on how to do that and the supermarkets today are really expanding their gluten-free product options, and even putting them on sale frequently. It is unfortunate that eating healthy also costs more financially, but having better health is priceless. As my mother says, would you rather pay for your health now (proactive) or later (reactive)?
So as I’ve been going gluten free, I have found some good products out there that are worth trying and even keeping as a staple in your gluten free home. You will find that a common replacement for wheat and gluten in products is brown rice, which has the added benefit of being a good source of fiber.
Rice Works–Gourmet Brown Rice Crisps
Whole Foods brand Gluten Free Pancake & Waffle Mix–my son has never even noticed the difference between these and “restaurant” pancakes.
Barbara’s Organic Brown Rice Crisps (cereal)–I have this nearly every morning with fresh blueberries in it (and a side of protein in the form of turkey bacon or chicken sausage).
Larabar–bars that are gluten free and dairy free and made with minimal, natural ingredients. My favorites are Cocoa Mole, Cinnamon Roll, and Coconut Cream Pie
EnviroKidz Crispy Rice Bars–my son loves the berry flavor
These are just a few products that I have in my pantry as I write this. . .I know there are many more (including some delicious chocolate chip cookies that I get from Whole Foods that are gluten and dairy free, but I cannot remember the brand name to include it here). If you have any contributions to this list, please feel free to send them to me, and meanwhile, I’ll be on the lookout for more.
Wild by Nature Market has an excellent page listing gluten free products by their brand and separated out by category. Check it out here.
And if you shop at a Whole Foods in your area, here is their list for the gluten free products they carry.
The bottom line? Do not get discouraged if you are experiencing symptoms of intolerance to gluten. Have hope because there ARE good tasting products out there, and more every day as awareness of this health challenge grows. There are numerous testimonies of people who have gone gluten free and experienced wonderful results and freedom from the pain, discomfort and limitations (I am one of them).
As always, be informed and stand strong!
