Tips for Adapting to a Gluten-Free Lifestyle
It's estimated that 3 million Americans suffer from gluten intolerance. The real number is likely to be even greater. The symptoms of celiac disease range from mild to severe and may go undiagnosed and untreated for years. Gastroenterologists have nicknamed this hidden condition "the iceberg disease." Symptoms that drive people to seek medical help are the tip of the iceberg. Underneath is a host of milder, yet still uncomfortable and painful, symptoms.
Enjoying a Symptom-Free Diet
The good news is that celiac disease can be controlled with diet, but while there are far more safe-to-eat foods on the market than there were just a decade ago, purchasing and preparing gluten-free foods is still challenging. Nowhere is this more evident than in gluten-free baked goods. In conventional breads, the protein gluten is what holds everything together. It's not only wheat that can trigger symptoms but other grains like barley rye as well. Fortunately, some bakeries are now offering a variety of gluten-free desserts and baked goods, from specialty cupcakes to gluten free rolls and bagels. Some bakeries will ship orders too, making it easier than ever to enjoy sweet treats and remain symptom-free.
Trying New Safe Foods
While challenges in finding safe foods persist, consumers are discovering ways to substitute ingredients with unusual foods. In addition to standards like corn, potatoes, fava beans and rice, safe foods on the exotic side include the African grass teff, quinoa, millet and amaranth. While some experts are now saying oats are safe, many oat products are processed in equipment that may process harmful grains as well, making cross-contamination an issue.
Winning Friends and Family Over
It can be difficult for friends and family to fully understand the effect that "just one cookie" can have on sufferers. They may still be offended when meals, treats and snacks that they've prepared are refused. One of the best and easiest strategies to cope with social situations is to come armed with safe sweets. When a person shows up to a social even with a platter of delicious brownies or specialty cupcakes, family and friends will be more likely to ask what bakery made them before they even are told that the sweets are gluten-free.
For the one percent of the population that suffers from celiac disease, living gluten-free has its challenges, but it helps to know that businesses, bakeries and food manufacturers are increasingly offering options that make following the right diet a bit easier.
Enjoying a Symptom-Free Diet
The good news is that celiac disease can be controlled with diet, but while there are far more safe-to-eat foods on the market than there were just a decade ago, purchasing and preparing gluten-free foods is still challenging. Nowhere is this more evident than in gluten-free baked goods. In conventional breads, the protein gluten is what holds everything together. It's not only wheat that can trigger symptoms but other grains like barley rye as well. Fortunately, some bakeries are now offering a variety of gluten-free desserts and baked goods, from specialty cupcakes to gluten free rolls and bagels. Some bakeries will ship orders too, making it easier than ever to enjoy sweet treats and remain symptom-free.
Trying New Safe Foods
While challenges in finding safe foods persist, consumers are discovering ways to substitute ingredients with unusual foods. In addition to standards like corn, potatoes, fava beans and rice, safe foods on the exotic side include the African grass teff, quinoa, millet and amaranth. While some experts are now saying oats are safe, many oat products are processed in equipment that may process harmful grains as well, making cross-contamination an issue.
Winning Friends and Family Over
It can be difficult for friends and family to fully understand the effect that "just one cookie" can have on sufferers. They may still be offended when meals, treats and snacks that they've prepared are refused. One of the best and easiest strategies to cope with social situations is to come armed with safe sweets. When a person shows up to a social even with a platter of delicious brownies or specialty cupcakes, family and friends will be more likely to ask what bakery made them before they even are told that the sweets are gluten-free.
For the one percent of the population that suffers from celiac disease, living gluten-free has its challenges, but it helps to know that businesses, bakeries and food manufacturers are increasingly offering options that make following the right diet a bit easier.
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