Age is just a number when it comes to your health and having to change your ways...this includes your eating habits and your diet. A few years ago if you asked me what it meant to have to eat gluten-free I would not know how to respond to that. I've learned more in the past few years after learning that my nephew had been sick and that the gluten free diet was what would help him. I researched to learn more about it and then I watched my brother and sister-in-law change so many of their own habits for this adorable little boy. He is so smart and so sports orientated just like his two other brothers. To look at him you'd never know that he had to live his life a little bit differently and to see their family as a whole, you would see that it doesn't even bother them. When you go to their house their pantry is full of gluten free products as is the baking cupboards. Even ordering a pizza is different as not all pizza shops make gluten free pizzas. This little guy had to learn how to change his eating habits and now, you'd never know it. He is healthier and happy! So what causes someone to need to drastically change their eating habits like this?
What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease, also known as gluten
intolerance, is a genetic disorder that affects at least 1 in 133
Americans. Symptoms of celiac disease can range from the classic
features, such as diarrhea, weight loss, and malnutrition, to latent
symptoms such as isolated nutrient deficiencies but no gastrointestinal
symptoms.
The disease mostly affects people of European (especially Northern European) descent, but recent studies show that it also affects Hispanic, Black and Asian populations as well. Because of the broad range of symptoms celiac disease presents, it can be difficult to diagnose. The symptoms can range from mild weakness, bone pain, and aphthous stomatitis to chronic diarrhea, abdominal bloating, and progressive weight loss. If a person with the disorder continues to eat gluten, studies have shown that he or she will increase their chances of gastrointestinal cancer by a factor of 40 to 100 times that of the normal population. Further, gastrointestinal carcinoma or lymphoma develops in up to 15 percent of patients with untreated or refractory celiac disease. It is therefore imperative that the disease is quickly and properly diagnosed so it can be treated as soon as possible.
What does it mean to gluten free and who should eat gluten free? Probably everyone if that meant trading highly processed foods for fresh food made from healthful raw ingredients! Seriously, it’s tempting to think that a gluten-free diet will instantly result in weight loss and great health. However, the reason that many people find that their health improves dramatically if they scrupulously avoid wheat for a week or two is simple: they are, ipso facto, side-stepping highly processed junk foods, and probably losing a few pounds in the process. Of course, the same result would apply for someone who actually did have a wheat-related health issue.
The truth is that gluten occurs ONLY in wheat, barley and rye. Everything else — all veggies, fruits, olives and olive oil, nuts, beans, lentils, rice, corn, traditional dairy products (milk, yogurt and cheese), eggs, poultry, fish, meat, wine and even chocolate — is naturally gluten-free. (Oats are too, but are very subject to cross-contact with wheat during processing on shared equipment. Certified gluten-free oats are available; they just cost more.)
Is gluten bad for you? The short answer is NO, but as is the case with food in our culture, the short answer is incomplete. Individuals with celiac disease have no choice but to eat a gluten-free diet.
If you are looking for new gluten free recipes, please go to my Pinterest board and follow my Gluten Free Yummies board for delicious recipes from ice cream to main dishes. You can also find me via my www.SimplyDeliciousLingerie.com website homepage. In the middle of the homepage you'll see buttons to follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Linkedin. This will take you directly to my page where you'll find recipes daily that I post from friends, and other sites regarding the gluten free diet.
What is Celiac Disease?
The disease mostly affects people of European (especially Northern European) descent, but recent studies show that it also affects Hispanic, Black and Asian populations as well. Because of the broad range of symptoms celiac disease presents, it can be difficult to diagnose. The symptoms can range from mild weakness, bone pain, and aphthous stomatitis to chronic diarrhea, abdominal bloating, and progressive weight loss. If a person with the disorder continues to eat gluten, studies have shown that he or she will increase their chances of gastrointestinal cancer by a factor of 40 to 100 times that of the normal population. Further, gastrointestinal carcinoma or lymphoma develops in up to 15 percent of patients with untreated or refractory celiac disease. It is therefore imperative that the disease is quickly and properly diagnosed so it can be treated as soon as possible.
What does it mean to gluten free and who should eat gluten free? Probably everyone if that meant trading highly processed foods for fresh food made from healthful raw ingredients! Seriously, it’s tempting to think that a gluten-free diet will instantly result in weight loss and great health. However, the reason that many people find that their health improves dramatically if they scrupulously avoid wheat for a week or two is simple: they are, ipso facto, side-stepping highly processed junk foods, and probably losing a few pounds in the process. Of course, the same result would apply for someone who actually did have a wheat-related health issue.
The truth is that gluten occurs ONLY in wheat, barley and rye. Everything else — all veggies, fruits, olives and olive oil, nuts, beans, lentils, rice, corn, traditional dairy products (milk, yogurt and cheese), eggs, poultry, fish, meat, wine and even chocolate — is naturally gluten-free. (Oats are too, but are very subject to cross-contact with wheat during processing on shared equipment. Certified gluten-free oats are available; they just cost more.)
Is gluten bad for you? The short answer is NO, but as is the case with food in our culture, the short answer is incomplete. Individuals with celiac disease have no choice but to eat a gluten-free diet.
If you are looking for new gluten free recipes, please go to my Pinterest board and follow my Gluten Free Yummies board for delicious recipes from ice cream to main dishes. You can also find me via my www.SimplyDeliciousLingerie.com website homepage. In the middle of the homepage you'll see buttons to follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Linkedin. This will take you directly to my page where you'll find recipes daily that I post from friends, and other sites regarding the gluten free diet.
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