Have a Gluttonous, Gluten-free Thanksgiving

Celiac Disease is defined as an autoimmune disorder of the small intestine, caused by the body's inability to tolerate gluten. Glutenous products will eat away at the lining of the small intestine. This causes abdominal pain, bloating, and fatigue. In more severe cases, the pain may be intolerable and accompanied by nausea, diarrhea, and weight loss. The only cure is to follow a gluten-free diet.

For people newly diagnosed with Celiac Disease, the once-safe holidays are suddenly filled with luscious foods, and the fear that comes with it. Everywhere you look, it seems dishes are filled with the three main "no's" that is associated with Celiac Disease. Neither wheat, rye, nor barley shall thine lips pass! Oats are debatable. But never fear. There are options.

Avoid products that contain wheat, rye and barley. This includes: bread, wafers, croutons, and pasta. Avoid imitation or processed foods such as bacon and seafood. Always check your labels. Malt vinegar is off-limits. Also be aware of broths, anything with caramel coloring, marinades, processed meat sauces, soups, and soy sauce.

Look for gluten-free labels. You can find many gluten-free items in your local health food store. Walmart is stepping up to the plate as well by labeling gluten-free products. The internet is a valuable tool when looking up gluten-free recipes and suggestions. Online stores for those with Celiac Disease are becoming more common. There are even recipes for making your own gluten-free bread.

So where does this leave you in your Thanksgiving celebration? Try any of these safe selections:

1) Rather than preparing a green-bean casserole, try a three bean salad.
2) Use a safe cornbread stuffing or a wild rice stuffing. Cook it outside of the bird.
3) Prepare an eye-pleasing vegetable and fruit tray.
4) Serve corn chips with vegetable dip, but check for modified food starches.
5) Cranberry molds/salads are usually a winner.
6) Bake pumpkin pie with a gluten-free crust.
7) Sweet potatoes are not only safe, but considered a "superfood".
8) Substitute potato flour for regular flour in food preparation.
9) Meats and fish are safe. Provide a variety of dishes.
10) Check your Thanksgiving turkey, as some are injected with HVP/HPP, or Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein/Hydrolyzed Plant Protein, both which may contain gluten .

If you need recipe ideas, try indulging in a little Passover research! This Jewish holiday forbids the consumption of wheat, barley, rye and oats.

There are many website dedicated to helping gluten-sensitive people enjoy the holidays. Recipes, forums, and more information may be found at the links below.

www.celiac.com
www.charlotte-celiac-connection.org
www.glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com
www.glutenguide.blogspot.com