Simple Tips for a Gluten-Free Lifestyle

Gluten is a composite of two proteins, gliadin and glutenin. These proteins exist along with starch in the endosperms of popular grains, including wheat, rye, and barley. Gliadin and glutenin comprise about 80% of the protein contained in wheat seed. Worldwide, gluten is an important source of nutritional protein, both in foods prepared directly from sources containing it, and as an additive to foods otherwise low in protein.

Although wheat supplies much of the world's dietary protein and food supply, approximately 1% of the U.S. population has celiac disease, a condition which results from an adverse immune system response to gluten. Celiac disease is an inherited, autoimmune disease in which the
lining of the small intestine is damaged from eating gluten and other proteins found in wheat, barley, rye, and possibly oats. The manifestations of celiac disease range from no symptoms to the malabsorption of nutrients with negative involvement of multiple organ systems. The only effective treatment is a lifelong gluten-free diet.

It is possible to have a fairly normal diet when eating gluten-free. Gluten free is the omission of wheat, rye, oats, and barley. Perhaps the most difficult step in a gluten-free diet is saying goodbye to bread as you know it, including white, wheat, marble, and rye as well as bagels, muffins, croissants, hamburger buns and scones and even pizza. But don't despair - there are alternatives.

The consumer must make sure the foods they eat do not contain these specific gluten foods- wheat, rye, oats, and barley. It is important to check labels thoroughly. Many consumers find it is best to shop at health food groceries like Whole Foods and Wild Oats in order to find a larger selection of gluten-free foods.

Among the major food groups, breads and cereals offer limited gluten-free products. For rice, Uncle Ben's offers gluten-free rice. Vegetables and fruits are of course naturally gluten-free. Some brands do offer breads, cereals, snack bars and more that are 100% gluten-free. For example, the breads are often made with rice or potato flour instead of wheat. Just check the label to make sure. The Hain Food Group, also known as Health Valley, has specific products in the crackers/ rice cakes/ snack bar categories that are gluten-free. Health food groceries like Whole Foods and many major groceries carry Hain Foods.

There are ample resources for the public regarding gluten-free diets and lifestyle. A good website to find specific gluten-free foods and brands that offer gluten-free is glutenfreeinfo.com. Two other good websites are glutenfreeliving.com and theglutenfreelifestyle.com. The website gluten-free-living.net offers a good guide on a gluten-free lifestyle.