Jump Start Your Gluten-Free Diet eBook | University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center

Jump Start Your Gluten-Free Diet eBook | University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center





Do oats contain gluten? | University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center

Do oats contain gluten? | University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center





Medications | Celiac Disease FoundationCeliac Disease Foundation

In addition to active ingredients, medications (prescription and OTC) may contain fillers, coatings and other inactive ingredients that contain gluten or are derived from grains containing gluten. Currently, there is no requirement that gluten-containing grains (wheat, barley and rye) be listed as ingredients, causing people to unknowingly consume gluten when taking their medications. Read more on gluten in medications, and what you can do to help here:

Medications | Celiac Disease FoundationCeliac Disease Foundation





Symptoms and Conditions Checklist | Celiac Disease FoundationCeliac Disease Foundation

Symptoms and Conditions Checklist | Celiac Disease FoundationCeliac Disease Foundation



SYMPTOMS AND CONDITIONS CHECKLIST

ConsiderCeliac-FrontSlide-990x330
Most people with celiac disease are undiagnosed.   This checklist helps you document if you or your child have any of the common symptoms or conditions.  Share your checklist responses with your physician to determine if you or your child should have the celiac disease panel blood test.

5 Diseases Doctors Often Get Wrong

5 Diseases Doctors Often Get Wrong - ABC News





When you experience strange pains, mysterious digestive issues, or other unexplained symptoms, you'd hope a trip to the doctor would solve your health woes. But sometimes, doctors have just as much trouble identifying certain disorders and conditions as their patients.
"A lot of symptoms are nonspecific and variable, depending on the person," says David Fleming, MD, president of the American College of Physicians and a professor of medicine at the University of Missouri. "On top of that, many diagnostic tests are expensive and aren't done routinely, and even then they don't always give us a black and white answer."
The following five conditions are notoriously difficult to pin down.


Heartburn ~ Supplements that Ease the Burn

Foods to consume if you suffer from indigestion include complex carbohydrates, grains, and legumes. Eat small meals and try to eat slowly to digest food properly. Foods high in choline,pantothenic acid, bromelaine, and thiaminmay help with digestion.

Mega-Recipes
We believe that it's possible to manage and/or improve certain conditions through what you eat. When we create "Mega-Recipes" for an ailment, we strive to include the maximum number of the nutrients that are shown to have benefit for that ailment. See the list of recipes that have met our criteria for this ailment.

What You Should Eat & Why

bromelain
Bromelain can enhance the effects of the digestive enzymes trypsin and pepsin. When heartburn is caused by the failure of the pancreas to produce sufficient amounts of these enzymes, bromelain has been shown to help.
Leading Food Sources of bromelain: Pineapple

complex carbohydrates
If you suffer from heartburn, consuming complex carbohydrates, foods that are "mild" or "bland," are less likely to increase acidity or relax the sphincter muscle, which can cause stomach acid to wash back into the esophagus.
Leading Food Sources of complex carbohydrates:Broccoli, Rice, brown, Squash, winter, Pasta, wheat, Potatoes, Blackberries

pantothenic acid
The discomforts of heartburn may respond to the effects of pantothenic acid, particularly when combined with two other B vitamins-choline and thiamin. Also known as Vitamin B5, pantothenic acid is essential for many basic bodily functions, including the continual breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins from food. It helps converts these substances into usable compounds.
Leading Food Sources of pantothenic acid:Avocados, Yogurt, Sunflower seeds, Salmon,Mushrooms

thiamin (vitamin B1)
Thiamin may be beneficial for heartburn because thiamin is involved in the central nervous system's control of digestion.
Leading Food Sources of thiamin (vitamin B1):Asparagus, Mussels, Sunflower seeds, Tuna, Brazil nuts, Salmon, Pork, fresh, Avocados, Oats, Rice, white, Pasta, wheat, Wheat, Soy milk, Barley

Mega-Recipes

Courtesy of: Whole Health MD

Date Published: 5/4/2005
Date Reviewed: 11/17/2008


> Printer-friendly Version

Marshmallow Root ~ Healing Properties

What Is It?
In ancient times, Europeans relied on the root of the marshmallow plant (Althea officinalis) for cough and sore throat remedies. The "Althea" in the Herb's botanical name comes from the Greek word for "heal" or "cure."

 
Marshmallow is native to Europe and western Asia. Also found in North America,  in salt marshes along the eastern seaboard. In addition to its root, marshmallow's velvety leaves and pale pink or white flowers are occasionally used in healing as well.


Historians believe that marshmallow plants were once used to fill hungry stomachs during famines. In the 19th-century, children with sore throats were given a hardened disk made of whipped marshmallow root juices, sugar, and egg whites to suck on.


Health Benefits
The key ingredient in marshmallow root and leaf is mucilage, a substance that becomes gooey and gel-like when combined with a liquid. This quality has been put to good use, both in internal and external forms, to soothe and protect inflamed Mucous membranes and other tissues.
Cooled marshmallow root tea has been used to soothe inflamed skin or mouth irritations; it can also be used as a gargle. A compress, poultice, or paste made from the root works well as an emollient for skin irritations and wounds.
Marshmallow contains various vitamins and minerals, including key immune-system boosters such as vitamins A and C.


Marshmallow may help to:

Soothe a sore throat and suppress a cough.Few herbal remedies have been used for as many centuries--with such great effectiveness--as marshmallow for irritated throat and cough. Try sipping a tea made with the roots or leaves of marshmallow for quelling a sore throat or dry, irritating cough.

Reduce heartburn and intestinal conditions, such as ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, and constipation. The root of the marshmallow plant is particularly rich in mucilage and gets extremely gooey when wet. This quality makes it particularly valuable for coating and protecting irritated mucous membranes in the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract. British health authorities even consider marshmallow root preparations safe and effective for soothing ulcers along the digestive tract. Dosage Information

For cough: Add 1 teaspoon of liquid Extract to 1 cup (8 ounces) of very warm water 3 times a day. Alternatively, drink 1 cup of marshmallow tea (or a marshmallow-containing herbal cough tea) up to 3 times a day as needed.

  1. Add 1 tsp. liquid extract to 1 cup (8 oz.) hot water 3 times a day. Alternatively, drink 1 cup marshmallow tea (or a marshmallow-containing herbal cough tea) up to 3 times a day as needed.

For sore throat: As a tea, use 1 tablespoon of dried herb per 8-ounce cup of very warm water. Alternatively, mix 1 tablespoon of liquid extract in 8 ounces of very warm water. Drink up to 3 cups daily.

  1. As a tea, 1 tbsp. dried herb per 8 oz. cup of hot water. Alternatively, mix 1 tbsp. liquid extract in 8 oz. of hot water. Drink up to 3 cups daily.

For heartburn or other stomach upset: Drink 1 cup of tea as needed or add 1 teaspoon of liquid extract to 8 ounces of water, and sip 4 times a day.

  1. Drink one cup tea as needed or 1 tsp. liquid extract in water 4 times a day.

Guidelines for Use:

  • Many people use marshmallow tea for healing. It's important to know the proper brewing method: Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of the dried root (or 1 teaspoon of the dried leaf) for each 8 ounces of water.
  • For external use, add just enough water to the chopped root to make a paste. General Interaction
  • Marshmallow may delay the absorption of other drugs when taken at the same time.
  • According to studies in mice, marshmallow can lower blood sugar levels. It's not clear whether this happens in humans, but it may interfere with treatments for lowering blood sugar, such as insulin. **If you have diabetes, consult your doctor before taking marshmallow and monitor your blood sugar levels closely.** Possible Side Effects
  • There are no known side effects associated with marshmallow. Cautions
  • Marshmallow has been safely used for centuries. My personal experience:

    • I take Marshmallow Supplements daily to heal my Esophageal Erosions that were detected on my Endoscopy. My Acid Reflux has gone away with supplementing Marshmallow.
    I take Marshmallow every night before bed. Sleep is a healing time and having the Marshmallow in my system while I repair and sleep helps with my Celiac Disease Recovery.

  •  The other option I have for days when exposed to Gluten inadvertently…. drink some tea…. soothing!












    Courtesy of : Whole Health MD

    Therapeutic Benefits of Slippery Elm


    The Slippery Elm tree grows in North America, and its tree bark is of the greatest therapeutic benefit.
    Native Americans would also use the slippery elm's bark for everything from sore throats to diarrhea. It was also considered a remedy for any skin condition. 

    Common uses:
    Common cold
    Sore throat
    Cough
    Gastroesophogeal reflux disease (GERD)
    Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Gastritis & Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
    Wounds, Burns, Boils, Psoriasis

    Directions for Use:
    As a dietary supplement, take 2 or 3 capsules two times a day with meals or a glass of water

    How It Works
    Slippery elm contains mucilage, a substance that becomes a slick gel when mixed with water. It coats and soothes the mouth, throat, stomach, and intestines. It also contains antioxidants that help relieve inflammatory bowel conditions. Slippery elm also causes reflux stimulation of nerve endings in the gastrointestinal tract leading to increased mucus secretion. The increased mucus production may protect the gastrointestinal tract against ulcers and excess acidity.

    Plant Description
    Slippery elm is a medium-sized tree native to North America. It can reach well over 50 feet in height and is topped by spreading branches that form an open crown. The red, brown, or orange branches grow downward, and the stalkless flowers are arranged in dense clusters. The plant's leaves are long and green, and they darken in color during the fall. The bark has deep fissures, a gummy texture, and a slight but distinct odor.

    Parts Used
    The inner bark is dried and powdered, and used for medicinal purposes.

    Source:


    10 Signs You Have an Autoimmune Disease and How to Reverse It

    Amy Myers MD

    autoimmune
    Autoimmune conditions affect over 50 million Americans, a large percentage of whom are women. In fact, I myself had an autoimmune diseases called Graves. Autoimmune diseases are considered a top 10 leading cause of death in women under the age of 65. They come in many different varieties, including rheumatoid arthritis, type I diabetes, thyroid disease, lupus, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, and more, and can cause many different types of symptoms all over the body that range from mild to severe in nature. But what are they, what causes them, and how can they be treated?

    What are autoimmune diseases?

    Although there are many different types of autoimmune diseases and they can affect many different organs, at their core they are all similar in that they are an immune response caused by systemic inflammation that leads your body to attack itself. Your immune system has a very sophisticated system for keeping you safe that leads it to identify all of the foreign substances that enter your body or that you come into contact with. If your immune system deems anything dangerous, it will produce antibodies to ward off the harmful intruders.
    Autoimmune diseases are born when your body is working hard to defend itself against something potentially dangerous, such as an allergen, a toxin, an infection, or even a food, and it fails to differentiate between the intruder and parts of your own body. Mistaking certain types of tissues for harmful substances, your body turns these antibodies against itself, wreaking havoc on your organs.

    What causes autoimmune diseases?

    There are many underlying factors that can cause people to develop an autoimmune condition. There certainly is an underlying genetic component. However, whether these genes get expressed or turned on is actually caused by a host of other factors, such as toxins from heavy metals like mercury or mycotoxins from molds, infections like Candida, Epstein-Barr and the herpes simplex virus, and most significantly, chronic inflammation tied to food sensitivities — particularly gluten intolerance. There is asignificant link between autoimmune diseases and gluten intolerance.

    10 Signs You May Have an Autoimmune Disease

    If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, especially a combination of several of them, you may have an autoimmune disease.
    1. Joint pain, muscle pain or weakness or a tremor
    2. Weight loss, insomnia, heat intolerance or rapid heartbeat
    3. Recurrent rashes or hives, sun-sensitivity, a butterfly-shaped rash across your nose and cheeks.
    4. Difficulty concentrating or focusing
    5. Feeling tired or fatigued, weight gain or cold intolerance
    6. Hair loss or white patches on your skin or inside your mouth
    7. Abdominal pain, blood or mucus in your stool, diarrhea or mouth ulcers
    8. Dry eyes, mouth or skin
    9. Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
    10. Multiple miscarriages or blood clots

    11. What should you do if you suspect you have an autoimmune disease?

      If you suspect that you have an autoimmune disease, the most important steps to stopping and reversing your disease and symptoms are to identify and then to treat the underlying cause. Conventional doctors only treat the symptoms of autoimmune diseases; they don’t look to find the root cause. Often, they prescribe medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, or immunosuppressants. All of these treatments fail to address the underlying cause of the autoimmune condition in the first place and, while they may be effective in the short term, they are not a long-term solution. Treatments involving immunosuppressant drugs increase the risk of severe infections and cancer when taken for long periods of time.
      Identifying which autoimmune disease is affecting you can be a difficult process. Symptoms may be vague, and autoimmune diseases can present themselves in so many different ways, affecting the thyroid, the brain, the skin, or other organs. Working closely with a functional medicine physician to review your family medical history, understanding your risk factors for infections, food sensitivities and toxins, as well as listening to you closely to discover how all of your symptoms are related is an essential part of getting well. A functional medicine physician will help to narrow down which labs they recommend in order to help find the root cause of your condition.

      What is my approach to treating and reversing autoimmune diseases?

      My approach to a patient who has a known or suspected autoimmune disease is to immediately place them on acomprehensive elimination diet to remove the top twelve inflammatory foods. I also recommend that they remove all grain and legumes from their diet if they think they can. Lectins in grains and legumes have been implicated in autoimmune diseases.
      I order a comprehensive stool test to look at levels of good bacteria, check for infections and leaky gut. I then apply a functional medicine 4R approach to healing the gut. This is essential! More than 80% of your immune system is in your gut. If you have an autoimmune disease, then by definition you have a leaky gut that needs to be repaired, otherwise you won’t be able to reverse your condition.
      I check blood levels for various antibodies and look for hidden or underlying infections.
      After I’ve done all of this, if the symptoms have not completely resolved I look for hidden toxins like mercury and mycotoxins. If we find heavy metals, I often will place the patient on oral chelation treatment. If we find mycotoxins, I have the patient remediate their home.
      I know from personal experience how overwhelming, confusing and scary a diagnosis of an autoimmune disease can be. I also know that conventional medicine only offers treatment of the symptoms, not a real solution to the disease.
      I urge you to find a functional medicine physician in your area to help you get to the root cause of your illness and to help you reverse your disease. It can be done.

      Courtesy of Dr. Amy Myers

    Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles recipe from Live Better America

    Gluten-Free Snickerdoodles recipe from Live Better America

    Sesame Chicken recipe from Live Better America

    Sesame Chicken

    Sesame Chicken
    Try an Asian twist with chicken tonight, and do it all in just 30 minutes. 4 servings
    1 1/4
    cups water
    1/8
    teaspoon salt
    1
    cup uncooked instant brown rice
    2/3
    cup water
    3
    tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
    2
    teaspoons lemon juice
    1
    tablespoon cornstarch
    1
    teaspoon toasted sesame oil
    2
    teaspoons canola or olive oil
    1
    package (14 oz) uncooked chicken breast tenders (not breaded), pieces cut in half
    1
    bag (1 lb) frozen bell pepper and onion stir-fry, thawed, drained
    1
    tablespoon sesame seed
    1. In 2-quart saucepan, heat 1 1/4 cups water and the salt to boiling over high heat. Stir in rice. Reduce heat to low. Cover; simmer about 10 minutes or until water is absorbed. Fluff with fork.
    2. Meanwhile, in small bowl, stir 2/3 cup water, the soy sauce, lemon juice, cornstarch and sesame oil; set aside.
    3. Heat nonstick wok or 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add canola oil; rotate wok to coat side. Add chicken; stir-fry 2 to 3 minutes. Add stir-fry vegetables; stir-fry 3 to 5 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in center and vegetables are crisp-tender.
    4. Stir soy sauce mixture into chicken mixture; heat to boiling. Cook and stir until sauce is thickened. Sprinkle with sesame seed. Serve with rice.
    Makes 4 servings
    Make the Most of This Recipe With Tips From The Live Better America®Kitchens
    Substitution
    Alter the flavor of this dish by using pork loin pieces instead of the chicken.

    Nutrition Information:
    1 Serving (1 Serving)

    • Calories 280
      • (Calories from Fat 50),
    • Total Fat 5g
      • (Saturated Fat 0g,
      • Trans Fat 0g),
    • Cholesterol 45mg;
    • Sodium 600mg;
    • Total Carbohydrate 34g
      • (Dietary Fiber 2g,
      • Sugars 5g),
    • Protein 25g;
    Percent Daily Value*:

      Exchanges:
      • 2 Starch;
      • 0 Fruit;
      • 0 Other Carbohydrate;
      • 0 Skim Milk;
      • 0 Low-Fat Milk;
      • 0 Milk;
      • 1 Vegetable;
      • 2 1/2 Very Lean Meat;
      • 0 Lean Meat;
      • 0 High-Fat Meat;
      • 1/2 Fat;
      Carbohydrate Choices:
      • 2;
      *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.



      Low FODMAP Chart

      Low fodmap diet chart

      Alicia’s Gluten-free Flour Blend

      YIELD: About 2 cups
      Top of Form
      Ingredients
      ·         3/4 cup sorghum flour
      ·         3/4 cup brown rice flour
      ·         1/2 cup tapioca flour
      ·         1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
      ·         1/2 teaspoon baking soda
      ·         1 teaspoon baking powder
      Preparation
      Whisk together all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Use in your favorite recipe for muffins, breads, or other baked goods.
      Notes
      You may double or triple this recipe and store the mix in an airtight container in the refrigerator for later use. It keeps nicely for up to 3 months.
      When substituting this for flour in a recipe, we suggest using half the baking soda the recipe calls for, but the full amount of baking powder — even though this mix already includes both.

      All-purpose Gluten-free Baking Mix

      YIELD: Makes 5 cups
      This baking mix is so easy to make and works well as a basic replacement for wheat flour in most recipes. It's good to have on hand for quick breads, cookies, pancakes, waffles — even calzone crust!
      Ingredients
      ·         1 cup teff flour
      ·         1 cup sorghum flour
      ·         1 cup brown rice flour
      ·         1 cup almond meal
      ·         1 cup tapioca flour
      ·         1 teaspoon sea salt
      ·         2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
      ·         1 teaspoon baking soda
      ·         Optional: 2 teaspoons xanthan gum, to make baked goods hold together better
      Preparation
      Mix all ingredients together. Store in an airtight, glass container in the refrigerator to keep fresh longer.
      Notes
      When substituting this for flour in a recipe, we suggest using half the baking soda the recipe calls for, but the full amount of baking powder — even though this mix already includes both.


      Based on a Sprue Story | Silly and serious stories about celiac disease and gluten-free living

      Based on a Sprue Story | Silly and serious stories about celiac disease and gluten-free living


      Gluten-Free Flour Substitutions

      Gluten-Free Flour Substitutions

      To make a flour blend, thoroughly combine all ingredients. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator until used. You can double or triple these recipes to make as much flour mix as you need.

      Note: If you purchase a commercial flour blend, read the ingredient list carefully. Some blends contain salt and xanthan or guar gum. If so, there is no need to add more.
      All-Purpose Flour Blend
      Use this blend for all your gluten-free
      baking.
      1/2 cup rice flour
      1/4 cup tapioca starch/flour
      1/4 cup cornstarch or potato starch
      Each cup contains 436 calories, 1g total fat, 
      0g saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 
      99g carbohydrate, 3mg sodium, 2g fiber, 5g protein

      High-Fiber Flour Blend
      This high-fiber blend works for breads,
      pancakes, snack bars and cookies that
      contain chocolate, warm spices, raisins or
      other fruits. It is not suited to delicately
      flavored recipes, such as sugar cookies,
      crepes, cream puffs, birthday cakes or
      cupcakes.
      1 cup brown rice flour or sorghum
      flour
      1/2 cup teff flour (preferably light)
      1/2 cup millet flour or Montina® flour
      2/3 cup tapioca starch/flour
      1/3 cup cornstarch or potato starch
      Each cup contains 428 calories, 2g total fat, 0g
      saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 92g
      carbohydrate, 19mg sodium, 5g fiber, 8g protein.

      High-Protein Flour Blend
      This nutritious blend works best in baked
      goods that require elasticity, such as wraps
      and pie crusts.
      1 1/4 cups bean flour (your choice),
      chickpea flour or soy flour
      1 cup arrowroot starch, cornstarch
      or potato starch
      1 cup tapioca starch/flour
      1 cup white or brown rice flour
      Each cup contains 588 calories, 3g total fat, 0g
      saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 128g
      carbohydrate, 24mg sodium, 6g fiber, 11g protein.

      Self-Rising Flour Blend
      Use this blend for muffins, scones, cakes,
      cupcakes or any recipe that uses baking
      powder for leavening.
      1 1/4 cups white sorghum flour
      1 1/4 cups white rice flour
      1/2 cup tapioca starch/flour
      2 teaspoons xanthan or guar gum
      4 teaspoons baking powder
      1/2 teaspoon salt
      Each cup contains 514 calories, 3g total fat, 0g
      saturated fat, 0g trans fat, 0mg cholesterol, 113g
      carbohydrate, 1163mg sodium, 8g fiber, 10g protein.

      Nutritional analyses of recipes are based on data supplied by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and certain food companies. Nutrient amounts are approximate due to variances in product brands, manufacturing and actual preparation
      General Guidelines for Using Xanthan or Guar Gum
      Gum (xanthan or guar) is the key to successful gluten-free baking. It provides the binding needed to give the baked product proper elasticity, keeping it from crumbling.
      • Add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan or guar gum per cup of flour blend to make cakes, cookies, bars, muffins and other quick breads.
      • Add 1 teaspoon per cup of flour blend to make yeast bread, pizza dough or other baked items that call for yeast.
      Note:
      If you purchase a commercial flour blend, read the ingredient list carefully. Some blends contain salt and xanthan or guar gum. If so, there is no need to add more.

      GF Quick Start Guide - Living Without's Gluten Free & More

      Here is a simple overview of the gluten-free (GF) diet. Not all areas of the diet are as clear-cut as portrayed by this guide. This is intended to be used as a safe and temporary survival tool until additional information can be obtained. Understanding these dietary requirements will enable the newly diagnosed to read labels of food products and determine if a product is gluten free. Celiac disease (CD) is a life-long genetic disorder affecting children and adults. When people with CD eat foods that contain gluten, it creates an immune-mediated toxic reaction that causes damage to the small intestine. This does not allow food to be properly absorbed. Even small amounts of gluten in foods may affect those with celiac disease and cause health problems. Damage can occur to the small bowel even in the absence of symptoms. Gluten is the generic name for certain types of proteins contained in the common cereal grains wheat, barley, rye and their derivatives. Research indicates that pure, uncontaminated oats consumed in moderation (up to 1/2 cup dry oats daily) are tolerated by most celiacs. Gluten-free oats are currently available in the United States. Consult your physician or dietitian before including oats in your diet and for regular monitoring.

      Grains allowed
      Rice, Corn (Maize), Soy, Potato, Tapioca, Beans, Garfava, Sorghum, Quinoa, Millet, Buckwheat, Arrowroot, Amaranth, Teff, Montina, Flax and Nut Flours.

      Grains not allowed in any form
      Wheat (Einkorn, Durum, Faro, Graham, Kamut, Semolina, Spelt), Rye, Barley and Triticale.

      Foods/products that may contain gluten
      Beers, Ales, Lager, Breading & Coating Mixes, Brown Rice Syrup, Communion Wafers, Croutons, Dressings, Drugs & Over-the-Counter Medications, Energy Bars, Flour & Cereal Products, Herbal Supplements, Imitation Bacon, Imitation Seafood, Marinades, Nutritional Supplements, Pastas, Processed Luncheon Meats, Sauces & Gravies, Self-basting Poultry, Soy Sauce or Soy Sauce Solids, Soup Bases, Stuffings, Dressings, Thickeners (Roux), Vitamins & Mineral Supplements


      How about alcohol?
      Distilled alcoholic beverages and vinegars are gluten free. Distilled products do not contain any harmful gluten peptides. Research indicates that the gluten-peptide is too large to carry over in the distillation process. This process leaves the resultant liquid gluten free. Wine and hard liquor beverages are gluten free. Beers, ales, lagers and malt vinegars are NOT gluten free. Gluten-free beers are now available in the United States. 

      Always read the label
      The key to understanding the gluten-free diet is to become a good label reader. Don’t eat foods with labels that list questionable ingredients unless you can verify they do not contain or are not derived from prohibited grains. Labels must be read every time foods are purchased. Manufacturers can change ingredients at any time. As of 2006, wheat used in products is identified on the label.

      Be a food detective
      Call First. You can verify ingredients by calling or writing a food manufacturer and specifying the ingredient and the lot number of the food in question. State your needs clearly – be patient, persistent and polite.

      If In Doubt, Go Without
      Don’t eat a food if you are unable to verify the ingredients or if the ingredient list is unavailable. Regardless of the amount eaten, if you have celiac disease, damage to the small intestine occurs every time gluten is consumed, whether symptoms are present or not.

      Add One New Food At A Time
      When adding a food item to your diet, introduce only one new food at a time. Listen to your body for adverse reactions before trying a second new food item.

      Wheat Free Is Not Gluten Free
      Products labeled wheat free are not necessarily gluten free. They may still contain spelt, rye or barley-based ingredients that are not gluten free. Spelt is a form of wheat.

      Keep in mind
      Starting the gluten-free diet before being tested for celiac disease makes an accurate diagnosis difficult.
      GF Quick Start Guide - Living Without's Gluten Free & More
       

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