Everything about celiac disease and how to follow a gluten-free diet
Find out all you need to know about celiac disease, what gluten is, and how you can follow a gluten-free diet.
You are highly likely to have a friend or family member who cannot eat foods containing gluten because they have celiac disease. In fact, 1 out of every 130 Americans suffers from celiac disease. However, do you know what gluten and celiac disease are?
Según investigadores y médicos, solo el 5% o 10% de los casos de enfermedad celíaca son detectados porque en muchas ocasiones no generan síntomas.
According to researchers and physicians, only 5% or 10% of cases of celiac disease are detected since, quite often, it has no noticeable symptoms.
In order to better care for your own diet and your health, as well as to help your loved ones, today we tell you everything about this disease and the best way to treat it.
What is gluten?
Gluten is a protein present in wheat, rye and barley. It is responsible for conveying certain foods –such as bread– their structure, making them keep their shape.
Foods containing gluten
Gluten is found in foods with contents of wheat, rye, and barley, e.g.:
Bread and cookies
Sauces and broth
These are just a few examples of foods with gluten content. Indeed, some other products we use on a daily basis may also contain gluten, like medicines, vitamins, etc.
What is celiac disease?
Celiac disease is a digestive disorder that damages the small intestine and impairs nutrient absorption from foods.
When people suffering from celiac disease eat foods with gluten, the response from their immune system is to attack the small intestine.
It is in these circumstances that it becomes vital that those with celiac disease talk to their physicians, undergo all relevant tests, and start following a gluten-free diet.
The best way to reach an accurate diagnosis is to run a blood test.
Symptoms of gluten intolerance
Although symptoms of gluten intolerance may vary, they usually include:
Cramps and joint pain
A skin rash known as dermatitis herpetiformis
Sores in the mouth
Irregular menstrual periods
Growth problems in children
How to follow a gluten-free diet
If you've been diagnosed with celiac disease, the smartest next step is to talk to your doctor and plan a gluten-free diet.
A good starting point could be getting to know which gluten-free foods you can actually eat. Below there's a list with a few examples:
Cereals and flours: corn, rice, amaranth, millet, quinoa, tapioca, yucca, etc.
Bread, pies and cookies: any product labeled as Gluten free.
Disponible The availability of gluten-free products and foods has significantly grown over the years and, fortunately, products that are safe for patients with celiac disease can now be found in many stores and websites. We are proud to offer our customers a great variety of Gluten Free products. Shop with confidence > Visit our Store to find Gluten-free products
Pasta and noodles: corn-based pasta, rice pasta, gluten-free pasta, rice noodles, etc.
Fruits and vegetables: all and any fresh fruits and vegetables.
Dairy products: all sorts of cheese, milk, sour cream, plain yogurt, etc.
Beef, fish, and eggs: all fresh meat, fish and fresh eggs.
Fish and seafood: any kind of fish and seafood whether fresh, smoked, or dehydrated.
Fats and oils: butter, margarine, lard.
Beverages: tea, coffee, fruit juice, wine, gluten-free beer, etc.
You will, no doubt, be able to find in most cooking websites a section specifically devoted to gluten-free recipes, so that you can make delicious, home-made, gluten-free meals.
Where to purchase gluten-free products?
The availability of gluten-free products and foods has significantly grown over the years and, fortunately, products that are safe for patients with celiac disease can now be found in many stores and websites.
We take pride in offering our customers a broad spectrum of gluten-free products. Buy with confidence
Sources: Celiac Disease Foundation, WebMD, Glutafin.