Gluten and Celiac Disease
According
to the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia
University, Celiac Disease is
very common, affecting about 1 in 133
individuals in the United States. Symptoms
include chronic gastrointestinal problems, like
diarrhea, bloating, and heartburn, and chronic
dermatitis. Diagnosis is made by a medical
professional through blood test and biopsy.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat and wheat relatives like rye, barley, triticale, and kamut. When someone with Celiac Disease ingests gluten, the absorptive villi of the small intestine is damaged, preventing the absorption of vital nutrients. The only currently known way to treat this disease is to avoid the gluten-containing foods that aggravate it.
Gluten is found in many foods that you wouldn't suspect. Soy sauce, soups, vanilla flavoring, and licorice are some of the foods that contain hidden gluten. Products made with food starch, caramel coloring, hydrolyzed plant or vegetable protein all contain gluten. Gluten contamination of non-wheat foods can also be a problem. However, many companies are becoming conscious of the need for gluten-free foods and package their products in certified gluten-free facilities. Look for the gluten-free label when shopping for packaged foods. Non wheat grains, like rice and corn, are healthy and nutritious alternatives for gluten-free diets.
Your Co-op has many gluten-free and wheat-free products, including a wide selection of cookbooks and a monthly periodical.
Ask a Co-op staff person for our Aisle-by-Aisle Gluten-Free shopping guide or view it here.
For more information about Celiac Disease or stocking a gluten-free pantry, visit these websites:
www.celiacdiseasecenter.columbia.edu Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University
www.csaceliacs.org
Celiac Sprue Association
www.gluten.net
Gluten Intolerance Group of North America
www.mayoclinic.com/health/celiac-disease Mayo Clinic
glutenfreegirl.blogspot.com
Gluten-Free Girl by Shauna James Ahern. Food, stories, and recipes. A Co-op recommended resource! Shauna's book is also sold at the Co-op.
www.livingwithout.com
Living Without - A magazine for people with allergies and food sensitivities. Sold at the Co-op. A really well-constructed resource for recipes and new products.
*These statements are not intended to diagnose or treat any illness or disorder. Please consult with a medical professional before beginning any treatments or dietary regimen.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat and wheat relatives like rye, barley, triticale, and kamut. When someone with Celiac Disease ingests gluten, the absorptive villi of the small intestine is damaged, preventing the absorption of vital nutrients. The only currently known way to treat this disease is to avoid the gluten-containing foods that aggravate it.
Gluten is found in many foods that you wouldn't suspect. Soy sauce, soups, vanilla flavoring, and licorice are some of the foods that contain hidden gluten. Products made with food starch, caramel coloring, hydrolyzed plant or vegetable protein all contain gluten. Gluten contamination of non-wheat foods can also be a problem. However, many companies are becoming conscious of the need for gluten-free foods and package their products in certified gluten-free facilities. Look for the gluten-free label when shopping for packaged foods. Non wheat grains, like rice and corn, are healthy and nutritious alternatives for gluten-free diets.
Your Co-op has many gluten-free and wheat-free products, including a wide selection of cookbooks and a monthly periodical.
Ask a Co-op staff person for our Aisle-by-Aisle Gluten-Free shopping guide or view it here.
For more information about Celiac Disease or stocking a gluten-free pantry, visit these websites:
www.celiacdiseasecenter.columbia.edu Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University
www.csaceliacs.org
Celiac Sprue Association
www.gluten.net
Gluten Intolerance Group of North America
www.mayoclinic.com/health/celiac-disease Mayo Clinic
glutenfreegirl.blogspot.com
Gluten-Free Girl by Shauna James Ahern. Food, stories, and recipes. A Co-op recommended resource! Shauna's book is also sold at the Co-op.
www.livingwithout.com
Living Without - A magazine for people with allergies and food sensitivities. Sold at the Co-op. A really well-constructed resource for recipes and new products.
*These statements are not intended to diagnose or treat any illness or disorder. Please consult with a medical professional before beginning any treatments or dietary regimen.
Download our pamphlet on Food Allergies or Grains
View our
Gluten-Free Product Guide
Here
(opens as PDF)
