From Pam Strelcheck
I’m not kidding you. It happened just like this. I woke up one day after years of abdominal stress and announced to the world that I was going to be gluten free. I headed to the local bookstore and armed myself with all the knowledge I could in the hopes of getting on the road to feeling good. After six months, I’m now ready to help other people who need or want to be gluten free. So let’s begin.
First, you must understand what gluten is. Gluten is “a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley.” Watch out for oats, though. Although they are gluten free, they can be cross-contaminated during the production process.
Try and remember this. Gluten free means wheat-free, but wheat free doesn’t necessarily mean gluten-free. Spelt and kamut are two examples. They are forms of wheat.
Gluten is the culprit in many health related problems today. Whether you have been diagnosed with gluten sensitivity, celiac disease, or have decided a gluten)free diet is healthier, being gluten free may relieve or completely help the following:
Headaches
Fatigue
Gastrointestinal Distress (including gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and reflux)
Depression and Anxiety
Joint Pain
Infertility
Autistic Behaviors
ADD / ADHD Behaviors
So, whatever the reason, the path has been chosen and you cannot look back. Now don’t run out to the store and buy everything that says gluten free on the label. The last thing you don’t want to do is overcompensate your deprived states of mind by eating loads of gluten free cookies, cake, breads, and pretzels. Yes, there are plenty of these delicacies on the market and you may find your pocket book empty and your waistline a few inches larger by over indulging. Everything in moderation I say.
What you need to do is visit your local bookstore and become educated on reading labels so you know what you need to avoid. Here are a few to get you started:
Bagels
Baked Goods (cookies, cakes, brownies, etc.)
Beer
Bread
Cereal
Crackers
Malt
Pasta
Pizza
Pretzels
Soy Sauce
Commercial Salad Dressings containing gluten stabilizers; wheat germ oil
Don’t get discouraged. The good news is there are a lot more gluten free foods you will be able to enjoy than those containing gluten. I promise.
Gluten Free Always,
Pamela
