Going gluten-free is a huge trend right now with tons of gluten-free products on the market and numerous celebrities trying it. While gluten insensitivity does seem to be on the rise with an estimated 20 million sufferers, the National Institutes of Health report that 3 million Americans have celiac disease. But is going gluten-free really necessary? And is it good for overall health or is it just a way to lose weight because it’s such a restrictive diet?
We recently spoke to Jasmine Jafferali, MPH, ACE-CPT, Lifestyle and Wellness Consultant Specializing in Gluten Free Living and Women’s Health, and Co-Manager for Gluten Intolerance Group of Greater Chicago about the pros and cons of this new way of eating. She says that while going gluten-free is costly and can have quite the learning curve (gluten is in so many things!), the benefits are enormous including finding relief from the symptoms of multiple sclerosis, rhuematoid arthritis, chronic fatigue, migraines, irritable bowel syndrome and even infertility. Not to mention that eating a diet without gluten in it can be incredibly nutritious in that most gluten-free foods are nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables and proteins.
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What would you do if almost every time you eat a meal, you suffered extreme abdominal pain? Dave Teator had to face this problem every day. Doctors could not explain why he would feel perfectly fine one day, and be very ill the next.
Finally, Teator took matters into his own hands and decided to try a gluten-free diet last year. And guess what, it worked!
“Going to a gluten-free diet made me feel so much better,” Teator said. “The healthier markets out there, Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s, dedicate gluten-free aisles, but the one thing that was missing was fresh baked [bread products].”
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The holiday season is in full swing with Thanksgiving less than a week away, kicking off multiple events and get togethers with family and friends. I love this time of year because it really does bring people together and inspires us all to reflect on the past year and what to look forward to in the next.
What I used to not like about this time of year is all the stress of wondering what I was going to be able to eat at these various holiday events with my many food allergies: wheat, dairy, egg, and peanuts. The good news is I’ve learned to manage my allergies as a guest and have some great ideas for hosts who may not be as familiar with food allergies.
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Honey: The only sweetener allowed with the Specific Carb Diet
The Specific Carb Diet was originally created by Dr. Sidney V. Haas more than 60 years ago to treat digestive disorders such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, chronic diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is now being used to treat autism spectrum disorders, celiac disease and cystic fibrosis. It is not a low-carb diet like Atkins. Many find it very restrictive; however, those who experience the health benefits are committed to strict adherence. It is more restrictive and specific than a gluten-free diet. Because it can be overwhelming, I think it is helpful to present the “allowed” foods first.
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Last week I kicked off the gluten-free series with an overview of what gluten is and what it means to have celiac disease, meaning living a gluten-free life. One of the biggest challenges faced when trying to live gluten-free is actually avoiding gluten altogether. It is hidden in so many foods and products which can make navigating the shopping aisles extremely treacherous, especially for those suffering from celiac disease.
Below I have listed some of my favorite resources and online go-tos. I would love to hear from all of you as to what your best resources are so we can share them with everyone! Please comment or email amy@dietsinreview.com with your top resources. I’ll be highlighting and reviewing specific products in next week’s issue.
Living Without Magazine: This magazine and its newly launched website have been an amazing addition into my home. I honestly run to the mailbox the day it arrives as the pages are filled with recipes and articles for all that suffer from food allergies and sensitivities.
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