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March is National Nutrition Month
For Your Health - Your Questions Answered
What's All The Hub-Bub About Gluten Free Diets?
 What is gluten?
Gluten is a naturally occurring protein found in wheat. In cooking and baking, gluten gives dough its stretchy character and form a structure around tiny air pockets.
Who needs a gluten free diet?
About 1% of people have celiac disease. This is an auto immune reaction to gluten where the body perceives ingested glutens as something to be attacked. There is no cure for this disease and the numbers of people affected is rising.
Additionally another 6-7% of individuals may suffer from non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). In these cases celiac symptoms occur without the damage to the small intestine.
Other individuals with wheat allergies may be assisted in following a gluten free diet.
What foods contain gluten?
Bread, pasta, cookies, cakes, beer and crackers are just some of the foods that contain gluten. Foods with "hidden" gluten can include soy sauce, salad dressings, and egg substitutes.
What foods are naturally gluten free?
Meat, fish, dairy, poultry, eggs, fruits, vegetables, wine, corn and quinoa are just some of the foods that do not contain gluten.
Who can benefit from a gluten free diet?
While one must be aware that following a gluten free regimen may pose risk of potential nutrient deficits such as niacin, vitamin B, fiber, etc. there are many benefits. Individuals (neither celiac nor gluten sensitive) may report improvement in health and well being following a gluten free regimen. This may be in part due to greater nutritional awareness, less junk food and greater diversity in grain sources. As with any diet or exercise plan please consult your physician before beginning.
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Irish Superstitions
