What Is The Deal With Gluten-Free?

What is all of the hype about gluten-free (GF)?  First, let’s begin with what gluten is?

Gluten is a kind of protein that tends to exist in wheat, barley, and rye among other carbohydrates. Gluten, more formally is defined as a cohesive, elastic protein that is left behind after starch is washed away from wheat flour dough. Only wheat is considered to have true gluten. 

Who does gluten affect in a negative way? 

Gluten directly affects anyone who has been diagnosed with gluten intolerance/sensitivities and Celiac Disease.  It also can affect anyone diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, autism, Asperger's, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, eczema, allergies and arthritis. 

A gluten-free diet is not a new fad and it is not a way to lose weight - but it is often helpful for people who may be reacting to gluten in different ways.  Talk to your healthcare provider to see if a gluten- free diet may help you and if you should be tested.  If you are trying a gluten-free diet, here's a few tips.   

• Don't get overwhelmed, it does get easier and nowadays, there are so many good gluten- free products in so many places - much easier to buy gluten- free and eat gluten-free safely!   
• Things that contain GLUTEN are:  wheat, rye, oats, barley, bread, white flour, pastas, cereals, sauces, dressings - but learn to read labels, gluten can be in flavorings and additives too (like modified food starch or artificial coloring), even in medicines and toothpaste!    
• Educate yourself- www.celiac.com and Google are great aids. 
• Not sure, Google it.  My 12 year old daughter can go Google items to find out if they are GF!  She even has an application on her Ipod touch that tells her what is safe to eat when you are out and about and need a GF meal!    
• Grocery shop differently. Make sure to not do all GF carbohydrates. Eat balanced meals with protein, veggies and fruit too!  A good nutritionist is sometimes helpful to start.   
• Read labels- and if you aren't sure, don't purchase and use until you are!   
• Support- find other people who are following a gluten-free lifestyle to support you - it is hard at first, but with other people to help guide you, gluten-free is easily achievable!  We have a GF Mom's Support Group at Arundel Pediatrics, if anyone would like to join us!   

Happy GF Eating!

Dr. Rebecca Vickers

Arundel Pediatrics Arnold & Linthicum