Can We Eat That?

What to do after a diagnosis.

While it may seem over simplified, the only treatment for gluten intolerance, sensitivity and/or celiac disease is to follow a gluten-free diet; to avoid all foods containing gluten. And for those with the associated skin condition dermatitis herpetiformis, to also avoid skin care products that contain gluten. 

You may have to start shopping in a new way, at new stores, sometimes going multiple places to find what you need.

Once you go looking, you'd be shocked--wheat and gluten are everywhere and in everything. Especially things that they have no business being in, like brands of lipstick, shampoo,  salad dressing or yogurt. This is mainly because wheat starch is such a cheap filler in this country.

So here's what to always AVOID:

Hydrolyzed wheat protein

Malt

Malt Flavoring

Malted Milk

Malt Extract

Malt Syrup

Malt Vinegar

Wheat Starch

Barley

Barley Malt

Barley flour

Spelt

Wheat

Rye

Sprouted Wheat

Millet

High Gluten Flour

Oats (unless specified gluten free oats)

Vital Gluten

Wheat Gluten

Bulgar

Durum

Farina

Macha

Matzo or Matza

Kamut

Graham

Semolina

Triticum (scientific name for wheat)

Seitan

Fu

Udon

Couscous

Tabbouleh

Generalized terms which should also be avoided include:

Soy Sauce/Teriyaki Sauce ( but you can substitute Wheat Free Tamari by San-J)

Flour

Beer (unless gluten free)

Bran

Germ

Orzo pasta

Cookie Crumbs

Cookie Dough

Bread Crumbs

Gravy (unless specified GF)

Imitation Crab contains wheat

Bouillon or Broth (unless specified GF)

Celiac.com has an extensive list of Unsafe Ingredients

 

Under the 2006 Food Labeling Act law the following are GLUTEN FREE:

Annatto

Artificial Flavors

Caramel color

Canola oil

Corn gluten

Ethyl alcohol

Enriched rice

Hydrolyzed soy protein

Lecithin

Maltodextrin 

Modified Food Starch

Mono and dglycerides

Spices

Vanilla Extract

Vinegar (ALL) except for malt vinegar

And the following are questionable:

Something labelled dextrin on a food label may or may not be gluten free, depending on preparation

Natural ingredients on a food label may or may not be gluten free, e.g. if the natural flavor contains malt flavor it's not gluten free.

Check on glutenfreedrugs.com for Prescription drugs Read labels for vitamins, supplements. And always remember that you can contact the company directly to get information about a product being gluten free or not.

Don't Get Bored: Vitamin D Deficiency in Celiac Disease Article (long)

                

"Understanding Vitamin D deficiency in Celiac Disease" 

June 17th, 2010 by Cleo Libonati, RN, BSN

"Vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin for strong bones and teeth, turns out to be a multi-tasker! Since its discovery in the early 1920s, this important fat-soluble vitamin was labeled simply as “the antirachitic vitamin” (prevents rickets). Not any more. A major discovery of how it functions as a hormone in the body when converted into its active form by the liver has spurred intense research which is revealing much more about this amazing vitamin.

We now know the active form of vitamin D is essential for the regulation of calcium and phosphorus balance in the body, the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from food in the digestive tract, proper neuromuscular function, normal growth and development and normal bone and tooth formation and maintenance. Recent medical research suggests vitamin D may also provide protection from hypertension, cancer, and several autoimmune diseases.