What is Gluten?

WHAT IS GLUTEN?
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. There are other grains that have trace amounts as well but for the gluten free diet these are the grains to be avoided. It is basically the protein that allows that elasticity in a bread.

WHY IS GLUTEN A BAD THING?
Gluten for some individuals causes the villi in the small intestines to be killed. The villi are what the body uses to extract vital nutrients and vitamins from the foods you eat. In essence if you have a gluten intolerance or are a  celiac you could eat from the time you wake up till the time you go to bed and be malnourished since your body is unable to process what you are eating.

Some individuals experience stomach cramps, bloating, the inability to burp, headaches and migraines when they eat gluten. Others experience vomiting and diarrhea, and weakness.  Still others experience weight gain, heavy flows (women). If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or all have your doctor run a simple blood test to see if you might be gluten intolerant or a celiac. Statistics show worldwide that 1 out of 100 people are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

DOES THIS MEAN I HAVE TO GIVE UP THE THINGS I LOVE TO EAT?
No. It means you will be changing the recipes you use to make those things. You still can eat fruits, vegetables and meats. You just can't buy  them pre-breaded. It also means you will be reading food labels when you shop to avoid eating gluten.

When you go shopping you will now be reading labels on processed items to make sure that wheat, rye and barley are not in the item you are buying. You will also be looking for gluten free labels. Manufacturers here in USA have to label if wheat is in a product.

Today's supermarkets have a wide variety of gluten free products to choose from. Look around you will be surprised at what you'll find. If you're a pasta lover there are a variety of gluten free pastas from a variety of manufacturers. Amazon carries a number of them Tinkyada Brown Rice Spirals with Rice Bran, Gluten Free, 16-Ounce Packages (Pack of 12) that is just oneAncient Harvest Quinoa Linguine, Organic, Gluten-free, 8-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 12). If your supermarket doesn't carry gluten free pastas you can purchase thru Amazon, or go to the glutenfreemall.com  ....If you are looking for a good premade baking mix to use  I suggest Pamela's Ultimate Baking and Pancake Mix, 4-Pound Bags (Pack of 3). you are able to use it cup for cup substitution in recipes for all-purpose flour.  So with that said your adventure into the gluten free world can begin.