#1 What is gluten?
When most people define gluten, they say it's wheat/flour. While that's true, there is a little more complexity to it. I like the definition that the Celiac Disease Foundation give, "Gluten is a general name for the proteins found in wheat, rye, barley... Gluten helps foods maintain their shape, acting as a glue that holds food together." So when you break it down to its science, gluten is the protein found in these 3 ingredients, which means STAY AWAY! If you've ever tried cooking gluten free, you know that gluten really does act like a binder. Many times if you are using gluten free items to cook with, they will fall apart a lot easier. That's why it's important to use brands that give you the closest consistency to regular flour.
#2 Celiac and gluten intolerance are the same thing
While both should stay away from gluten, that is about the only similarity they share. Celiac disease is an autoimmune deficiency that causes your body to attack itself when it consumes gluten. If you do not go on a strict GF diet, it will later to more complications. The side effects can be anemia, fatigue, headaches, joint pain, vitamin deficiencies and psychiatric disorders. Gluten intolerance on the other hand is when individuals are sensitive to gluten and they get stomach cramps, bloating and trouble with bowel movement. While it is definitely uncomfortable, it is not as severe as celiac.
#3 Cross contamination
Cross contamination is when an item that is GF is cooked or comes in contact with a non GF item. For example, french fries are gluten free, but when they are cooked in the same oil as onion rings, which are not gluten free, they are cross contaminated. Those with celiac disease have to even be careful of cross contamination and stay away from it as much as possible. This is the most difficult part of celiac disease because you aren't always aware when cross contamination is occurring. Just make sure to ask questions or just don't eat the item (better safe than sorry!)
#4 A gluten free diet is healthy/can help lose weight
This is such a big misconception. Gluten free items have just as many calories, sugars, carbs, etc. as regular items do. GF pasta, bread, cereal, etc., are not ANY healthier than normal brands and will not promote weight loss. If you have celiac, it's wise to stay away from these products in your everyday diet. If you have a craving for some pasta then of course it's better to eat the GF version, but we want to keep our bodies as healthy as possible since we do have an autoimmune disease that will never go away.
#5 How do I get diagnosed with celiac disease?
First, you will get blood work done and if red flags come up on it, then you get a procedure called an endoscopy. This is when a long time with a small camera at the end is sent down to your small intestine where the doctor can grab a sample to test for abnormalities. If the blood work and sample come back positive, then you have celiac disease and need to start a strict gluten free diet ASAP.
#6 Gluten is only found in food
While a majority of gluten is found in food, it's surprisingly in many other items as well. These are items like medication, vitamins, shampoos, lotions, make up, sunscreen, etc. Just make sure that you are always looking at labels, especially if you get skin reactions for items with gluten in them.
#6 All celiac experiences are the same
Each case of celiac disease differs from the other. For example, I can't ingest anything with gluten like food, vitamins and medication. I get very sick from that. I know another individual who can't put any items on her body (ex: lotions, shampoos, etc) or they break out in a rash. We both have celiac, but different reactions to it. Everyone's symptoms can be different as well.
If you have any other questions or misconceptions, feel free to reach out to me on my "Contact me" page. Also, I have some great resources at the bottom of my home page that will bring you to websites with a lot of information on celiac disease and all things gluten.
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