Where’s the Gluten?
I had no clue what gluten was until a friend of mine was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, and had to go on a gluten-free diet. Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disease that is triggered by ingesting gluten. The classic symptoms of Celiac Disease are gastrointestinal problems, but it can also include symptoms like dental enamel defects, depression, fatigue, migraine headaches, bone or joint pain and infertility.
What exactly is gluten? Gluten is defined as “The mixture of proteins, including gliadins and glutelins, found in wheat grains, which are not soluble in water and which give wheat dough its elastic texture”. Huh? So, in basic terms, it’s anything with a form of wheat in it.
There are lots of foods that contain gluten. Try these gluten free slow cooker recipes.
The following video talks about some common foods that contain gluten and a few foods that may surprise you:
Common foods that contain gluten include breads, cereal, pasta, baked goods and crackers, but there are some foods that contain gluten that may surprise you:
- Salad dressings and canned soups – Gluten is often used as a base for thickening
- Substitute meat products – Veggie sausages, hot dogs, seafood and burgers are often made with gluten.
If you suspect that you or a member of your family may have a gluten sensitivity, you should check with your doctor about getting tested.
Has gluten sensitivity affected you or your family’s life? What ways have you found to cope with gluten sensitivity?
