Celiac Awareness Month
By STEPHANIE FAROH,MA,RD, CD
Kosciusko County Extension Educator Health and Human Sciences
To be or not to be gluten free? Gluten free diets are popular in the media and the grocery store, but it is important to understand gluten before you make the decision to eliminate it from your diet.
May is Celiac Awareness Month. Celiac disease is triggered by ingesting certain proteins, commonly referred to as “gluten,” which are naturally present primarily in wheat, barley and rye. While celiac disease can’t be cured, its symptoms can be controlled through diet — a diet with no gluten.
When someone with celiac disease eats gluten, an autoimmune response that damages the small intestine is set off. In turn, the small intestine loses its ability to absorb the nutrients in food, leading to malnutrition and other complications. The symptoms vary widely, but include bloating and abdominal pain. Though gluten is commonly associated with wheat, foods made with barley and rye must also be avoided. The use of oats is questionable at this time.
For a comprehensive list of all the grains and flours currently considered consistent, questionable or not consistent with a gluten-free diet, check out the Celiac Sprue Association website. Gluten can also be found in many prepackaged foods, sauces, gravies, dips, beer and malts, just to name a few. Be sure to read the ingredient list to determine whether gluten is present in foods.
I recommend a gluten free diet only for those who have been diagnosed with celiac disease or for those who suffer from gluten sensitivity. Gluten sensitivity is not yet fully understood and can only be “diagnosed” through a gluten elimination diet. Some have much more severe sensitivities than others. If you are using a gluten free diet to control symptoms, it is important for you to work closely with your doctor and dietitian to ensure you are getting the correct amount of essential nutrients for your body. When you eliminate gluten-containing foods, chances are that you could be giving yourself a nutrient deficiency. Also note gluten free foods are not always healthier foods. Most of the time, they contain more fat, sugar and calories than the same food that contains gluten.
Many claims have been made about using a gluten free diet to lose weight, improve athletic ability, ease migraines, or to help with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Though many have noticed gluten free diets have helped for these reasons, no research has shown consistent results yet. If you find a gluten free diet works for your family, again, I recommend that you work closely with your doctor and dietitian to ensure your needs are being met. Talk to your doctor if you think you could have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity.
Remember that gluten free does not always mean healthy. The good news is that everything is okay in moderation.
For more information contact Stephanie at the Purdue Extension Kosciusko County office at (574) 372-2340, or email at [email protected].