5 Myths about Gluten Free Eating and Celiac Disease
There has been a lot said in the last few years about gluten-free eating. While a lot of people are making the choice to eliminate gluten as a lifestyle choice, much like becoming a vegetarian or vegan, for others the need to eat gluten-free is due to having been diagnosed with celiac disease. Here are five common myths about gluten-free eating and celiac disease.
Having a “Gluten Allergy”
How often have you heard or said, “I can’t eat that, I have a gluten allergy”? This is a misnomer as there is no such thing as a gluten allergy. Someone can have a wheat allergy, and gluten is present in wheat, however it is not possible to be allergic to gluten itself. People who have celiac disease have an inability to break down the gluten protein when it’s present in the small intestine, this can then prevent nutrients from being absorbed. It also can lead to gastrointestinal issues, bone pain, and even skin rashes.
If You Are Gluten Free You Can’t Eat Whole Grains
Yes many of the whole grains we know best like wheat, barley, and rye contain gluten but there are still many others that do not. Some of the other whole grains that are gluten-free include;
- Millet
- Quinoa
- Corn
- Buckwheat
- Oats (make sure to check that it’s not been cut using flour)
- Sorghum
- Amaranth
Buying the highest quality and purest forms of these grains will give you the best health benefits.
Gluten is a Grain
Gluten is a protein found in seeds. It helps nourish plants as they’re growing. Once plants that contain gluten are harvested gluten is the component of flours that make dough elastic and chewy.
Meat Has No Gluten
If you’re purchasing meat that has been processed in anyway, such as sausages, hot dogs, chicken nuggets etc, then there is a good chance gluten is present. Many manufacturers use gluten as a binder in foods such as these. Even lunchmeats sometimes have gluten present. There is mixed opinion about normal meats such as hamburger or chicken. Some people with celiac disease report feeling ill after eating grain fed meat. If you’re concerned, it’s best to stick with grass fed, organic meats.
I Can Diagnose Myself with Celiac Disease
Many people who suspect they may have celiac disease try a gluten free diet for several weeks to determine if they feel better. If they feel better then they believe they have celiac disease and go forward. The truth is the only way to know you have celiac disease is to be tested. A doctor can complete a simple blood draw to view your levels. If elevated they most likely will then order a biopsy of your small intestine to verify. It’s important to do this as there is no other way to really know. If you have celiac disease your healthcare professional may want to monitor you more closely for other health problems such as malabsorption, vitamin deficiencies, and malnutrition all of which can occur in people with celiac disease.
Many people experience very positive benefits from eating gluten-free. However, it’s important to distinguish between the choice of a gluten-free diet and the seriousness of having celiac disease for long-term health.
Louise says
An other myth should be added to the list. Quinoa is not safe for everyone. It contains a protein simular to the gluten protein and some people sensitive to gluten my react to quinoa the same as they do to gluten. I know by experience.
Louise says
An other myth should be added to your list. Quinoa is not safe for everyone, some who react to gluten may react to quinoa also because there is a protein in quinoa similar to the gluten. I know by experience. I am sick if I eat quinoa just like to the other grain containing gluten.
Brett says
Thank you for sharing! Great tips for sure –
Dana says
such an informative article-I’ve considered getting tested for a celiac disease
Danielle says
These are some great points, thank you. Those who are Celiac have a much more serious reaction to gluten than those who are ‘sensitive’. It is always worth being tested by a doctor or naturopath to see what one’s allergies may be. Sometimes people are sensitive to wheat not only because of the gluten, but because most wheat has been genetically modified since the ’70’s.
Chrishelle says
After some research, I have decided to limit the amount of foods we eat that contain gluten. No one in my family has been diagnosed with Celiac Disease, but it can affect stomach issues. We are just trying to avoid products with flour. More fruits and veggies and less processed food.
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says
So many exceptions and lists of things to track, but it’s so important not to make a mistake, especially if you’re serving guests.
Danielle @ We Have It All says
Great post and great info, thanks for sharing. We try to stay away from carbs in general so that would eliminate a lot of possible gluten foods – but like you said, you need to watch those processed meats and meats that are not grass fed.
M.Clark says
I agree, I think a lot of people just diagnose themselves as having Celiac Disease, but they have not been diagnosed by a professional. It is important to be diagnosed by a professional so that you will know the health risks etc.
Nicole Brady says
We know someone recently diagnosed with Celiac’s… I didn’t realize there were grains that they were allowed to eat. Good to know if we ever entertain for them!
Amanda Love says
This is a lot more about gluten and celiac than I ever knew before. I can eat gluten so I don’t worry about it but I’ve read of all the benefits of being gluten free. Thanks for sharing.
Cindy Merrill says
I also avoid corn, because 90% of it, is Genetically modified, the only exception being the blue corn or multicolored varieties.