I wanted to start at the beginning
this time around. Most people who read this blog probably found it
via similar resources and have an understanding about the dangers of
gluten, but you never know. While I was recovering from my
appendectomy I had a dietary nurse come in to my room and ask me why
I needed a special diet, because gluten is in everything, right? He
was thinking glucose, but I gave him 'the speech' anyway, because he
seemed confused.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat,
barely, spelt, and rye. It is what gives French bread that delicious
chewiness, and what gives doughs their stretch. It is an excellent
binder, and is why baking is so versatile. It is also indigestible by
a large portion of the United States. For those with gluten
intolerance, ingestion means a seriously upset stomach complete with
cramps, bloating, and diarrhea, perhaps for days. For someone with
Celiac's disease, even skin contact or breathing it in can cause
anaphylactic shock, and even death.
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| I really need to get myself a camera so this blog isn't so blah! |
According to celiac.com, as many as 1
in 133 people have Celiac's disease or some other form of gluten
intolerance. That might not sound like a lot, but think about it like
this: You are tasked with providing lunch for a conference of 500
people. Chances are, 4 of them cannot ingest gluten without the
threat of serious illness, so a mass pizza order or a sandwich
station isn't gonna cut it for them. It is just as serious as a
shellfish or peanut allergy, and much harder to avoid. Wheat and
wheat products can be found in everything from soy sauce to salad
dressing, and cross contamination with food prepared in the same
kitchen can cause a reaction.
Gluten is everywhere, and avoiding is
lifestyle. So many people are being diagnosed it is almost a
revolution, and the lifestyle is becoming more than a challenge and
bordering on an art. We CAN live without gluten!
If you or someone you know has been
diagnosed with Celiac's or gluten intolerance, I urge you to educate
yourself further. This is a complex and dangerous issue, and this
post is just the barest glimpse into it. There are so many resources
to turn to beyond your doctor, including books and
websites. Here is a handful to get you started:
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