Nowadays, it seems gluten — or lack thereof — is everywhere you turn.
Maybe it’s someone you know who has been diagnosed with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, or perhaps your favourite restaurant is now offering up gluten-free entrees or beer. Either way, gluten has been on the tip of a lot of tongues.
A protein found in wheat, rye and barley, gluten is found in breads, pasta and pastries. For those who suffer from any gluten sensitivity, ingesting any of the above could be asking for trouble.
“Gluten can produce an autoimmune response,” explained Cathleen Fisher, a holistic nutritionist at Fit Nutrition Ltd. in Bragg Creek.
“It’s an immune disorder that attacks the intestinal lining. You become unable to properly absorb vitamins and nutrients, and eventually become nutrient deficient.”
Symptoms for those affected by celiac disease or gluten intolerance are varied and include gastrointestinal distress, fatigue and depression.
Those diagnosed with full-blown celiac disease tend to experience more intense symptoms, said Fisher.
Any sensitivity to gluten can be diagnosed through blood testing, endoscopy or a biopsy of the small intestine.
Fisher said the disease is often linked to genetics.
Sadly, there is only one way to manage the symptoms.
“Any intolerance to gluten is strictly managed through diet,” said Fisher, who suffers from sensitivity herself. “You really have to heal from the inside out.
“Label reading is essential. Gluten hides everywhere. Wheat is cheap and it’s used as filler. So, it takes a little bit of detective work. Gluten is a pain, literally and figuratively.”
Before getting scared off, there are many foods that are still on the menu for those suffering from gluten-related issues and include gluten-free cereals and grains, vegetables, meats, rice, and legumes.
A selection of gluten-free products is offered on the shelves of most grocery stores.
Here in Cochrane, there are numerous options for people looking for gluten-free eats, including the Thai food cooked up at Thai Onzon and at the Twisted Basil goods sold at the Cochrane CookHouse.
For those interested in learning to cook gluten-free, the CookHouse is slated to offer a cooking class on March 25.
