What Gluten Intolerance Really Means
Gluten intolerance is actually much more prominent than people may think. Celiac disease, the most severe form of gluten intolerance, happens when the small intestine is hypersensitive to gluten (anything containing wheat) and is unable to digest gluten. The body then attacks the small intestine to try and stop the bad reaction. This can cause a plethora of symptoms. Celiac means cross-contamination will cause severe reactions in the body. For others, who are not Celiac, just intolerant, they cannot eat gluten, but the potential of cross-contamination is not detrimental.
The First Challenge: Saying Goodbye to Favorite Foods
For many, the most challenging part of going gluten-free is all of the foods they can no longer have. There is hope, however, because there are many substitutes for the favorite gluten-filled foods. The Ultimate Guide to Gluten-Free Snacks is a guide intended to aid in finding great alternatives for filling snacks. They have many snacks that are healthy but still delicious. Along with ideas for snacks, they also give ideas on where to get those snacks.
Learning to Read Labels Like a Pro
Once going gluten-free, it is imperative that a person learns how to read food labels. Food labels can aid a person to discern what foods are safe for gluten-free eaters. Many food labels even have a miniature label that indicates if a food is gluten-free.
Exploring Gluten-Free Alternatives
There are many resources readily available to aid in finding alternatives for many meals, snacks, and desserts. From Facebook groups to vlogs, there are so many places to find foods that are just as delicious and foods that are missed.
Favorite Gluten-Free Snacks, Meals, and Desserts
There are many delicious gluten-free meals that are also easy to cook. From gluten-free baking to gluten-free pastas, the website My Gluten-Free Kitchen has so many recipes and tips for gluten-free eating. The founder and author of the Website, Michelle, was diagnosed in 2010 with Celiac Disease. For her, it explained years of hardship and turmoil in her body. She has done all the work of finding and creating gluten-free meals, desserts, and snacks that are just delicious alternatives. Many users have left wonderful reviews on all of her recipes.
Support from Friends and Family
When going through a diagnosis, it is imperative that friends and family show their support. Many help by making accommodations or having alternatives for any family outings.
Tips for Anyone Starting Their Gluten-Free Journey
For those going gluten-free, it is helpful to make plans before any meals that are going to be provided. Many plan on packing meals or snacks in case there will be food that contains gluten. Along with planning ahead, it is important to know that many restaurants offer gluten-free menus and alternatives. Talking to the staff can go a long way for many. There are many establishments who are more than happy to help in any way they can. Of course, with any special diets, there are always risks and things to keep in mind in daily life.
