All about Gluten

Ever heard of Celiac? What about gluten? If you’re reading this, I imagine the answer to at least one of those is yes. But what is it? The National Institutes of Health describes Celiac as “a digestive disease that damages the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. People who have celiac disease cannot tolerate gluten, a protein in wheat, rye, and barley.”

Technical definitions are all well and good, but what, exactly, does that mean for someone with Celiac or an intolerance of gluten?

Simply put, it means a drastic lifestyle change.

If you’re anything like me, the thought of going gluten free has you well and truly terrified. What needs to be cut out? Will there be anything left in your diet? How do you know what to keep away from? What if you screw up? Where do you begin?

First things first: Don’t Panic. This might not be easy, but it is doable. Check out my story for a little inspiration.

Food is one of the main concerns for a beginner in the GF life. There are some obvious ones that you need to cut out, such as:
Bread
Pasta (made with wheat flour)
Pastries
Baked goods
Fried foods (which are often battered with wheat flour)


Some things to check before consuming are:
Barbecue/seasoning sauces
Processed meats
Chips
Condiments


These are things that you wouldn’t normally think of as having wheat in them, but some do, as either fillers or thickeners. Also, for those who have roommates or are trying to decide what to get rid of in the fridge, check your:
Butter
Jams and jellies
Mayonnaise
Icing

If you or someone else used that container and double dipped a crumby knife back into the jar, you’re at risk for a glutening. Drinking after someone who has eaten gluten can also get you sick. Always have a designated pasta strainer and cutting board just for gluten free foods in your kitchen.

In your medicine cabinet, watch out for:
Medications
Toothpaste
Mouth wash
Face wash
Lip products—gentlemen, this is important for your lady friends, as well. You don’t want her kissing you with a mouth covered in gluten.

Items to consider replacing:
Lotions
Cleansers
Shampoos
Shaving creams
All make up
Fragrances/perfumes/colognes
Hair care/styling products
Nail polishes

For some people, gluten in products that touch the skin will cause a dermal reaction. I, for example, break out and get sores that look like blisters. For others, gluten in these items will not affect them at all. In fact, some people who have lived a long time with Celiac or gluten intolerance will flat out deny that gluten in these items do anything to anyone. True enough, the gluten protein is too large to just seep in through your pores. But what about that vitamin D that's supposed to be absorbed by your skin? That is often made from wheat. Also, consider these questions:

How many times in your life have you gotten soap in your mouth while showering? Have you used a hair product (especially hair spray) and then tasted it on your lips after? Ever forgotten your nails were wet, and put a finger in your mouth? Does your make up, especially the powdered stuff, actually stay where it’s supposed to? Do you ever touch your face after putting on lotion? I’ve yet to meet anyone who uses these products and can absolutely guarantee that they don’t get into their bodies. If you are lucky enough to avoid all of these exposures, or to not react to them, more power to you. For the rest of us, gluten free products are a must.

When it comes right down to it, only one person can decide what the right path is, and that's you. Do what makes you feel best. Go with what is most comfortable. Tossing out absolutely everything in your house that contains gluten can be heartbreaking. However, I have made the switch so that the only gluten remaining in my entire house is in a select few cleaning supplies. Excessive? Perhaps. But I feel safe in my own home knowing there's little to no chance of being glutened. That's what's right for me.

What about you? What level of wheatlessness will you be applying to your own life?