Go Gluten-Free!
Originally posted on: http://www.kingstonist.com/2013/05/16/try-to-live-gluten-free/
Go Gluten-Free! The month of May is dedicated to spreading awareness about celiac disease, so this week I challenge you to go gluten-free. For those of you who don’t know, gluten is a protein found in foods containing wheat, barley, rye, kamut, spelt, oats, triticale, and also in many processed foods and personal care products. Celiac disease is a condition where the absorptive surfaces of the small intestine are damaged by gluten leading to symptoms such as weight loss, fatigue, cramps, bloating, chronic diarrhea, and anemia to name a few. In Canada, it is estimated that 330,000 people have celiac disease while only 110,000 of those cases have been diagnosed. For many Canadians, going gluten-free is a big change from the standard North American diet and if you accept this challenge, it should open your eyes to the daily struggles of those who suffer from it. If you have an intolerance going gluten-free may improve your energy, benefit your mood, improve your skin, and promote better digestion. There are many alternatives to gluten filled grains including amaranth, chickpea, brown rice, and tapioca flours but for a complete list of options you can visit this website. If you suspect you might suffer from celiac disease, please consult your Naturopathic Doctor or other medical care provider. ~Alanna