If you have discovered a gluten-free lifestyle is needed due to coeliac disease then these tips should help you make that initial transition.
1. Understand the Difference Between Coeliac Disease and Non-Coeliac Gluten Sensitivity
Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes damage to the small intestine. Gluten sensitivities, such as gluten ataxia, are not autoimmune disorders.
People who suffer from coeliac disease do not have an allergy to gluten. They are actually sensitive to all forms of gluten and can’t digest it properly unless they cut it out of their diet.
People suffering from Coeliac Disease have damaged the small intestine which prevents them from digesting all forms of gluten properly.
2. Know What Products Contain Gluten—and Which Ones You Can Safely Consume
In the US, gluten-free foods are a $23 billion industry.
The list of gluten-free products is vast and can include pasta, bread, beer, cereal, cookies and chips.
Products are often labelled “gluten-free” but this doesn’t make them safe for celiacs or those with gluten sensitivity to consume.
In order to know which products contain gluten or not, you should look for the following symbols:
“G”, “C”, “GF”, “FODMAP,” and “ISO”
3. Change Your Diet or the whole families
If you would struggle to cook separate meals for yourself and your family then why not change everyone onto a gluten-free diet for some meals? Is there any harm in only buying gluten-free oats for example?
4. Be Aware of Cross-Contamination—Watch What You Eat at Restaurants, Avoid Eating Packaged Foods in Unlabelled Packets
It’s important to be aware of cross-contamination when eating at a restaurant. You want to make sure that you’re not getting gluten from other meals.
If you’re not in a position to cook your own food, it’s recommended that you try to eat at places that are very clean and well-lit. For example, fast food restaurants are very busy and don’t always clean their surfaces all that well. This can lead to cross-contamination and contamination of your food.
5. Commit to gluten-free and try new things
The article also stresses that consistency is key when committing to a new lifestyle because once you have started, it becomes much easier to continue. Do not give up on your goals – if you commit to your new lifestyle now, you will see all of its benefits soon enough! If there is one gluten-free product you don’t enjoy, don’t let this worry you and keep trying others.
