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Gluten intolerance is largely affecting people in the United States. Many changes are being made in light of how wide-spread this disease has become and the people it affects.

The Illusion: Celiac disease is just a fad

The Truth: It’s not a fad and it’s not going away

The Reason for Change

Out of every 130 Americans, one is affected by celiac disease. Because the disease is now becoming more noticeable, food companies, restaurants, and the general public are now seeing a difference in the food made available to our society.

Gluten free food is offered in nearly every grocery store. Restaurants are taking the initiative and offering a separate menu for celiac and gluten intolerant sufferers. People now notice additives of gluten are affecting individuals’ health.

Celiac disease may often go undiagnosed sometimes for a long period of time. When this happens, other diseases are stemmed from it causing numerous problems and complications later in life. With many alternative food options available to allergic individuals, can we say that it’s truly affecting our lifestyle?

The Illusion: It’s hard to cook at home all the time

The Truth: Prepping meals and cooking in batches make gluten free eating easy

More People are Cooking At Home

People with celiac disease or gluten intolerance have found it is easier to prepare meals at home. Cooking at home allows individuals to:

• Know exactly what is being put in their food.
• Prepare healthy gluten free food in bulk to eat during the week.
• Prepare ahead and have gluten free food accessible on a daily basis.
• Make the busy work day easier without having to cook daily.

Due to the many ingredients in pre-packaged food, you may not be entirely aware of what ingredients are put into it. It’s a good habit to always read the Nutrition Facts labels when beginning a gluten free diet. For most prepackaged meals, frozen meals and fast food chains, majority of them will contain the allergen.

The Illusion: It’s too expensive to eat gluten free

The Truth: Eating gluten free is a lot cheaper than you believe

Lowering Expenses for Gluten Free Foods

People who are beginning to eat gluten free might find it expensive, which can deter them from continuing this lifestyle. Eating gluten free doesn’t have to be expensive. There are hundreds of alternatives to use, as opposed to strictly buying products that are labeled “gluten free.” Some inexpensive products can be found at your local supermarket.

• Rice flour and Tapioca flour (Often found in Asian food markets and it is usually very inexpensive.)
• Chex cereal (Perfect for adding density to burgers, and found in your local grocery store.)
• White and brown rice (Found in local grocery stores.)
• Rice noodles (Found in Asian food markets, but you can also find them in the Asian aisle of your grocery store.)

Products don’t have to be labeled gluten-free in order to be edible. But, you do need to read the ingredients listed on the product.

Also, be on the lookout for the words, “May be processed with other items containing wheat,” or “May contain traces of wheat.” These words are indicating the product may or may not have wheat in them. If the company is stating this uncertainty, it is a good idea to stay away.

The Illusion: If I eat gluten free, I’ll never eat out again

The Truth: You can still eat out, just be smart about it

Carefully Planning Restaurant Dining

Eating gluten free food at a restaurant is down right scary. You have no idea of cross-contamination behind the scenes. While the majority of big chain restaurants are jumping on the gluten free bandwagon, some are still not quite there yet.

If you must eat out, opt for dishes that are primarily vegetable and meat-based. Order salad without the croutons or dressings. Also, before heading out to eat, look up the restaurant online and view their allergy menu. You can find out if they offer gluten free options, or not.

The Illusion: Just because I have a little IBS doesn’t mean I’m gluten intolerant

The Truth: Nearly 300 symptoms are caused by gluten intolerance

Awareness is Key

Since celiac disease is becoming more widely recognized, people should take action to learn more about the characteristics of the disease. Knowing and understanding the consequences of not following a gluten free diet is also important.

Trusted medical websites with information about celiac disease and gluten intolerance help people understand the disease better. Parents can also find helpful information when assessing whether or not their child may be suffering from a gluten allergy.

The Illusion: I don’t need to see a doctor about being gluten free

The Truth: It’s best to see a doctor to confirm that you are gluten intolerant

See a Doctor First

As with any condition, it’s always important to make a doctor’s appointment. You should never self-diagnose the suspicion of any possible gluten allergy. Tests exists to confirm whether an individual does have celiac disease, or just an allergy to gluten.

These tests will reveal your level of the disease, and how to determine the best treatment. Celiac disease has no cure. The only way to treat it is to change your diet and ultimately, lifestyle habits.