HOW TO GO GLUTEN FREE

Have you been diagnosed with gluten intolerance or a gluten allergy? GiveMeCocos brings you this special blog post about how to go gluten free.

WHAT IS GLUTEN
Gluten is a protein that can be found in wheat, rye, and barley.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GLUTEN INTOLERANCE AND AN ALERGY TO GLUTEN

They may have similar symptoms, but the source of the problem is different and also it’s diagnosis and treatment.

Gluten intolerance: sensitivity of your digestive system to gluten. A few symptoms are:

• Bloating
• Abdominal pain
• diarrhea

Gluten allergy: your immune system reacts negatively to the presence of gluten in your body. Symptoms are:

• Swelling, itching or irritation of the mouth or throat
• Hives, itchy rash or swelling of the skin
• Nasal congestion
• Headache
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Difficulty breathing
• Cramps, nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

WHAT CONTAINS GLUTEN
Barley, Bran, Bulgur, Couscous, Durum, Einkorn, Emmer, Farina, Farro, Graham, Kamut, Matzo Meal, Orzo, Rye, Spelt, Triticale, Udon, Wheat germ and starch.

ALTERNATIVES TO GLUTEN

Rice Flour, Potato Starch and flour, Corn Flour, Corn Starch, Almond Flour, Quinoa Four, Flour, Amaranth, Buckwheat, Coconut Flour, Garbanzo Bean Flour, Guar Gum, Kaniwa, Mesquite Flour, Sorghum, Sweet Potato Flour, Sweet Rice Flour, Tapioca Flour, Xanthan Gum

BENEFITS OF BEING GLUTEN-FREE

Helps to lower cholesterol levels. Makes your digesting process easier. Helps to eliminate bloating and irritable bowel syndrome. Your energy levels will increase. Reduces the risk of heart disease and diabetes. 

SOME ADVICE:

•  ALWAYS read the ingredient label
• Know your grains
• Educate yourself and people around you
• Look for alternatives
• Follow people who give you gluten free ideas. You are not alone, look for people who are gluten free and share thoughts and recipes!