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Tag: eating gluten free

Gluten Sensitivity Questions

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in Blog, Nutrition. No Comments on Gluten Sensitivity Questions

Gluten causes health issues for people who are sensitive to foods containing gluten. If you have gastrointestinal problems or irritable bowel syndrome, gluten could be your problem. In fact, research shows that a gluten-free diet may improve many symptoms in a variety of illnesses, including multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Gluten Sensitivity Questions
Gluten Sensitivity Questions

Is gluten causing your health problems? Here are some questions to help you find out if it is contributing to your poor health. If you answer yes to 4 or fewer, it’s unlikely that gluten is causing you problems. If you answer yes to 5 or more of these questions, gluten sensitivity is likely contributing to your health issues.

  1. Unintentional weight gain
  2. Unexplained fatigue
  3. Difficulty relaxing or feeling
  4. Unexplained digestive problems
  5. Female hormone imbalances
  6. PMS or menopausal symptoms
  7. Muscle or joint pain or stiffness of unknown cause
  8. Migraine or severe headaches
  9. Food allergies or sensitivities
  10. Difficulty digesting dairy products
  11. Tendency to consume too much alcohol
  12. Excessive sensitivity to physical & emotional pain
  13. Cravings for sweets, bread, carbohydrates
  14. Abdominal pain or cramping
  15. Abdominal bloating or distention
  16. Intestinal gas
  17. Craving specific foods
  18. Eat when upset or to relax
  19. Constipation or diarrhea of unknown cause
  20. Unexplained skin problems and rashes

If you answered yes to 9 or more of the above questions, I recommend that you make an appointment with your health care provider to discuss a potential sensitivity. Due to the cross-contamination of many foods, setting up a gluten-free diet on your own is challenging. Your health care practitioner or a professional that he/she recommends can help you implement a diet that is packed with nutrition and taste.

If you are looking for gluten-free recipes, check out Serenity Health Kitchen. Identifying allergies and sensitivities is one of our specialties at Serenity Health Care Center. Schedule an appointment to find out how a different diet can make you feel like a new person.

Eating Gluten Free

Written by Dr. Debra Muth on . Posted in Blog, Nutrition. No Comments on Eating Gluten Free

Serenity Health Care Center – It’s back to school time and parents often struggle to find a healthy alternative to school lunch as if this isn’t hard enough, finding gluten-free options are even more challenging. Eating gluten free is often a goal. Many parents do this by choice, for others it is a must because their child has Celiac Disease, an autoimmune disease that damages the lining of the intestinal tract when exposed to wheat gluten.

Eating Gluten Free

There are many gluten-free options in stores today. Some of these options are healthier than others. Many of the grocery stores even have gluten-free sections to make it easier. You still must read the label because ingredients change frequently.

Dr. Muth says the best choices for all kids, including those with Celiac Disease, are fruits and vegetables. Those are all gluten-free. Dried whole fruit slices are good alternatives to fruit roll ups.  Granola and cereal bars that are labeled “gluten-free” are also great choices for kids. There is also gluten-free bread if you want to make a sandwich for your child. Our favorite is Udi’s brand breads and buns.

If you child has Celiac Disease, you need to be extra careful about eating gluten free. Notify the school so that they can assist in keeping the eating environment clean and clear of gluten. The staff will need to be educated because many people do not realize what gluten is and all the hidden sources it is found in. Place your child’s food in a separate plastic container. Advise your child to keep their food away from other food, even crumbs that contain gluten. The slightest amount of gluten can cause a severe reaction in some children.

Plastic containers should never be frozen or heated in so teach your children to warm in paper or use glass containers for warming. Use the food containers as a plate to protect their food. This will prevent their food from coming into contact with contaminated tables.

Exposure to gluten in a child that is intolerant can lead to cramping and abdominal pain, fatigue and even behavioral problems. These symptoms can be so debilitating that they cannot return to class. Education is key when it comes to eating gluten free.

For more information read our other articles on Celiac disease  and browse Serenity’s Kitchen for our favorite gluten free recipes.