The Magnitude of Label Reading When Gluten-Free

Anybody who has been diagnosed with celiac disease quickly learns that the only known treatment for it is to go gluten-free. However, it's not as easy as simply eliminating breads and pastas from one's diet. Going gluten-free is a lifestyle change, not just for the person dealing with celiac disease, but for everyone else in their household.

Undertaking a gluten-free lifestyle can be overwhelming and many people have no idea where to start. One of the first things that anyone who is going gluten-free needs to learn is how to properly read labels. While some food and product packages might be clearly marked "Gluten Free!" other items may not be so clear. Before jumping into the nitty gritty of label reading, it's also important to really understand what celiac disease is and what exactly going gluten-free means.

Classified as an autoimmune disorder, celiac disease can cause the body to react negatively to gluten - particularly wheat gluten. There are quite a few symptoms of celiac disease, but the main one is gastrointestinal. Gluten damages the small intestine by causing inflammation that can eventually cause serious irreversible damage.  

Celiac disease can also cause extreme fatigue and nutritional malabsorption. In other words, celiac disease prevents the body from absorbing the important nutrients and vitamins from foods that are being eaten. This will often result in patients with celiac disease losing significant weight and becoming malnourished. 

As common as celiac disease is (as many as 1 in 100 people worldwide are diagnosed with the disorder) there are still many questions around it, its treatment and why it has connections to symptoms like itchy rashes, migraines, and disorders like multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes.  At the moment, the only known and effective treatment for celiac disease is maintaining a gluten-free lifestyle.

What exactly does it mean to go gluten-free

Going gluten-free basically means eliminating all traces of gluten from one's diet and products.  Gluten is a mixture of proteins that are commonly found in grains such as wheat, barley, rye, spelt, and Kamut, among others.

Gluten often acts like a glue and is added to many foods to help keep its shape - like pasta.  It is also often added to pre-packaged foods as a thickener. Which is why it's critical to be able to properly read labels and to be well aware of what is being consumed.

Don't panic, there is still lots of food to be had

Some people are devastated when they learn they need to go gluten-free. Suddenly, their favorite dishes like yummy baked pasta and pizzas are dangerous to their health. The great news is that there is still plenty of foods out there that are gluten-free. Without even looking at a label, those with celiac disease can safely eat fruits, vegetables, dairy products and proteins such as nuts and legumes. There is no need to worry about going hungry.