Gluten Intolerance/Sensitivity has become a very common problem!  Gluten is a protein that naturally occurs in grains such as wheat, rye, barley, and some oats. It’s also an additive used in commercial bread and other packaged foods. Some people have a reaction to gluten in their diet which can be due to Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Celiac disease is a digestive disorder that damages the small intestine. The disease is triggered by eating foods containing gluten. Gluten is a protein found naturally in wheat, barley, and rye, and is common in foods such as bread, pasta, cookies, and cakes. Many pre-packaged foods, lip balms and lipsticks, hair and skin products, toothpastes, vitamin and nutrient supplements, and, rarely, medicines, contain gluten.

Celiac disease is different from gluten sensitivity or wheat intolerance. If you have gluten sensitivity, you may have symptoms similar to those of Celiac disease, such as abdominal pain and tiredness. Unlike Celiac disease, gluten sensitivity does not damage the small intestine.

The Good News!

Many stores across Arizona now have gluten free products; Gluten Free Creations (Bakery), Whole Foods, Trader Joes, Sprouts, Safeway, Albertsons, Fry’s, Bashas or Walmart.

References

https://celiac.org , https://www.niddk.nih.gov , https://www.beyondceliac.org