Not Gluten for Punishment - For Those With Food Allergies, Grain Free Can Be Better For Your Body

With so many Americans deciding to eat Gluten-Free and more people developing Wheat sensitivity everyday, it's no wonder sales on Gluten-Free products has more than tripled in the last 5 years.

There are two types of sensitivities people can have to Wheat Gluten. A total intolerance is called Celiac Disease. When a Celiac patient consumes Gluten, their body treats it like a toxin and their immune system goes into attack mode. This immune response damages your small intestines and is known to cause headaches including migraines, nausea, vomiting, skin rashes, a spastic colon, diarrhea, and neurological problems. It's estimated that at least 1 our 100 people have Celiac disease and the numbers are on the rise. Many go undiagnosed. If you feel you may suffer from Celiac disease testing is easy. A simple blood test by your Dr. can determine if your body develops antibodies to Gluten.

Sometimes you 'know' when something is not right with your body. If you feel your body may be having a Wheat reaction, see your doctor so you can start feeling good again.

The second group has a gluten sensitivity but doesn't have intestinal damage. Those sensitive to gluten will still experience digestion problems just as someone with Celiac Disease. If you think you may have a Gluten sensitivity, cut out all Gluten containing products from your diet for 2 weeks to rule out the allergy. 90% of all sufferers undiagnosed. Though the Dr. will require you have Gluten in your blood for proper diagnoses during testing.

Verdict:: Not Allergic. If you find that you are not allergic to Gluten products, Wonderful! Wheat is full of key nutrients such as Fiber, Iron, Zinc and Vitamin B and eating Wheat is the easiest way for us to get these important nutrients into our diet.

Verdict:: Gluten Allergy: Congratulations, you're now on you're way to feeling better and healthier! Hearing that you'll have to cut out all pastas, breads and baked goods may cause you to become upset thinking that your life of food enjoyment is over as you know it. Take heart because it's not! The days of eating Gluten foods should be in the past but a new adventure in eating delicious Gluten-Free delights have just begun!

You'll be thrilled to know that just about every Wheat product you love has a Gluten-Free free replacement to match! Though Gluten-Free products tend to run a little pricier, your Body and Health will thank you and you will feel much better in the long run.

Below are some of our favorite Wheat foods and their Gluten-Free counterparts: (I had some help decorating my 'boring' images so please don't mind all the pretty colors! :) 

Honestly I think Glutino's Pretzels are better tasting! 

There are so many Gluten-Free bread brands to choose from! Udi's is an amazing brand for us Gluten-Free eaters! They make everything from bread to bagels, granola and muffins! 

Barilla makes wonderful Spaghetti but Lundberg's is delicious too and serves as a healthier alternative even for those who can eat Wheat.

Thank GOODNESS they make one of my favorite Cereals in Gluten Free. Panda Puffs are Yum! Hint: try it with Chocolate Almond, Hemp or Coconut Milk. So good!

Both of these are Great brands. Luckily Amy's has a Gluten-Free option! 

Nothing compares to Homemade cookies and making Homemade Gluten-Free cookies are easy but if you're looking to save some time, Better Crocker has come out with new Gluten-Free boxed Baked Goods kits. Awesome!

Without Wheat There Is So Much To Eat! :)

Lucky for us, mainstream grocers are catching on to our Gluten-Free needs and there are so many options out there that allow us to still eat the foods we enjoy without sacrificing our health. We have to remember that these Gluten-Free options are still very processed foods and that like with any other Gluten containing food we should eat these processed goods in moderation as they are still high in calories, sodium and fat. Nothing substitutes raw fruits and vegetables and good whole foods. Thanks for reading and we'd love you to leave a comment below and share your experiences going Gluten-Free! :)

Tell us: What are some of your favorite Gluten Free Brands and Products?