Surviving Gluten Intolerance

Shopping for gluten free food is much easier because of a growing gluten free movement in Northern California. In the Bay Area, there are grocery stores which sell gluten free items, and restaurants which cater to people with celiac disease and gluten intolerance. According to the Gluten Free Network, as many as 15 percent of the American population suffers from celiac and non- celiac, gluten sensitivity. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and malt. People with celiac disease and gluten intolerance experience an adverse reaction, when they eat foods containing gluten. The symptoms include headache, inflammation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, fatigue, and mood swings. According to medical professionals, there is no cure for celiac disease or gluten intolerance. The disease is manageable by eliminating gluten from the diet.

           According to the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America, 8 to 10 percent of the American people have adopted a gluten free diet. Adhering to a gluten free diet requires special preparation. This includes establishing a gluten free space in the kitchen including separate cooking utensils, cutlery, condiments, cutting boards, and cook-ware for preparing gluten free foods. Medical experts suggest gluten free foods should be clearly labeled and kept on a separate shelf away from foods containing gluten. Many people are unaware, that minimal exposure to gluten may cause a severe allergic reaction in someone with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

                To aid celiac and gluten intolerant consumers in finding gluten free restaurants; the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America established the Gluten Free Restaurant Awareness Program (GFRAP). The program has an online listing of 1620 restaurants in the United Sates, which provide gluten free dining. GFRAP also offers training programs for restaurants on creating a safe, gluten free food preparation area in the kitchen. In the Bay Area, there are a growing number of restaurants, pizzerias, and bakeries with gluten free menu selections.

                There are also many gluten free grocery items available in health food stores like Whole Foods, Henry’s, and Trader Joe's. Even stores like Safeway have a small selection of gluten free foods. The Gluten Intolerance Group of North America recommends gluten sensitive consumers make a list of safe foods, medications, and supplements, for use, when shopping, and to check the label. Gluten free flour alternatives from legumes, nuts, and other vegetables include potato, rice, and chick pea flours. There are gluten free cookies, pastas, pizzas, bread, and cake mixes. There are even gluten- free beers. Most consumers agree pastas and baked goods made from non -gluten flours are as delicious as items made from wheat. Popular gluten free foods include Udi’s Bakery products, Glutenfreeda burritos, Rustic Crust pizza, Lucy’s cookies, and Tinkyada rice pastas, and more. The amount of gluten free grocery items continues to grow.

                According to a report by Mintel, sales of gluten free products are expected to increase, at a rate of 15 to 25 percent, over the next few years. Because of the increased number of gluten free grocery items and restaurants with gluten free menus, maintaining a gluten free diet is easier than it has ever been and much more palatable.