Top 10 Gluten Myths

Ok, I'm on a roll with the "top ten" theme :)
Here is another one for you....

Top 10 Gluten Myths
1. Myth: Celiac disease is rare.

Fact: Celiac disease affects 1 in 111 people in the US.

2. Myth: Gluten intolerance or celiac disease only affect the gut.

Fact: Research has found that once gluten is in the blood the proteins can affect any organ or tissue of the body. Studies have found links between gluten and many illnesses and conditions including cancer, autoimmune disease, osteoprorosis, brain disorders, chronic pain, infertility and many more.

3. Myth: Buckwheat has gluten in it.

Fact: Buckwheat is gluten free!

4. Myth: “If my digestion is good, then there is no way that I could be gluten sensitive.”

Fact: A person who is gluten sensitive could have absolutely no digestive symptoms. Often symptoms are related to the bones, lungs, mental functioning and or skin.

5. Myth: Gluten is “evil” :)

Fact: Gluten is a naturally occurring group of proteins found in nature. It is not “bad” in and of itself. The harm comes when it does not get broken down properly and then enters the blood stream, leading to a cascade of immune reactions. The exception to this is people with celiac disease. In these folks gluten triggers immune reactions just by its very presence in the intestines; so they may consider it darn right troublesome!

6. Myth: Glutinous grains have been a part of the human diet for eons.

Fact: Glutinous grains have only been in the human diet less than one half of a percent of the time that we have been upright!

7. Myth: There is gluten in “glutinous rice.”

Fact: Nope! “glutinous” in this case refers to its stickiness. Sticky rice does not contain gluten. No rice contains gluten.

8. Myth: There is no way there would be gluten in my ice cream.

Fact: Many commercial ice cream brands contain “modified food starch” which is often made out of gluten. Call the manufacturer to find out for sure.

9. Myth: If my shampoo contains “wheat protein,” and I have a gluten sensitivity, it will make me sick.

Fact: It is ok to put products that have gluten in them on your skin or hair. Just be aware that they do, and avoid contact with your mouth.

10. Myth: Once diagnosed as “gluten sensitive” I can never have gluten again without it causing health problems.

Fact: For folks that have been diagnosed gluten sensitive or intolerant: If they eliminate gluten for a period of time (usually 3 to 6 months), they can often add it back in in small amounts without triggering immune reactions and subsequent health problems (work with your holistic care provider to figure out what is best for you). These people do much better if they stick to whole, sprouted wheat, rye or spelt, VS refined white (high gluten containing) products when adding the gluten back in. This is not true for people with celiac disease... These folks need to remain gluten free for life.