Seven things you must know about gluten

When someone has gluten intolerance, avoiding gluten becomes crucial to their health and well-being.

Unfortunately, staying away from gluten is far from an exact science and it’s getting trickier by the day. 

In order to minimize YOUR chances of unwillingly taking in gluten, here are seven things you may not know, but must know, about this grain protein.

Must-know gluten fact #1: It doesn’t stop at wheat

Barley and rye also contain gluten.  In addition, although oats are inherently gluten free, they are frequently processed in the same food manufacturing plants as gluten-containing grains, so cross-contamination is quite possible. 

Look for oatmeal that is specifically labeled as gluten free to be safe.

Must-know gluten fact #2: Restaurants are notorious for cross-contamination

You’re not always home free when you choose a gluten free option on a restaurant menu because cross-contamination can easily occur in a restaurant kitchen.

To help minimize your chances of getting unwanted gluten, stick to well-established restaurants that you are familiar with, and don’t be afraid to ask your server about their protocols for avoiding gluten cross-contamination.

Avoid chains and fast food restaurants as they commonly serve foods that are processed, pre-prepared and/or have glazes and sauces that may likely contain gluten.

Must-know gluten fact #3: Gluten intolerance is commonly seen with other intolerances

If you’ve learned that gluten’s got your gut in a turmoil, that might not be your only issue.

People with gluten intolerance can also be prone to other intolerances like lactose intolerance.

So if you’re avoiding gluten and still not feeling 100 percent better that may be why, and it would behoove you to check out other possibilities with your doctor.

Must-know gluten fact #4: Not everyone understands what gluten is

This can put you into danger having a meal either in someone’s home or in a restaurant.

I was out to dinner once with a gal who told our server she has celiac and can’t have gluten, then proceeded to order the filet mignon.

The server brought out her steak…served on a thick slice of toasted bread!  Completely clueless.

When in restaurants or someone’s home that you don’t know very well, tell them you have an allergy to wheat, barley and rye.  Many people don’t understand what gluten is or what an intolerance is, but they DO understand that food allergies can be serious stuff.

Must-know gluten fact #5: It’s not just in food

Gluten is a thickening agent used in countless non-food products including cosmetics, postage stamps, lip balm, medications, soaps and shampoos, sunscreen, toothpaste and detergents.

Become a careful label reader in ALL respects.

Must-know gluten fact #6: Gluten free does not necessarily mean healthy

Just because the cookies, crackers, pastries or chips you bought are gluten free, that does not make them healthy!

Plus foods like that are still loaded with sugar (or turn to sugar upon digestion), which can ignite inflammation in your arteries, pack the pounds on you, and raise your risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease, among other things.

Don’t use the gluten free label as a license to eat garbage—junk is junk, my friend.

Must-know gluten fact #7: Gluten free does not necessarily mean gluten free!

Based on a ruling by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last August, manufacturers can use the term “gluten free” on products containing less than 20 parts per million of gluten.

So in other words, gluten free does not mean 100 percent gluten free.

If you find you are still experiencing symptoms after eating packaged foods labeled gluten free, you may be better off sticking to foods that are inherently gluten free like fruits, vegetables and meats.

The help you need

Even though becoming and staying gluten free can be a daunting task, it can make all the difference in the world to get the help you need in getting it out of your diet and supporting your gut health.

1) Get it out of your diet

Great Taste No Gluten is chock full of the answers and guidance you need to avoid gluten, recognize it in all of its hiding places and enjoy truly delicious gluten free recipes.

Great Taste No Gluten

The Great Taste No Gluten instructions will teach you about the many faces of gluten sensitivity and how to properly test for a gluten problem. 

(The tests for gluten sensitivity and Celiac are different, so if your doctor has only done one test, you have not been completely tested and may still be suffering from gluten issues.)

Plus you'll be armed with all the facts you'll need when deciding to live a gluten free lifestyle, including shopping lists, substitution guides and hints for creating a gluten free household.

And the recipe book contains 160 of the most mouth-watering, delectable gluten free recipes. 

2) Help support your gut health

Gluten intolerance and the resulting effects on your intestinal tract can also upset your flora balance, giving harmful bacteria the "upper hand."

Not only can this mean a weakened immune system, but since your friendly flora helps to digest certain foods, it can mean even MORE gut misery!

But Super Shield multi-strain probiotic formula can help you easily and naturally restore your intestinal flora to the more ideal 85/15 (good vs. bad) balance recommended by health experts.

Super Shield's 13 strains of quality, potent friendly bacteria are eager to line your intestinal walls, crowd out the harmful bacteria, help strengthen your gut wall, encourage a sharper immune system and help keep digestion smooth.