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HEALTH & WELLNESS INFO

What is Gluten?

Gluten is a naturally occurring protein found in wheat and some other grains.

Where is Gluten found?

Gluten is found in wheat (durum, emmer, semolina, spelt, farina, farro, KAMUT® khorasan wheat and einkorn), rye, barley and triticale. Though oats are naturally gluten free, oats available in North America are often contaminated with gluten-containing grains so it is imperative that any oats consumed are labeled Gluten Free on the package. 

 

Need an easy way to remember? Use the acronym 'B.R.O.W'

Barley, Rye, Oats (that are not labeled GF), Wheat

Who should avoid gluten?

Everyone with any of the following conditions should stick to a 100% Gluten Free diet. 

 

  • Celiac Disease: an autoimmune disease that damages the small intestines in response to gluten consumption 

  • Gluten Intolerance: illness resulting from the consumption of gluten, but without the same antibodies and intestinal damage as someone with celiac disease

  • Wheat Allergy: Allergy to only wheat (not the other gluten containing grains)

  • Gluten Ataxia: a neurological autoimmune disease that damages the brain in response to gluten consumption

What is Cross Contamination and why should I care?

Cross contamination happens when a gluten free product comes in contact with something that is not gluten free. 
This can occur when gluten free food comes in contact with gluten containing food, when gluten free food comes in contact with utensils that were used for gluten containing foods (knives, cutting boards, toasters etc), or when gluten free food is handled by someone who had previously handled gluten containing food. 

Why should you care?

It is important to understand that even microscopic amounts of gluten, such as lingering airborne flour, can cause unpleasant side effects and intestinal damage to an individual with celiac disease. 

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Lots of bakeries and restaurants make gluten free products but if they are made in the same facility, using the same equipment as their gluten containing products the risk of cross contamination is far too high for someone with celiac disease. It is important too ensure all precautions have been taken when it comes to gluten free food which is why finding strictly gluten free facilities is the safest option. 
 

Surprise Gluten:

Gluten is found in baked goods, breads & beer, but it can also be found hidden in the following items:

 

  • Soy Sauce/Teriyaki Sauce

  • Cooking Sprays

  • Marinades and barbeque sauces

  • Imitation Meats

  • Imitation Fish

  • Flavored coffees and teas

  • Deli meats

  • Bouillon cubes

  • Candy

  • Communion wafers

 

Be sure to always check ingredient labels!

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