March 8, 2010 | Posted by
Gluten Allergies, Celiac Disease and Dairy
Gluten is found in the protein of cereal grains. It can be found in a wide variety of foods and some people have allergies to it.
Allergies to gluten are found in women more than men and tend to affect those of European descent.
Gluten allergies can cause eczema, skin rashes, itching and hives. More severe sufferers may develop asthma. Nearly 43 percent of gluten allergy sufferers who never seek treatment will get arthritis. Fifteen percent who go on a gluten-free diet because of their allergies will get arthritis anyway.
Celiac, also known as Coeliac is a disease of the gastrointestinal tract that very often forms directly from an allergic reaction to gluten. Its symptoms are similar to those of a regular gluten allergy, but it can also cause brain dysfunction, arthritis and inflammation of the lungs. You might also notice a clay-colored greasy stool. It is much more serious than the allergies it came from and must be guarded against.
Symptoms that gluten allergies have turned to Celiac are diarrhea, weight loss, iron deficiency, bloating, abdominal pain and malnutrition. The latter is caused by a decreased ability to absorb essential nutrients like iron and vitamins K and D. Celiac sufferers are at higher risk for esophagus, pharynx and small intestinal cancer. Fibroid lung disease seems to occur at a higher rate in gluten allergy and Celiac sufferers.
The treatment for both gluten allergies and Celiac is avoidance of gluten. There is no cure for any allergy. One must simply avoid the allergen. When doing so, it’s a good idea to take some natural supplements to replace the nutrients you’re missing in your gluten-free diet. They’ll help build your body back up to its normal, healthy state.
So what is a gluten-free diet? It’s one in which you eat no food containing wheat, oats, barley or rye in any form whatsoever. It can be difficult, but once you start finding alternatives to grains, you’ll start feeling better quickly. It’s important to find other tasty foods in order to keep yourself away from those that will make you sick.
It’s important to note that if you have been diagnosed with a gluten allergy, it’s very likely you also are sensitive to dairy products. Milk or dairy allergies are sensitivities to proteins found in cows’ milk. Most cows eat a lot of grain and perhaps a link can be inferred.
Milk allergy symptoms can occur within minutes or hours after consuming the dairy product. They can be triggered by a very small amount of milk protein in the system. Like gluten allergy symptoms they can be skin reactions, like swollen lips, tongue, mouth, face or throat. They can also be digestive reactions, such as vomiting, stomach cramps or diarrhea. Respiratory reactions can include a runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes or shortness of breath.
The needed nutrient in dairy products that must be replaced when embarking on a gluten- and dairy-free diet is primarily calcium. Aside from natural supplements, increase your intake of calcium-rich foods like seafood, spinach, broccoli and salmon.
A gluten allergy is not the end of the world. There are plenty of fresh, colorful and tasty foods that contain no grain or dairy. But you must stay vigilant to keep your allergies from turning into something much worse.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Allergies
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
http://EzineArticles.com/?Gluten-Allergies,-Celiac-Disease-and-Dairy&id=581915
Categories: Autoimmune Disease, General Fitness, General Health, Gluten Free, Wellbeing And Health Management | 
Tags: celiac disease, coeliac, dairy intolerance, gluten allergies | 
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March 6, 2010 | Posted by
Autism and a Gluten-Free Casein-Free Diet
This guest article is about dealing with the effects of Autism and a Gluten-Free Casein-Free Diet
The internet is full of testimonials from parents of autistic children touting the benefits of a Gluten-Free Casein-Free Diet. I’ve read everything from “I can’t believe I haven’t found this sooner, but am so thankful that we have it now,” to “Since he has been on the diet, he is a completely different child.” No doubt, testimonials like that are encouraging. But, as parents, it ultimately falls on us to make educated and informed decisions about what will be best for our family and our children in the long term. It is our responsibility to weigh the pros and cons for ourselves.
Here are two things that should be considered before implementing a diet this restrictive.
1) Perhaps the most important thing to consider when making the switch to a Gluten-Free Casein-Free Diet. is the lack of scientific research currently available to support the testimonials you’ll find.
While a lack of conclusive research is not enough to deter many parents eager to find something or anything that might help their child; it stands to be noted. It may be some time before
researchers can definitively connect the dots between diet and autism in this way.
2) This diet isn’t just a menu change-it is a commitment to a new way of life.
Gluten and casein are found in an exhaustive list of foods. Thankfully, as awareness grows, recipes and products are becoming more widely available-with many local and chain grocers now stocking gluten and casein free items.
About the author: Jean Brooks
I am a seasoned blogger and life coach who dabbles in internet marketing in my free time. I am also the proud mother of two beautiful baby boys.
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March 5, 2010 | Posted by
The Benefits of Gluten Free Snack Foods
You may have noticed your local grocery store carrying a larger
variety of gluten free cookies and other gluten free snack
products than they did a few years ago. This is most likely due
to the increase in awareness of Celiac disease and information
regarding measures that individuals can take to ease the effects
of the condition.
Celiac disease is considered to be both an autoimmune disorder
and a digestive disorder. The body becomes unable to absorb
much-needed vitamins and nutrients, such as calcium, fats and
iron, when the small intestine’s lining becomes damaged from
ingesting products containing gluten. Oftentimes this will cause
the eater to become very sick, sick enough to end up in the
hospital. In rare instances, Celiac disease is even fatal.
Because gluten is a type of protein contained in many grains,
eating a diet without any gluten products was once very
difficult. Today, more and more products like gluten free
crackers are making an appearance on the market. Products such
as these allow individuals living with Celiac disease to
continue to enjoy many of their favorite foods, without the
health risks associated with eating traditional gluten filled
products.
However, grocery store shelves are not the only place that
individuals with this disorder can find their favorite cookies
and gluten free snack products. Many bakers are now providing
fresh baked gluten free bakery products to their patrons,
allowing a larger variety of items to be available. These gluten
free cookies and snacks are also vegetarian friendly.
It’s important to remember that Celiac disease is more than just
an annoyance to those individuals who have it. If this disorder
goes unattended, it can cause severe health issues for patients.
In order to function properly, the human body must absorb
vitamins and minerals effectively. If it does not, malnutrition
can occur, as well as severe damage to the small intestine. For
this reason alone, individuals who cannot properly tolerate
gluten products should be sure that they are only ingesting
foods that will not exaggerate their condition.
Of course, living with Celiac disease can become a little easier
if the individual is not completely deprived of the all of their
favorite foods, allowing them to keep some normalcy in their
lives. Having products such as gluten free snack foods and wheat
free cookies can go a long way in helping those facing this
disorder lead not only a healthier life, but a happier one as
well.
Now, people with Celiac disease can still eat what they love,
but rest assured that these products in particular are gluten
free and safe for them to eat. It’s always a good idea to make
sure the company or business you buy the food from is ELISA
tested and certified by the CSA (Celiac Sprue Association). This
insures that the gluten free snack items are as safe as the
store or website is claiming.
About the author: Mark Etinger
www.JoSefsGlutenFree.com is a gluten free bakery
that provides a variety of delicious gluten free crackers, wheat free cookies
and gluten free snacks.
Categories: Autoimmune Disease, General Health, Gluten Free, Weight Loss, Wellbeing, Wellbeing And Health Management | Tags: celiac disease, digestive disorder, gluten free snacks | No Comments »
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