Gluten-Free Pizza

Preparing for Anything...Gluten-Free

Sandy was a wake-up call for many folks on the East Coast many of whom had to suffer through extended power outages, widespread damage to homes, gas rationing, a lack of heat and other hardships due to a natural disaster. 

But what about those who need to keep a strict gluten-free diet?  Many shelters who give out food are probably not checking labels for gluten-free because they need to give a lot of people food on a limited budget.  You can keep this in mind by donating gluten-free goods to your local shelter or when preparing for next time try and keep a disaster box with at least 5 days to two weeks of non perishable gluten-free items.

Read more about goods to keep around the house here: http://www.harriswholehealth.com/2323

Bakers Continue Quest for Perfect Gluten-Free Blend

The gluten-free marketplace is booming and bakers are constantly searching for the perfect gluten-free flour to mimic the consistency of bread and other baked goods in their gluten-free products. 

There are many amazing and delicious gluten-free grains that can be used in a variety of ways but cannot be used as a one-to-one replacement for wheat because of flavor, elasticity, and texture issues.  One of the solutions bakers have found is to use ingredients like tapioca which can be used as a texturizer or hydrocolloids from plants that add moisture.

Read more about the flour combining process here: http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Business/Sorting-through-the-gluten-free-toolbox/?utm_source=newsletter_daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter%2BDaily&c=DJPDS3EGQ4i5eXIpAPXtKg%3D%3D

Have YOU Been Tested?

With so much information readily available about the gluten-free diet, many people are taking it upon themselves to try it without advice from a doctor or nutritionist.  Even if going gluten-free helps alleviate symptoms of discomfort (which is great!) it is still pertinent to get tested before starting any new diet so you can know for sure the degree to which you are intolerant to gluten.

If you have Celiac Disease there could be damage to the villi in your small intestine or other problems associated with the autoimmune disorder.  With Celiac, the only cure is to follow a strict gluten-free diet which means learning all of the random things wheat sneaks its way into.  Non-Celiac Gluten Intolerance can be just as frustrating and uncomfortable as Celiac Disease though it comes without the life threatening damage of Celiac.

Read more: http://gantdaily.com/2012/11/10/the-medical-minute-celiac-disease-or-gluten-sensitivity/

Scientists Looking at Genetically Modified G-Free Grains

Scientists are now trying to create gluten-free wheat plants to make gluten-free bread from! 

So far scientists from Washington State University have tried to find a variety of wheat or barley that makes a lot less of the gluten protein that is toxic for people with celiac disease, but say that they have not yet found one that comes out completely gluten-free.

Their next approach is to use genetic engineering to knock out the gluten protein and believe that they have a good chance of success. 

Read more about their research here: http://www.latimes.com/health/boostershots/la-heb-genetics-gluten-free-wheat-20121123,0,6539780.story

Gluten-Free is NOT a Fad

There is a lot of confusion in the general population over the benefits of eating gluten-free.  Many people are trying it as the new "fad diet trend" or eating "gluten-free light."  However Celiac Disease is a serious medical condition that can't be mistaken for a diet trend. 

People with Celiac Disease suffer damage to the small intestine when they ingest gluten.  Symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, mouth sores, head aches, and skin rash among others.

The gluten-free diet is not necessarily a weight loss diet though dieters may initially see a drop in weight by cutting out heavy carbs like pasta and bread.  However switching regular pasta to gluten-free pasta does not mean that it is healthier or will help with weight loss.

Read more: http://www.wtva.com/news/local/story/Have-you-had-your-gluten-today/NCLyM1X4V0yBoQEzw6O0zQ.cspx

Women with Celiac May Have Lower Risk of Breast Cancer

Good news from Sweden!  A new study coming from the Clinical Epidemiology Unit at the Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden has announced that women with Celiac Disease may be at a decreased risk from female hormone related cancers such as breast cancer, endometrial cancer, and ovarian cancer.

An explanation for the findings include shared risk factors and early menopause from women with Celiac Disease. 

Hopefully more testing will come from this study soon!

Read more: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21953605

Tips for a Safe Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!  It's time to gobble up some gluten-free turkey and enjoy a big feast with loved ones.  But when you are buying that big bird at the store make sure that it is not pre basted with any gluten-containing ingredients.

Many birds these days have flavor enhancers that could be natural herbs or could contain wheat which could make your Thanksgiving evening very uncomfortable.  Read labels and ensure that your bird is gluten-free.  Also if you are attending another person's dinner make sure that when they buy their bird it is safe for you to eat.

Enjoy!  Read more: http://www.triumphdining.com/blog/2012/11/13/gobble-up-a-gluten-free-turkey/?utm_source=Triumph+Dining+List&utm_campaign=8e27d50b4d-Newsletter_8%2F29%2F12_Newsletter&utm_medium=email

Pumpkin Pie for Your Thanksgiving Table

It's the most wonderful time of the year!  That means Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, family, delicious meals, and pumpkins!

Pumpkins are a large part of the Thanksgiving feast and you don't need to worry about enjoying this versatile food if you have to eat gluten-free!  If you love pumpkin pie you can use gluten-free graham crackers or gluten-free spiced cookies crushed up to make a tasty crust.  

Many grocery stores even offer pre-made gluten-free pie crusts but it's fun and easy to make your own!  

Enjoy this recipe using pumpkin here: http://posttrib.suntimes.com/lifestyles/food/16036854-423/gluten-free-pumpkin-pie-is-easy-to-prepare.html

Spotlight on 11 Gluten-Free Grains

Some of the healthiest grains are gluten-free!  Try experimenting with super grain quinoa as it packs a big protein punch.  Mix it with fresh veggies for a healthy lunch.

Whole grain cornmeal is a versatile gluten-free grain that helps with weak digestion and heart disease.  Use it to make a delicious polenta style crust and top with tomato sauce and your favorite toppings for a healthier pizza night!

Read more about these amazing grains including Millet and Amaranth here: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/eleven-gluten-free-grains.html?page=2

ABC's Katie Couric Takes on Celiac Disease