By Jenna Cutler
Celiac Disease (CD)
Celiac Disease is classified as an immune disease in which consumption of gluten causes an inflammatory response, damaging the lining of the small intestine. Common symptoms include bloating, gas, diarrhea, and fatigue. Other CD patients may experience delayed puberty or slowed growth while many people show zero symptoms. To understand CD, it’s important to note that gluten can cause other less extreme negative health effects as well.
At NextGeneration Nutrition we offer Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity Testing! If you are experiencing GI symptoms, testing is a great way to get to the root of the problem!
Celiac Disease vs. Gluten Intolerance
Approximately 6% of the U.S. is diagnosed with Gluten Intolerance. Similar gastrointestinal reactions may occur to CD, but without damage to the small intestine or malabsorption. With both Celiac disease and gluten intolerance, it is instructed to avoid eating gluten. Gluten intolerant individuals may be able to eat gluten in small amounts without experiencing negative effects though. Even if stomach discomfort occurs, there’s no evidence that serious damage will take place, meaning they can be less strict with avoiding gluten. On the other hand, there are no exceptions for CD patients. Trace amounts of gluten can trigger an immune response against the gut lining, even if they don’t experience the common GI symptoms. Thus, individuals with Celiac disease must be 100% gluten-free. (Testing)
Living with Celiac...
Foods high in gluten to avoid:
Wheat
Spelt
Barley
Rye
Bread
Pasta
Cereals
Beer
Cookies/Pastries
Other products that MAY contain gluten include:
Chocolate
Cheese products
Hair and makeup products
Gravy
Imitation crab meat
Vegan "meat"
Matzo
Processed meats
Vegetables in sauces
Soy sauce
Seasoned rice mixes
Pate
Spice blends
Salad dressings
Sauces
Have no fear! There are many different options available now to replace gluten. Remember to always check food nutrition labels to be sure there is no contamination. At NextGeneration Nutrition we offer Grocery Store Tours to help you with shopping for GF products and teaching you to read nutrition labels!
Alternatives to gluten/Gluten-free grains:
Wild rice
Corn
Rice
Quinoa
Flax
Millet
Sorghum
Tapioca
Buckwheat
Amaranth
Oats
Popcorn
Lentil and chickpea pasta
Maintaining a gluten-free diet can feel challenging and limiting. But luckily there are so many alternatives and ways to broaden a gluten-free diet. We offer Gluten Free Nutrition Programs and Guides to help you along your journey! If you are unsure how or where to start, please contact us to schedule a FREE consultation!
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Jessica Mantell M.S., C.N.S., L.D.N.
CEO & Founder of NextGeneration Nutrition
NextGeneration Nutrition believes that better health should be accessible to everyone and that we all are able to improve our health through good nutrition, physical activity, and lifestyle change. We do not support setting shame-based goals but encourages embracing our bodies, genetics, and personality. Our philosophy is abandoning the “One Size Fits All” mentality to create a personalized wellness plan based on your biological makeup and your lifestyle.
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