Wednesday 6 March 2013

How To Eat Gluten Free Can Be A Problem

By Erna Gutierrez


There are a number of foods to which many people are intolerant to varying degrees, such as peanuts, lactose, yeast, or wheat. How to eat gluten free is probably the biggest problem for those who are sensitive to it as it is so difficult to avoid. The fact is, wheat is an ingredient in an incredible number of processed foods.

You need to know what forms of this lectin give you a problem, as it is present to an extent in many grains, including rye. Some people are sensitive to only the gluten found in modern wheat, not reacting to that in faro or kamut, which are ancient forms of wheat from Rome and Egypt. Rice and corn or maize are both grains which lack these harmful effects.

Obviously you have to cut out food made containing any wheat, such as bread, buns, cakes, or pizzas. This can be difficult as these foods are staples in most modern societies, and tempt you from so many display windows. But it must be done; otherwise you will suffer the consequences, which are potentially very severe.

Also be on your guard for hidden sources of wheat. This is often used as a thickening, so read labels carefully. Avoid any which are marked as containing gluten, but also be aware that certain potato chip brands also contain wheat. Also make sure that sauces are thickened with cornstarch, not ordinary flour.

Do not fool yourself by thinking there is only a small quantity of wheat in the serving. Even a very small quantity can exert its full effect. The only way to avoid the problems it causes is by totally avoiding consuming any. Avoidance of all foods containing wheat is the only solution.

If you have nothing else to eat or feel you must eat some, then you can eat Essene bread. This is made from sprouted wheat, and the process of sprouting destroys the lectin, rendering the sprouted wheat harmless. In fact, rice also has a harmful lectin, but this is similarly destroyed when it is cooked. But be sure it is proper Essene bread, with no unsprouted wheat or other grains added.

There are many other starches you can eat instead, including rice and maize as already mentioned. Other more expensive ones such as millet, quinoa and amaranth are also suitable. Potatoes and sweet potatoes are also safe from this lectin. Vegetables and proteins such as meat and poultry may also be eaten freely. Dairy products are safe as well so there is no need to feel deprived.

Probably the biggest challenge in finding out how to eat gluten free for the rest of your life is that it is so hard to avoid bread and other tasty wheat products. Throughout the ages, ever since people first started farming wheat, this grain has been an important part of the diet. Everybody grows up with it as a staple, and so many mouth-watering goodies are made from it. Not being allowed any can cause a feeling of deprivation, but you will eventually get over this hurdle.




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