Celiac Disease

First of all, I personally do not have Celiac Disease, but I recently heard about this disease because one of my best friends just found out that she has Celiac disease. So in honor of my friend, I have decided to write about this disease, so she and anyone else who suffers from Celiac disease can know that it is not the end of the world.

Okay, so what the heck is Celiac disease (CD)? CD is a life-long digestive disorder. Celiac disease is triggered by gluten and because of the digestive disorder, gluten must be eliminated from the diet. Even if small amounts of gluten are consumed, CD will cause an immune-mediated toxic reaction that prevents food from being absorbed properly and damages the Villi of the small intestine (which absorbs vitamins and nutrients). Celiac Disease affects people of all ages, and even if you do not feel any symptoms, you can still cause damage to your small bowel. If one ignores CD and continues to eat foods containing gluten, they will deprive themselves of many nutrients and vitamins your brain, bones, liver and peripheral nervous system need to function correctly. CD can also cause stunted growth and other illnesses for children.

There are no usual symptoms for celiac disease, but people who have the disease most often complain about:

• Bloating
• Intermittent Diarrhea
• Abdominal Pain

Celiac disease is often mistaken as other diseases. Like, Crohn's  disease, gastric ulcers, parasite infections and skin disorders.  CD can be sneeky sometimes and cause:

• Upset Stomach
• Joint Pain
• Depression
• Anemia
• Muscle Cramps
• Neuropathy
• Osteoporosis
• Skin Rash
• Mouth Sores

Celiac disease also can cause Malabsorption which causes:

• Weight Loss
• Diarrhea
• Weakness and fatigue
• Bad smelling or grayish stools

Gluten in a protein found in wheat and other grains, such as rye and barley. It is going to be tough not eating gluten, so many good foods contain gluten, like bread, pizza, cereals, pastas, cookies, and cupcakes. But even though this might seem like the end of the world to you, there are many gluten free foods out there that you can enjoy. In fact, Gluten-free products have come a long way! Even just 5 years ago, there were not many food companies focused on gluten free products, but now, with more people having celiac disease, there is plenty of options out there for you, and it will only increase from now on.

Grains and flours that are allowed:

• Corn (maize)
• Soy
• Rice
• Potato
• Tapioca
• Beans
• Flax
• Garfava
• Buckwheat
• Millet
• Arrowroot
• Teff

There are now gluten free flour that you can buy at your local supermarket and gluten free pastas that you can now enjoy.  If you are a beer drinker, than your in luck, because there are also some gluten free beers.  Make sure you read labels before buying any food products  and drinks.  Consult your doctor on how to approach this diet too. Watch out for labels that say Wheat-free, because that does not necessarily mean they are gluten free. They can still contain rye or barley.

There are some great books out there that can help you understand what you can and cannot eat. A book that has been pretty popular is Elizabeth Hasselbeck's (host on The View) "The G-Free Diet." There are also some wonderful web sites that are available, to help you along.

Gluten Free Pancakes

• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup apple juice
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup amaranth flour
• 1/4 cup tapioca flour
• 3 tablespoons arrowroot flour
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon wheat-free baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

In a mixing bowl, beat the egg with the apple juice and melted butter. Then add the remaining ingredients and stir. A little bit of chunks are okay, they will cook out.

Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot. This batter must be used right away! Do not let it sit and wait!