Every year on September 13th, we observe Celiac Awareness Day, a time dedicated to raising awareness about Celiac Disease, a serious autoimmune disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. This day aims to educate the public about the condition, encourage early diagnosis, and foster greater understanding of the challenges faced by those living with Celiac Disease.
"People with a first-degree relative with celiac disease (parent, child, sibling) have a 1 in 10 risk of developing celiac disease." - Celiac Disease Foundation
What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease (CD) is a genetic disorder. In people with CD, eating a certain type of protein called gluten sets off an autoimmune response that causes damage to the small intestine. This causes the small intestine to lose its ability to absorb the nutrients found in food, leading to malnutrition and a variety of other complications. A wide range of health problems can occur including but not limited to:
- Digestive issues (bloating, diarrhea, constipation)
- Nutrient deficiencies (iron, calcium, vitamin D) This can affect a child's growth.
- Fatigue and brain fog
- Skin Rashes
- Moodiness
- Night sweats
- Joint pain and bone weakness
There is no cure for Celiac Disease, a gluten free diet is the only way to treat the disease. When my husband first found out he had Celiac Disease we were SHOCKED to find out how many items contain gluten. I've compiled the list below but it is NOT a complete list. When shopping, look for items that are labeled as Gluten Free, Certified Gluten Free, and Google items in question. The best rule to live by is if there's doubt DO NOT risk it!
Items that Do/Can Contain Gluten
- Wheat
- Barley
- Rye
- Spelt
- Oats
- Triticale - A hybrid of wheat and rye
- Kamut
- Cous-Cous
- Vinegars
- Soy Sauce and other Asian sauces
- Spices
- Pickles
- Deli Meats
- Processed foods
- Toothpaste*
- Shampoo/conditioner*
- Medication*
- Lotion*
- Soaps*
- Make up*
*Non food items can contain gluten as a thickening agent. Although most of these items aren't being ingested they are being absorbed through the skin and they can cause reactions in people who are highly sensitive to gluten.
After years of trial and error with gluten free products we have compiled a list of brands that are our favorites! We hope they are your favorites too. ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS check labels, even on products you buy regularly. Sometimes manufacturers change the facility an item is produced and packaged in and will start labeling the product as "Packaged in a facility that contains wheat". If you are buying food for someone that is super sensitive you should avoid these items.
Our Favorite Brands
- Schar breads, cookies, crackers
- Glutino cookies
- Jovial pasta
- Safron Road frozen meals
- Real Good
- Katz
- Sweet Loren's
- Heinz
- Gluten Free King Arthur Flour/Baking mixes
- Pillsbury Gluten Free Chocolate Chip cookie mix
Resources
- Celiac Disease Foundation
- Denver Celiacs
- Colorado Center for Celiac Disease at Children's Hospital
- Find Me Gluten Free App and Website Free and paid versions of app. Helpful in finding restaurants.
- The Gluten Free Scanner App Free and paid versions of app. Helpful in determining if grocery store items are gluten free.
