Gluten Intolerance

So I just called Gluten Escape (a gluten free bakery not too far from us) to find out how much a double layer 8-inch round cake would be... $35. Yeah, I think I will save $20 and just make it myself.

When Robbie and I first met and he told me he was gluten intolerant, I didn't even know what gluten was. Basically it's a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye that some people's bodies have a hard time processing. There are different types of gluten-related health issues, but the most well known is Celiac Disease where the consumption of gluten triggers an immune response in the body, especially in the lining of the small intestine. Some people with CD are so sensitive that if gluten even touches their skin they will break out in a rash! Here's a snippet from the Celiac Sprue Foundation's website about symptoms:

Common Complaints Include

Abdominal cramping/bloating Anemia Constipation Diarrhea Energy loss Fatigue Infertility

Irritable bowel Joint Pain Mouth sores or cracks in the corners Tooth enamel defects Weakness Weight loss

Common Nutrient Deficiencies in Celiacs

Minerals Calcium Copper Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Selenium Zinc

Vitamins Vitamin A, D, E, K Folic Acid Vitamin B 1,2, 3, 6, 9, 12 Vitamin C

I just thought it might be good to share this information because it is estimated that 1 in 133 people have Celiac Disease. Around 2 million people in the U.S. have it but don't even know because they've never been diagnosed!

Robbie has a different kind of gluten intolerance which was diagnosed back when he was in high school. His is neuropathic meaning that it affects his nervous system. When he has gluten (which is rare because we are so careful to check ingredients on EVERYTHING), it makes him feel lethargic, foggy headed, irritable, unable to focus, and impatient (all things that are not his personality at all!). When he was having gluten regularly before he was diagnosed, it made him feel depressed. After getting off gluten he felt hundreds of times better and his grades improved.

We know that there is a genetic component to it because his sister and her two sons are gluten intolerant (and we suspect his dad is too but he's too ornery to be diagnosed or change his eating habits haha). It's possible that our children will be gluten intolerant as well and sometimes I wonder how we will handle situations when our children will be exposed to gluten (ie. birthday parties, eating dinner at a friend's house, school lunches, etc). Understanding about gluten intolerance is on the rise and more and more stores/restaurants are offering gluten free alternatives of everyday foods.

One good thing that has come from Robbie's gluten intolerance is that it helps us to eat better. I hardly ever have junky snack foods around the house because so many of them have gluten in them. We eat a lot of brown rice, beans, veggies, fruits, etc. When we are wanting a sweet treat, the main flours I bake with are brown rice flour and almond meal.

Here's a link to my gluten free blog. I haven't added much to it but there are a few of my favorite recipes on there for you to check out!