Gluten Free Living

What is Gluten? Gluten is the protein found in wheat, barley and rye.

Does it matter if the flour is organic? No. It is gluten, no matter if the source is organic or not.

How long does it take to get gluten totally out of a person’s system? 4 to 6 months of complete gluten removal (including medications and toothpaste).

Where is gluten found?
Bread Cake
Some alcohol Some sauce thickeners
Lotions Cereal
Donuts Bouillon
Pasta Flour
Some vinegars Lip balms
Medicines Vitamins

What about Oats?
Yes and no. They do not contain gluten on their own, but are most often grown/processed with wheat, which then taints them with gluten. Most people recommend waiting 6-12 months after starting a gluten free diet to add gluten free oats back in (verifying the source).

Does a healthy diet require grains to be healthy?
Yes and No:
A balanced diet includes fiber and carbohydrates. Gluten containing grains are not necessary for this. Rice, corn, potatoes, fruits and vegetables also contain fiber and carbohydrates

Sauces and boxed rice mix are commonly thickened with gluten as are many meat, chili, and seasoning mixes. In addition, most broths and bouillons contain gluten and MSG, so check the package or make your own so you can be aware of the amount you are consuming.

When it comes to soups, stocks and broths, check labels very carefully, or make your own, it can easily be done in a crock pot while you are doing other things (often primarily from leftovers and extras- meat/poultry bones) and frozen in 1 cup servings.