Going Gluten-Free: beyond the trend

by hawkinsholistic

BE WARNED: just cuz that cake is gluten-free does not mean it's healthy!

BE FOREWARNED: just because that cake is gluten-free, vegan, low-fat etc. does not mean it’s healthy!

When it comes to going gluten-free (GF), I recommend it for anyone who wants to live a healthy life full of vibrancy, energy & radiance (yes, you!). But for those suffering from serious or even minor health conditions, avoiding gluten is of particular importance, in fact, it can be a game changer.

Why is gluten so “bad”? Modern wheat is now incredibly over processed, and to our bodies, it’s a foreign substance. As such, our bodies react to it via body-wide inflammation and spiked blood sugar levels. It’s worth noting that inflammation is the predecessor to all disease.

Going gluten-free can relieve or correct the following conditions:

  • Chronic inflammation (arthritis, allergies, atherosclerosis)
  • Skin disorders (acne, eczema, psoriasis, rashes)
  • Digestive disturbances (constipation, gas, IBS)
  • Excess weight (especially around the abdomen)
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Fatigue and lethargy
  • Cognitive disorders (anxiety, depression, lack of concentration, mental fog)
  • Pain in general!

If you are experiencing any of the above, and wheat has been a mainstay in your diet, I recommend omitting gluten from your diet for 2 weeks to see if your symptoms improve.

The following grains are naturally gluten-free (i.e. safe to eat on a GF diet):

  • Millet
  • Quinoa
  • Rice (brown, white, wild)
  • Amaranth
  • Buckwheat
  • Sorghum
  • Teff
  • Oats labeled GF (although oats do not naturally contain gluten, they are frequently contaminated with gluten because they are processed at mills that also handle wheat; avoid them unless they come with a guarantee that they are gluten-free)

Omit:

  • Wheat
  • Wheat germ
  • Rye
  • Barley
  • Bulgur
  • Couscous
  • Farina
  • Graham flour
  • Kamut Matzo
  • Semolina
  • Spelt
  • Triticale

Gluten is sneaky! Watch out for breaded foods (e.g. tempura, some french fries), soy sauce, and beer, unless declared GF!

Some great gluten-free products are:

  • Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free oats
  • Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free muesli
  • Trader Joe’s Gluten Free oats
  • Glutenull bread products
  • Tinkyada rice pasta
  • Explore Asian bean pasta (bonus: it’s high in vegetarian protein)
  • Food Should Taste Good crackers
  • Bragg Liquid Aminos (use this in place of soy sauce)

And if you have a sweet tooth, Betty Crocker makes a great GF cake mix!

Going gluten-free, while it requires some initial adjustment, is absolutely doable. If you need guidance, support and advice as you undergo dietary & lifestyle changes, contact me at hawkinsholistic@gmail.com.

Naturally yours,

Sarah Hawkins, RHN