gluten-free articles

This year was chock-full of news, innovation, nutrition updates and more for the gluten-free community. In celebration of 2017, Gluten-Free Living is looking back at the year’s most-read stories and serving up the developments and information you found most helpful and useful.

1. Chick-fil-A Adds Gluten-Free Bun

After successful tests in three states in 2016, Chick-fil-A added a gluten-free bun to its menu nationwide on June 19. Made from a blend of ancient grains, the certified gluten-free bun is individually wrapped, stored frozen and costs an additional $1.15. Read the story>>

2. 6 Gluten-Free Meal-Delivery Services

As more people continue to adopt the gluten-free diet, a growing number of companies are delivering fresh or frozen gluten-free meals. In December, we published an updated roundup of meal-delivery services with gluten-free options, including menu information, cost and meal plan details. Check out the list>>

3. Top 10 Gluten-Free Apps

Your smartphone or tablet is an amazing portal to easily find all things gluten free. Whether you need to check if a product or ingredient in the grocery store contains gluten, find a reputable gluten-free restaurant or need to communicate your gluten-free requirements in another language, these user-friendly apps make it possible. Get the lowdown on these 10 apps>>

4. What Is Gluten Sensitivity?

After many years of being ignored by the medical community, gluten intolerance has been recognized as a real condition. In fact, gluten sensitivity has its own category in a list of gluten-related disorders created by a group of international celiac experts. Learn more about gluten sensitivity and how it differs from celiac>>

5. Eating Out Gluten Free

Dining out with family and friends—whether at a restaurant or someone else’s home—is a central part of living a happy and healthy gluten-free life. Yes, it does present challenges, but nothing should stop you from eating out gluten free. Use these tips to make the most of your night out>>

For all the tools, tips and mouthwatering recipes you need to live and thrive gluten free, visit Gluten-Free Living.

For those who need to go gluten free after being diagnosed with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, it can be overwhelming. After all, it entails one to adopt considerable lifestyle changes. While it is a relief to finally learn the cause of the symptoms that have plagued you for years, now comes the hard part—the research. Following a gluten-free diet is the only treatment for these autoimmune disorders because there is no cure; food—the right food—is the only medicine.

Learning about gluten is the first of many steps as you go gluten free. This process takes time and patience because the answers are sometimes complicated. Anything that touches your lips or goes in your mouth must be gluten free, including medicine, makeup (lip gloss, lipstick, etc.), mouthwash, toothpaste, alcohol and, of course, food.

There is no magic formula for transitioning to a gluten-free lifestyle, but there are a number of ways to tackle it head on and put you in the driver’s seat, feeling empowered and in control. Here are five tips to help you go gluten free:

Consult with a knowledgeable dietitian to address vitamin deficiencies, learn about nutritious gluten-free
grains and ingredients, and find out how to maintain a healthy weight.
Learn about gluten, how to read labels and shop, and how to communicate your dietary needs to servers,
co-workers, friends and family.
Adhere to a strict gluten-free diet—without cheating—or risk more medical issues down the road.
Join a local support group, because socializing with others who have the same or similar issues allows you
to feel included and less isolated. It is also a great way to make friends, learn about gluten-free-friendly restaurants and get the scoop on the best places to grocery shop.
Follow up annually with a gastroenterologist and dietitian to keep your health on track. Vitamin deficiencies need to be monitored, and any other health issues should be addressed.

Reliable Resources

National support groups host the best websites for research. These sites work to bring timely and accurate information to the gluten-free community, and they don’t perpetuate myths and misinformation. They work with the medical community to address new research and trends as well as advocate for the gluten-free community.

Canadian Celiac Association (celiac.ca) is dedicated to providing services and support to those with celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis through awareness, advocacy and educational programs.
Celiac Disease Foundation (celiac.org) drives diagnosis and treatment of celiac disease through advocacy, education and advancing research to improve the quality of life for all people affected by gluten-related disorders.
Beyond Celiac (beyondceliac.org) has community outreach programs that aim to educate individuals, doctors and food service professionals while improving the quality of life for those diagnosed with celiac disease and other gluten-related disorders.
Gluten Intolerance Group, also known as GIG (gluten.org), provides support to those with gluten-related disorders through innovative industry, service, social and awareness programs.

You will come out of this transition a new person—one who is in control of your health for the first time in a long time. Things are looking up!

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