For those with celiac disease, group gatherings can be especially difficult. With the upcoming Memorial Day holiday approaching, Americans are sure to have gatherings or dinners with gluten-free foods. Today, we are sharing tips and tricks for having a celiac disease approved holiday.
Foods and drinks to avoid:
For classic, outdoorsy families, this coming Memorial Day barbecue will have foods practically stuffed with gluten. The good ole American hot dog is just a prime example. Just about every cookout has hot dogs, hamburgers, macaroni and cheese, buns, rolls, and more.
Now for ribs, steaks, and chicken, it is best to read the seasoning labels as there may be traces of gluten. Rubs and breadcrumbs often have gluten just the same. Another thing to keep in mind is the method the cook is using.
Any meat or gluten-free bread which touches a surface where gluten has been present may pose a threat. For anyone with allergies or intolerances, this is known, but with the entertainment and chaos of events, this major detail can innocently be overlooked.
Check out what is inside the pitchers and punch bowls. For anyone with allergies or intolerances, this is usually a given, but it is better to be redundant than sorry. Some tea blends have gluten-based flavors or barley malt as sweetener.
Most commercial beers, unless labeled otherwise, are most likely not gluten-free. Whiskey, bourbon, and scotch are also made from gluten grains.
Distillation processes used to make these beverages generally safe to consume. But doctors still strongly recommend them to be avoided as people with celiac disease experience adverse reactions.
Gluten-free foods and drinks to choose from:
If you must make a drink or two this holiday or upcoming summer months, opt for a potato vodka, rum, or tequila. Tito’s vodka is also gluten-free and is found in almost every party.
Wine is naturally gluten-free as it is made from grapes. However, some wines have added flavorings or colorings which are not gluten-free. Most wine coolers are not safe for people with celiac disease.
Coca-cola, Coke Zero Sugar, Diet Coke, Fresca soda, Fanta soda, Sprite, Minute Maid, and many other Coca-cola Co. products are gluten-free and safe to drink. To be approved as gluten-free, the FDA says foods or drinks must contain than twenty parts per million of gluten.
These foods are not okay for people with celiac disease. Families looking to host those with celiac disease may prepare ahead of time. Doing a few simple web can prove to be helpful.
Nowadays, things have gotten a bit easier for gluten intolerances and those with celiac disease. There are gluten-free breads, burger bun, and hotdog bun options. Macaroni and cheese can be made with gluten-free macaroni and breadcrumbs.
Be aware of mashed potatoes that are not homemade. Most homemade mashed potatoes do not contain gluten, but ask to be sure. Sometimes people add flour to thicken the consistency.
What is celiac disease:
While some Americans choose to adhere to a gluten-free diet, others do not have the option to start eating gluten again. People with celiac disease cannot eat or drink gluten without their bodies having reactions of different varieties and severities.
If you have celiac disease, eating gluten triggers an immune response in your small intestine’s lining. This prevents malabsorption which is when your body cannot absorb all the nutrients from the food it consumes. In children specifically, malabsorption can affect growth and development.
While there is no cure for celiac disease, following a strict gluten-free diet can tremendously manage symptoms and promote intestinal healing.
Symptoms of celiac disease:
People with celiac disease experience diarrhea, bloating, and gas. They unfortunately can feel fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Lastly, they can experience weight loss and constipation.
More than half the adults diagnosed with celiac disease have signs and symptoms unrelated to the digestive system. Many adults get mouth ulcers, skin rashes, joint pain, loss of bone density, and anemia.
If any of these signs or symptoms sound familiar to you and your experiences, please do not hesitate to come in for a visit. We are more than happy to give you good news of no celiac disease or promptly get ahold of your symptoms.
Thank you for stopping by, and be aware of the foods to avoid for a gluten-free, enjoyable holiday. Have a great Memorial Day!
Staff Writer