What Gluten-Free Really Means

The Gluten Free Bible

I discovered (though months of painful trial and error) that the thing in all the foods that was making me sick was something called gluten, and I started avoiding all the foods that this was in. Or so I thought!

Every now and then, I’d start experiencing the same symptoms as before, and have to go and search through everything I had eaten. To make this easier, I started writing down everything I ate, so I could accurately go back and check.

And would you believe, every time there was something with gluten lurking in it. I couldn’t believe how often I made these simple mistakes.

But I digress. Moving on… so the good news was that by writing everything down told me that it wasn’t in my head, and something was actually causing my real symptoms!

Click this link to read the full story http://vur.me/toptrump/GFCL

Lee Valley Country Show

Our first shows of the season have come and gone! A new show at Stadsett Park, West Norfolk, which was ok for a first show was quite small and inclement weather did not help. With the same organizer we then went to Framlinham, Suffolk. In the grounds of Framlingham School, overlooked by the Castle and next to the lake it is no wonder the organizers see this as their flagship show and is presumably from where they take their name, Quintissentially English!
This Easter week end sees us at Lee Valley Country Show near Waltham Cross. The weather for Easter Sunday is due to be awful! So no change there then. Hope to see you on monday! Do come and try our gluten and wheat free award winning fudge and say hello.
See you there! Anna

Coeliac Disease

If you have ever been diagnosed with Coeliac Disease and are already following a vegetarian diet, or are thinking of including some more vegetarian meals as part of a healthy diet, read on. There are a few pitfalls for you if you include any ready meals, as they may contain gluten.
Fresh is usually best and this is especially true for Coeliac's who will discover that most if not all of the processed food they have been enjoying is actually harming their intestines. A simple blood test will point out to your doctor if you are showing any of the many symptoms which can manifest themselves with this problem.
My daughter has followed a vegetarian diet for more than 25 years including many processed non-meat products and her absolute favourite of filled pasta shells. After the birth of her second child, she asked her doctor to give her a blood test, due to her lack of energy and general tiredness. The protein in her blood was very high and a test at the hospital confirmed she had Coeliac Disease.
By cutting out pre-packed meals and following a gluten-free diet, her symptoms cleared up within a short time. She has lots more energy and looks so much healthier, she now includes plenty of fresh food, and together we have come up with a number of great recipes substituting lentils for the filling in any meat-free meals.
You don't need to suffer from wheat or gluten intolerance to enjoy a healthier diet, try making your own tomato sauce to go with pasta, it will cost you less than buying a jar of sauce and is better for you, plus it tastes great.
Here are a few suggestions to help you with your weekly shopping.

• fresh fruit and vegetables - no need to read the labels here
• fresh fish, beware if it's breaded
• unsalted butter, cream, and free-range eggs
• rice, sunflower seeds, flax, rice flour, chickpeas and corn flour
• many cheeses, yoghurt, cottage cheese and milk

There are now many items on the shelves at all the main supermarkets aimed at people with gluten intolerance, if you are a busy person without any time to make your own bread you may find it fairly tasteless. Bread makers are great, you will have your money back within a short time, as gluten-free bread is very expensive to buy too.
A good tip is to check on-line if you have been diagnosed with Coeliac Disease as there is help available in the United Kingdom to subsidise some of your weekly shop.
There are many symptoms relating to wheat intolerance, our daughter's was highlighted due to anaemia, but if you have ongoing fatigue or depression it may be worth while talking to your doctor about it. Other symptoms may well be diarrhea, weight loss or mouth ulcers, it's always better to have these things looked at by a doctor, rather than diagnosing yourself via the internet.


Article Source: Susan Henderson