Gluten-Free Information

May is Celiac Awareness Month, and gluten is a pretty sticky subject these days. Sometimes, it can seem like everyone and their dog has stopped eating the pesky protein, whether it's because of an allergy, for the alleged health benefits, or as part of the latest fad diet - but celiac disease and gluten intolerance arevery serious issues. The question is... How Do I Know I Should Ditch Gluten?  The symptoms of an intolerance to gluten, be it celiac disease or a mild sensitivity, can be wide ranging. 9 signs you may have a gluten allergy How gluten can affect your skin The unusual symptoms of celiac disease in children 3 ways to test yourself for gluten sensitivity Is It Hard to Go Gluten-Free?  It can be daunting, but the world is much friendlier to gluten-free folks than it ever has been. Your complete guide to gluten-free cooking Is "gluten-free" food actually gluten-free? What you can eat on a gluten-free diet 9 sneaky sources of gluten How and where to shop gluten-free But Can I Have  Of course! A diagnosis of celiac disease or gluten sensitivity doesn't need to damage your leisure time. After all: There are plenty of gluten-free wines, whiskeys, vodkas, and beers Many companies offer a variety of perfectly safe candies and chocolates There's practically no end to the gluten-free pizza recipes you can try Countless restaurants (and even fast food joints) are becoming more sensitive to the issue Should I Stop Eating Gluten If I Don't Have To?  It's not a bad idea to go without gluten for a month to find out if you have an undiagnosed sensitivity. However, if you aren't sensitive to gluten, there's no real need to stop eating it. Some people experience vitamin deficiencies when they cut their gluten intake While others find themselves choosing more nutritious foodsand losing a surprising amount of weight For those who aren't sensitive to gluten, in the end, eliminating it will also eliminate a lot of potentially unhealthy, high-calorie foods like pizza and cake - but replacing them with equally high-calorie substitutes will stall any chances of weight loss or improved health. Ultimately, eating mindfully and choosing high quality, nutritious food should be the first step toward a healthier lifestyle.