Gluten-free: fact or fiction?

Dear Reader

Finding out that you, or a loved one has to eat Gluten Free from now on, is an overwhelming experience!

I fully understand. My husband was diagnosed with Coeliac disease in 2009. After the initial shock I consulted ‘Dr’ Google and any other resources I could find. It was very disappointing! A lot of the information I needed, could only be bought at a price. Hence this blog.

This blog is to share info, recipes and advice, for all of us.

‘Gluten free’ is actually a misnomer. To be able to advertise a product as ‘gluten free’, South African law requires 20 units per million or less, which still seems like a LOT to me. One can actually be exposed to gluten with so-called ‘gluten free’ products.

As a sufferer of Coeliac disease, after exposure to even such tiny amounts of gluten, one’s gut also becomes leaky and one becomes prone to cross allergies e.g. to sulphites (found in wine, grape juice, dried fruit, etc) or lactose (mostly dairy products).

Luckily there is a growing awareness of gluten allergies, and more truly gluten free products are reaching the shelves. The labelling of products is also improving. When in doubt, you can always call the manufacturer on their help line, to ask whether ingredients containing gluten have been used or not.

However, BEWARE! Recipes change and just because your favourite spice or sausage was gluten free in the past, does not mean it is today.

Woolworths for instance, have been extremely helpful, sending me an extensive list of all their gluten free products, when requested. Even so, even Woolworths advise caution, as their gluten sensitive meal plan may not be suitable if you need to be eating gluten free and their recipes may have changed even before this blog is published.

In the future I will pass on lists I have received, recipes and practical tips and invite you to contribute your own recipes, tips and comments for the well-being of everyone with gluten allergies.

Regards

Angie