Only about 1% of the population has celiac disease (a serious autoimmune condition whereby gluten protein causes the body to attack itself) and 0.4% of Americans have a true allergy to wheat. However, a whopping 18 million Americans have a non-specific sensitivity to gluten (usually related to the digestive tract).

GF Controversy

There has been some debate about the recent rise in people opting for Gluten Free (GF) lifestyles. Many people who have no medical issues with the substance have chosen to jump on the GF bandwagon, equating GF with better overall health. This may not necessarily be the case. While some wellness experts assert that limiting gluten consumption is best for everyone, many medical professionals argue that a GF diet can lack fibre and other essential dietary components and simply isn’t necessary unless you’ve been diagnosed with one of the three aforementioned conditions. Controversy aside, people are free to eat what they wish so whether you have celiac, a sensitivity, a wheat allergy or just wish to evade the hotly contended substance, luckily more and more GF products are becoming available.

Types of GF Flour

• Rice flour has a great consistency that mimics standard flour better than some of the others on the list, but it is not as healthy as quinoa or brown rice flour.
• Brown rice flour is healthier because it has more fibre than white rice flour and can be used for virtually anything standard flour can be used for.
• Spelt flour is great for pizza crusts, and can also fully substitute traditional flour in a baking recipe.
• Quinoa flour is one of the more nutritious options; it has a natural ‘nutty’ flavour and can be completely substituted in baking recipes.
• Soy flour is especially good for thickening up gravies and other sauces.
• Coconut flour is high in fibre, protein and low in fat. It also provides a nice taste to baked goods and is a favored GF flour.
• Almond flour is great for coating meat for frying, also good for about 1/4^th of the flour requirement for a baked goods recipe (can be combined with other flours).

* Many of these flours make up great gluten-free pastas as well, such as brown rice (one of our favourites), rice and quinoa!

GF Shopping

There are great gluten free companies out there such as Glutino who make virtually anything you can think of gluten free such as: pizza, hot dog buns, bagels (including whole grain), frozen macaroni and cheese, cinnamon buns, blueberry muffins, cookies, pretzels and the list goes on.

Major Brands With GF Products:

• Breton’s Crackers
• Kellogg’s
• Club House
• General Mills
• Dole
• Snyder’s
• Maple Leaf

Restaurants That Feature GF Options

You may have to pay a little more for gluten free food items, but most popular restaurants now offer GF menu options. Just a few of the major chains that have recently added GF menus are:

• Subway
• Arby’s
• Austin Grill
• Pizza Hut
• Duffy’s
• Joe’s Crab Shack
• The Keg
• Naked Pizza
• Popeye’s Chicken

The options are boundless and only continuing to grow with so many people going gluten free, which is certainly great for those with allergies and celiac as they have many more product choices now because of such high demand. Thanks for visiting DocChat! If you have any questions about celiac or gluten allergy symptoms, feel free to sign up today and try a videoconference with one of our highly qualified physicians!