Gluten-Free

Going gluten-free seems to be all the rage these days. I end up learning a lot about diet trends when ordering the cookbooks for the Faulk Central Library and gluten-free cookbooks have just exploded over recent years. While it is a trend right now, those with celiac disease have a real need to avoid all gluten for the sake of their health. However, there have also been a number of articles I've read recently about gluten sensitivities. It has been argued that many people may be sensitive to gluten and by avoiding it they will feel much better. Others have argued that avoiding gluten can help cure or relieve various diseases. The research behind avoding gluten for the relief of various diseases isn't really there, but it's absolutely true that many report giving up gluten and, as a result, feel great.

I have struggled with stomach sensitivities my entire life and as I've gotten older they have become much worse. This is one of the only things I haven't tried and I think I'm going to take the plunge next week and go gluten-free! Everything I've read suggests that simply trying to go gluten-free for an entire week should let you know whether or not your sensitive to gluten and could benefit by avoiding it. Of course, I'm relying on Austin Public Library for my information needs during this difficult time. Here's a list of websites and books you can use to research what it takes to go gluten-free and read up on the potential benefits:

BOOKS

Complete Gluten-free Diet & Nutrition Guide: With a 30-day Meal Plan & Over 100 Recipes

Gluten-free Baking Classics

Gluten-free Girl and the Chef: A Love Story With 100 Tempting Recipes

Living Gluten-free For Dummies

Paleo Comfort Foods: Homestyle Cooking For a Gluten-free Kitchen
The Paleo diet is much more than just a gluten-free diet, but any recipes for a Paleo diet work for those who are gluten-free as well.

What Nurses Know-- Gluten-free Lifestyle

Wheat Belly: Lose the Wheat, Lose the Weight, and Find Your Path Back To Health

WEBSITES

Celiac Disease, Medline Plus

Gluten-free Diet, MayoClinic.com
The Mayo Clinic's website is a well-respected health resource and this is an excellent brief, but to-the-point article on what a gluten-free diet entails.

Gluten-free Diet Guide for Families, Children's Digestive Health and Nutrition Foundation

Gluten Sensitivity, Gluten Intolerance Group
A brief, informative article on gluten sensitivity. There isn't really a test for gluten sensitivity - the only way to know if you're sensitive is to avoid gluten and see how you feel.

Restaurant Dining: Seven Tips for Staying Gluten-free, Gluten Intolerance Group

Should You Go On a Gluten-free Diet?, Oprah.com
Oprah has certainly fueled the going gluten-free craze.

Traveling With Celiac Disease, NIDDK