When you or a child in the family is diagnosed with gluten intolerance, there are many questions: How serious is it? What shall I eat? How do I know what contains gluten? How do I prepare gluten-free food?
Sensitivity in those who suffer from coeliac disease can vary, but the best thing is consistently to keep to a gluten-free diet and never be sloppy with food. After a while, it will become natural to eat food without gluten and most gluten intolerant people do not feel sick. In other words: You can live exactly as usual and enjoy good food - the only thing you need is a little planning.
Fundamental gluten facts
- Gluten is a protein which is present only in grains of wheat, rye, oats and barley.
- Gluten-free products are based on wheat starch, where the gluten protein is removed.
- Naturally gluten-free means that the product is made of a flour or ingredient that does not contain gluten, for example maize, potatoes or rice.
- As a gluten-intolerant person, it is easy for you not to get enough fibre since you can not eat bread baked from wheat, rye, barley or oat flours.
- If you are gluten-intolerant, eating food with gluten will damage the mucous membranes in the small bowel. The intestinal tissues become destroyed and the intestine's ability to take up and process nutrients such as iron and vitamins is diminished.
- It is important that you never be sloppy about your food. Even small amounts of gluten can damage the intestine.
- Coeliac disease (gluten intolerance) does not just go away. If you are gluten intolerant, you must keep to a gluten-free diet your entire life.
Tips for your friends
At first, it can be difficult for your friends to know what they should offer. That is why we have compiled some tips which make it easy for anyone wanting to invite you to a gluten-free coffee break or dinner.
- Remember that baking surfaces and equipment must be cleaned before you start any gluten-free baking.
- Remember to use gluten-free breadcrumbs when coating and when you line cake tins. (You can also line with flour mix or oven-roasted coconut.)
- When you prepare a sauce, remember to use gluten-free flour mix.
- If you offer both gluten-free and ordinary bread, it would be good to put out two dishes with sandwich margarine. Often, a few breadcrumbs will get stuck in the dish.
- If you get unexpected visitors, you can always offer a little ice cream or chocolate. Or why not try Finax Gluten-free Muffin Mix?