Have You Gone Gluten Free?

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Have you or someone you know given up on gluten?  ER-DOX is here to tell you all you need to know about gluten and a gluten free diet!

Gluten is one of the main proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye.  Gluten is what allows dough to rise when yeast is used.  Gluten free baked goods tend to be denser and heavier because its absence prevents the dough from rising and becoming light and airy.  However more and more people are choosing a gluten free lifestyle for diet and health concerns.

Typically people who go gluten free do so because of celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and/or a wheat allergy.  Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder whereby gluten that is eaten triggers the body to attack its own intestines.  It’s a difficult disease to diagnose in that its symptoms are sometimes mistaken for other stomach ailments.  People with a wheat allergy do not necessarily have to avoid gluten, but may choose to do so in order to avoid wheat contamination.  Some people who are gluten sensitive do not have celiac but may experience a host of symptoms when they ingest gluten, such as migraines, bloating, or diarrhea.

More and more stores and restaurants offer gluten free options, so a gluten free lifestyle has become easier to maintain.  What’s important to note is that people who suffer from celiac cannot ingest even the tiniest amount of gluten since it will trigger an attack and damage to their intestines.  That means that they cannot share a toaster with someone who toasts bread with gluten in it.  They cannot share a colander with someone who drains their pasta with gluten in it.  A person with celiac can’t eat food that’s been touched by someone who was just handling food that contains gluten for fear of cross contamination.  Be sensitive to those who eat gluten free!

Share with us on Facebook or Twitter if you are gluten free!  We would love to hear your favorite recipes!  And be sure to visit our new Gluten Free Pinterest board!

The information provided on our blog is not meant to replace the care or guidance of your medical provider.  If you have specific questions please call or see your professional health care provider.

 

Allergy Season on Long Island is Approaching

Photo credit http://www.sxc.hu/profile/hirekatsu

Some of us can’t wait to see all the trees in full bloom, with bright green leaves swaying in the breeze.  But for others, this sight signifies allergy suffering.

Flu season is barely over, but with warmer weather starting to move in many allergy sufferers on Long Island will begin to feel the effects!  The American College on Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology published this article discussing little known facts about allergies and allergy seasons.  One of the facts they point out is that every year we hear it will be the “worst allergy season ever” and that might be true.  Pollen counts are rising every year due to a number of factors, including environmental changes.

It’s best to be proactive about allergy relief, rather than reactive.  Begin treating your allergies before symptoms set in.  Starting your allergy medication about two weeks prior to when your allergies typically kick in can help ease the effects of your allergy triggers.

ER-DOX is here to answer your allergy related questions and treat your allergy symptoms – no appointment necessary!  Let us know, do you find your allergy symptoms are worsening each year?  Share on Facebook.

The information provided on our blog is not meant to replace the care or guidance of your medical provider.  If you have specific questions please call or see your professional health care provider.