If you or someone in your family suffers from celiac disease you're going to need to learn how to eat a gluten free diet, something that frankly can be a little difficult.
With many new gluten free products on the market it certainly isn't impossible but there are quite a few things you'll need to do however in order to make the switch.
With that in mind we put together this article to help you.
We hope you enjoy it and that it makes switching over a bit less difficult.
One of the first steps is to methodically go through your kitchen and get rid of anything that might have gluten in it.
There are obvious things like bread and there are some that aren't as obvious like cake mixes and some condiments.
For some this can be a very emotional time as they will be saying 'goodbye' to many foods that they enjoyed but, since celiac disease is very damaging to the human body, it is necessary.
Gluten has a nasty habit of finding its way into many different products and so one of the easiest ways to avoid it is to eat foods that are completely unprocessed.
We're talking about fruits, vegetables and meat that have not been processed in any way.
Beware of fruits and vegetables that have been prepared as sometimes the area where preparation is performed is the same area where other food products that contain gluten are prepared as well.
Once you've established a new basic diet in your home you can start experimenting with 'gluten free' products.
There is a slight danger with these products in that many of them, despite their labels saying they have no gluten, still actually contain some.
Depending on how sensitive you or your family member are to gluten even the smallest amount can sometimes be enough to cause symptoms.
An adult that suffers from celiac disease will quickly learn to be a food label expert, able to spot ingredients that contain gluten from a mile away.
Also, keep in mind that the label 'wheat free' does not always mean that a product is gluten free and, if you're going to use one of these products, make sure you test it first.
In our opinion it would probably be best to avoid any product that does not specifically say gluten free on the label.
One thing that many people who suffer from celiac disease overlook is the fact that many products that they use in their home that aren't food can contain gluten.
Products like toothpaste, soap, hair products, cosmetics, art supplies and even prescription medications can contain gluten and cause symptoms and reactions.
Check the labels and replace those products that do.
One last bit of advice is that, at least until you become an expert, you should avoid eating at restaurants because the risk of gluten being in your food is just too high.
Also, when you go to friends or relative's homes to eat you may want to bring your own food, as weird and uncomfortable as this might be at first.
We're quite sure that if they love and care about you, your friends and family will understand.
Here on our website will be bringing you lots more information on celiac disease, living gluten free and other tips and advice, so please bookmark our site and make sure to come back often.
See you then!