Thanks to one of my readers, a link to the Celiac.com website was shared with me. After I visited it, I became aware of at least three interesting facts I’d like to share. I definitely believe there are people who genuinely suffer from Celiac Disease and gluten issues. I DON’T believe we should all stop eating wheat – simply because of the ridiculous claims that are being reported through our media sources.
- Celiac Disease is hereditary.
Celiac disease, also known as gluten intolerance, is a genetic disorder that affects at least 1 in 133 Americans. Symptoms of celiac disease can range from the classic features, such as diarrhea, weight loss, and malnutrition, to latent symptoms such as isolated nutrient deficiencies but no gastrointestinal symptoms.
2. There is clearly a difference between Celiac Disease and Gluten sensitivities. They are defined as “non-celiac” and “celiac gluten sensitivity”.
3. Catering to gluten-free diets is BIG BUSINESS!
$6.1bn spent 2011 on gluten-free foods in the USA—and a 30% growth from 2006 to 2010 in Canada to $2.64bn—indicate “Big Business” complete with the risk of missed, omitted, and mis-information for the goal of promoting greater consumption of gluten-free processed foods.
According to this CNBC.com article published on May 20, 2011, titled Gluten-free Foods Paying Off Big:
“Gluten-free ingredients can be pricey — Kupper estimates a gluten-free product can cost two to three-times more than regular items — but that has yet to dent their growth.
In 2010, gluten-free foods racked up $2.5 billion in global sales, accounting for more than a quarter of all food-intolerance purchases, according to Euromonitor International.”
I am not entirely sure what your point is here.
I have a brother in-law who has celiac disease and has benefited mightily from the increased availability of good gluten free products. That puts a dent in wheat sales, I realized, but there are a lot of people who need to eat this way. Rapid growth in global sales goes with the relatively recent realization of the extent of the problem. I suppose there may be some to many who buy without need (we do, we like Quinoa pasta), but what’s the beef with that? At least I infer you have a beef from your “need I say more” comment.
No, I don’t have a beef with the gluten-free products readily available to those who NEED it. What I have a problem with is the vicious circle I see with big money catering to gluten free diets and the untrue statements being placed directly in front of us about how “poisonous” wheat is. What does that tell the general public who choose NOT to educate themselves about wheat and it’s benefits and the lies that are being told? It tells them they shouldn’t eat wheat and here…let’s make it easier for you NOT to eat it. That’s how I see it. I realize this is MY opinion and I respect you for yours! Thank you so much for your comment!
One of the things that I just love is that fact that just because the label says gluten free does not mean gluten free.
“I DON’T believe we should all stop eating wheat – simply because of the ridiculous claims that are being reported through our media sources.” I agree
I did a google search on gluten-free products and found they’re not as healthy for you as one would think – they’re FULL of sugar. I just hope people who are so quick to take one person’s word about the “poisons” of wheat do their research BEFORE kicking wheat to the curb!
I am writing this quickly without time to look up my source but I remember reading somewhere that eating a gluten free diet with being allergic to glutens is not good for you and can impair efforts of weightloss. I loved both of your last two blogs. What happened to taking ownership of our bad habits instead of trying to blame others. I don’t think that little grain of wheat is the cause of ones muffin top. A big soda or a sugar filled latte and a donut might be to blame. Keep up the good work!!!!!!
I meant without being allergic to glutens.. I told you I was in a hurry.
This one is good: http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/celiac-disease/features/gluten-intolerance-against-grain
You’ll have to let me know if you come across the one you were reading. Thank you for the positive feedback! Doesn’t it just make sense that someone cutting down or out the products that include wheat would inevitably cause weight loss? Just think of all the products that have wheat in them. If you stop eating bread, donuts and cakes (or minimize the intake) it’s going to promote weight loss? Common sense, people…common sense! You’re spot on, Diane!!
The moment I see the word “diet” in regards to weight loss, I think unhealthy unless there is a medical reason.
I couldn’t agree with you more!