When explaining what eating Gluten Free is to people you often hear myths about what eating gluten free means. Here are some of the myths we wondered about when we were beginning to eat gluten free and have come up when explaining what eating gluten free is.
Gluten Free Myth 1:
Being in the same room as bread will make you sick (False).
- Being in the same room as a slice of bread will not contaminate you with gluten. Forcing those around you to eat a gluten free is not necessary if you are careful to avoid accidental cross contamination.
Misconceptions about eating gluten free are very common. Being treated like being around bread will cause an anaphylactic reaction is one of those misconceptions. The most memorable example I have of this is shortly after I had been diagnosed as a celiac. We had gone out for dinner with my in-laws. While waiting for our meal, the server brought a basket of bread sitting it down on the table next to me. My father-in-law quickly reached across the table to grab it and move it away from me so that I would not get sick. He was trying so hard to be kind and look out for me but was completely uninformed at the time about what eating gluten free meant.
Gluten Free Myth 2:
Touching a piece of bread will cause gluten contamination (False)
- Touching a gluten containing product will not cause gluten contamination, contamination can only occur by ingestion. However cross contamination from crumbs from non-gluten free food is a real risk. Take care when handling gluten containing products and then preparing or handling gluten free products. Preparing the gluten free meal first or in a separate area are the best ways to avoid accidental cross contamination.
Gluten Free Myth 3:
Begin celiac is a gluten allergy (False).
- Explaining celiac disease as an allergy is often the easiest way to explain the importance of a request for a gluten free meal. But technically celiac disease is an auto immune condition and not an allergy. Celiac disease is a condition where the lining of the small intestine is damaged by gluten protein blocking the absorption of nutrients. Celiac disease is often linked to other auto immune disorders. Celiac disease is a genetic condition that is commonly found in several member of the same family. If you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with celiac disease, it is a good practice to get tested even if no symptoms are present, potentially reducing damage to the small intestine and future health complications.
Gluten Free Myth 4:
Eating gluten free healthy for everyone (False).
- Despite food trends eating gluten free is not for everyone, but critical for those that have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. If you do not have a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease a gluten free diet may not benefit you.
Gluten Free Myth 5:
You can cheat occasionally on a gluten free diet (False).
- Cheating is not an option with a gluten free diet, even accidental cross-contamination can have serious side effects.
Summary
Myths around eating gluten free continue to develop as different diet trends come and go. But, for those of us with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance eating gluten free is more than a diet it is a way of life. If you are just beginning your gluten free life check out our 5 Incredibly Easy Gluten Free for Dummies Tips to hear some of the life hacks that have helped us eat gluten free.
Have you heard other myths (true or false) about eating gluten free? Let us know in the comments.
[…] First off, many of the basics staples that you already have in your cupboard are gluten free and require no change. Take comfort in that you do not need to empty all your cupboards and start from scratch. However, there are some thing that you will need to get rid of as they are not gluten free. If only part of you household is eating GF this can be a challenge. If possible, I would encourage you to have your entire household eat gluten free for two reasons; one it reduces the risk of cross contamination, and secondly it reduces the temptation to cheat and break the diet. The GF diet is not one that you can cheat occasionally an get away with, more on this HERE. […]