Celiac Disease and Gluten-Free Food

By Dan Nygard
Staff Writer

For this installment of Food-O-Pedia, I wanted to focus on Celiac Disease and Gluten-free food; considering I know absolutely nothing about either subject, I called Stephanie Engel of Sydney’s Health Market. A little background: Engel’s daughter, Sydney, was born with Celiac Disease; at the time, this area did not have any shops that focused on gluten-free products. So, with the zeal a concerned parent can bring to any undertaking, Ms Engel founded Sydney’s Health Market. And trust me: if you have a question concerning a gluten-free lifestyle, she is the person to talk to.

Celiac Disease is an inheritated autoimmune disease. In order to develop Celiac Disease, you must have the gene, you must be consuming gluten, and you must have a trigger/stressor to activate it. Celiac Disease affects the absorption of foods in the small intestine. Celiac Disease is a lifelong, permanent disease. Once diagnosed, if gluten is consumed, damage will be done in the small intestine, even if no symptoms are present. If left untreated, malnutrition will occur.

Gluten is the protein found in wheat, although it is lumped together to also include the proteins in rye, barley and contaminated oats.

The most obvious gluten-containing foods are breads, pastas, crackers, cereals. Then some items that may not be as obvious would be condensed soups and snacks. Gluten can also be hidden in foods such as salad dressings, sauces(soy sauce contains wheat), and marinades.

There are many more gluten-free foods than gluten-containing foods. Fruits, vegetables, meats, and rice are all gluten free. Whole grains such as quinoa, teff, millet, sorghum, buckwheat and amaranth are used in gluten-free baking. Sydney’s Health Market carries many gluten-free flours, including all-purpose flours that can be used as a cup-for-cup replacement in “grandma’s” recipe.

There is much misconception about “gluten.” There are degrees of severity, ranging from allergies to disease. Someone may have a wheat allergy, someone could have a gluten intolerance or another could be diagnosed with Celiac Disease. Those with allergies have a different response when they digest that allergy. One with an intolerance could eat some gluten and might have a reaction. Those diagnosed with Celiac Disease cannot EVER eat gluten without damaging the small intestine.


As for daily life or eating out, gluten (or any food sensitiviy) does not have to make eating out impossible. It can be challenging, but if you are aware of the options available, you are able to make informed choices. Many restarants offer allergy-free options. Baked potatoes are generally safe, as are grilled chicken, salmon, and steak.

Being diagnosed with any food sensitivity, whether is it Celiac Disease or anything else, will affect your daily life. We live in a society where most social functions involve food. You may choose to bring your own food or eat before attending. Birthday parties for young children may seem to be a hindrance, but children can take their own cupcakes or pizzas. Planning ahead is the key.

Is gluten-free also organic? GF means food that does not contain wheat, rye, barley, and contaminated oats. Organic is the label stating the product is produced without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisms, or ionizing radiation. Many products can be both, but they are certainly not the same.

Education is the key to understanding celiac disease. Those whose lives are impacted by someone with celiac disease are those that are best to educate others about Celiac Disease. Someone who deals with the gluten-free diet daily will have a better understanding and empathy when talking with others. Anyone who appears to be different to others will face some scrutiny. But there is always a silver lining. It’s just about eating the right food for you!

Is there anything you’d like to see in Food-O-Pedia? Drop me a line, please. (I need ideas!) .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

If You Go

What: Sydney’s Health Market
Where: 810 30th Ave S, Moorhead
When: MF 9-7; Sat 9-5; Sun 12-4
Info: 218.233.3310