Gluten-Free

This is way Mama Vega*s Bistro offers gluten free products.

   A lifelong autoimmune intestinal disorder, found in individuals who are genetically susceptible. Damage to the mucosal surface of the small intestine is caused by an immunologically toxic reaction to the ingestion of gluten and interferes with the absorption of nutrients.   Celiac Disease (CD) is unique in that a specific food component, gluten, has been identified as the trigger.  Gluten is the common name for the offending proteins in specific cereal grains that are harmful to persons with CD.  These proteins are found in all forms of wheat (including durum, semolina, spelt, kamut, einkorn, and faro), and related grains, rye, barley, and triticale and must be eliminated.

Symptoms

Celiac Disease may appear at any time in a person's life. The disease can be triggered for the first time after surgery, viral infection, severe emotional stress, pregnancy or childbirth. CD is a multi-system, multi-symptom disorder. Symptoms are extremely varied and can often mimic other bowel disorders. Infants, toddlers, and children often exhibit growth failure, vomiting, bloated abdomen and behavioral changes.

Classic symptoms may include:

·         abdominal cramping, intestinal gas, distention and bloating

·         chronic diarrhea or constipation (or both)

·         steatorrhea  -- fatty stools

·         anemia - unexplained, due to folate, B12, B6, or iron deficiency (or all)

·         weight loss with large appetite, or weight gain

Other symptoms:

·         dental enamel defects

·         osteopenia, osteoporosis

·         bone or Joint pain

·         fatigue, weakness and lack of energy

·         infertility - male/female

·         depression

·         aphthous ulcers

Dermatitis Herpetiformis (DH) is skin manifestation of celiac disease characterized by blistering, intensely itchy skin. The rash has a symmetrical distribution and is most frequently found on the face, elbows, knees and buttocks.  DH patients can have gastrointestinal damage without perceptible symptoms.

Treatment

The only treatment for CD/DH is the lifelong adherence to gluten-free diet.  When gluten is removed from the diet, the small intestine will start to heal and overall health improves.  Medication is normally not required.  Because osteoporosis is common and may be profound in patients with newly diagnosed CD, bone density should be measured at or shortly after diagnosis.  Consult your physician regarding specific nutritional supplementation to correct any deficiencies.  The diagnosed celiac should have medical follow-up to monitor the clinical response to the gluten-free diet. Dietary compliance increases the quality of life and decreases the likelihood of osteoporosis, intestinal lymphoma and other associated illnesses.

Adapting to the gluten-free diet requires some lifestyle changes.  It is essential to read labels which are often imprecise, and to learn how to identify ingredients that may contain hidden gluten.  

Be aware that hidden gluten can be found in some unlikely foods such as: cold cuts, soups, hard candies, soy sauce, many low or non-fat products, even licorice and jelly beans. 

Potential harmful ingredients include:

·         unidentified starch

·         modified food starch

·         hydrolyzed vegetable protein - HVP

·         hydrolyzed plant protein - HPP

·         texturized vegetable protein - TVP

·         binders

·         fillers

·         excipients

·         extenders

·         malt