The Rise of Gluten-Free Foods

Gluten-free wraps are one of several foods to help you with food sensitivity.

 

Gluten-Free Foods Don't Have to Taste Awful | 310-322-7357

Gluten-Free Wraps and Celiac Awareness

More and more people nowadays are realizing that they suffer from gluten-sensitivity. The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) states that research suggests around 18 million Americans have some level of gluten-sensitivity, even if they are not Celiac. Non-Celiac gluten-sensitivity means that you may have unpleasant symptoms such as headaches, 'brain-fog' and joint pain, as well as the more obvious stomach and digestive problems including bloating and discomfort.

Even though being gluten-sensitive rather than Celiac means you're unlikely to develop intestinal damage or worsening long-term conditions as a result of eating gluten, increasing numbers of people are choosing to limit or remove gluten from their diet in order to improve their health and well-being, removing the symptoms they experience when eating gluten-heavy foods like pasta, pizza and bread.
So if you already know or suspect you're gluten-sensitive, what foods have you replaced in your diet? Gluten is found in many grains such as barley, wheat and rye which renders supermarket bread, pasta, couscous, pizza bases, cakes and other treats unsuitable for gluten-free diets. This means people suffering from gluten-sensitivity often find themselves having to completely overhaul their store cupboard and their daily food routine. Anything you previously made with normal wheat flour is off the menu. Although many healthy and delicious foods are naturally gluten free such as beans, nuts, seeds, eggs, fruit, vegetables and dairy products, it can be time consuming and frustrating to feel that you have to cook from scratch three times a day, and can quickly run out of ideas.

The Good News About Gluten-Free Flatbreads

The great news for sufferers is that there is an ever-increasing range of gluten-free foods available such as gluten-free wraps, flatbreads, pizza crusts and more. The gluten free food industry is burgeoning due to the sheer numbers of people experimenting with gluten-free diets, so the demand has risen exponentially in recent years.

Market research group NPD found in 2014 that almost a third of US adults are trying to cut back on gluten or completely eliminate it from their diets, and the industry is said to be worth well over $4 billion and growing all the time. As a result, the range of gluten-free foods is impressive and can make life easier for days when a healthy quick-fix is needed.
So, relax.  Just because your body has a problem with gluten doesn't mean that you have to give up on all of your favorite foods.  You just need to start including foods such as gluten-free flatbreads.
Venice Bakery
134 Main Street
El Segundo, CA 90245
(310) 322–7357
Contact Us

Gluten-Free Flatbreads and a Healthy Lunch

Gluten-free wraps are a great way to eat a healthy lunch, while at the same time enjoying your food as well.

Gluten Free Flatbreads| (310) 322–7357

Gluten-Free Wraps: What's For Lunch?

People argue back and forth about this, but suffice it to say, lunch is important.  In the case of someone with blood sugar issues, it can literally save a life.  But what if you are someone with a gluten-sensitivity? 
As we said before, lunch is important.  Eating lunch gives you energy reserves to make it through the rest of the day as well as giving you a store of proteins, vitamins and minerals.  However, with carbohydrates, if you have a gluten sensitivity, you might be in trouble. Most lunchtime fare consists of sandwiches.  After all, they're easy.  However, the wheat, rye and barley flours in most commercial breads can trigger a dangerous physiological response. Even fast microwave meals can be filled with food triggers that aggravate Celiac disease, food allergies, and sensitivities like gluten sensitivity. You may be looking for lunch ideas that support your gluten free lifestyle, such as gluten-free flatbreads. By using these, you can prepare healthy meals that make you feel more energetic and alive, while at the same time, keeping yourself safe.

Eating Gluten-Free

Gluten free pizza is a healthy lunch option. A slice of gluten free pizza can be wrapped in aluminum foil and eaten cold, or warmed for a few seconds in a microwave oven. If you're not into making your own pizza dough then look for pre-made gluten-free pizza crusts you can cover with your own sauce, cheese and toppings. Sliced hothouse tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and a profusion of chopped veggies will provide you with a treasure trove of nutrition you can use to stay alert and productive in the afternoon. Balance your meal by drinking pure fruit juice, skim milk, and adding in a piece of fresh fruit for dessert.  To keep your calories down, control your portion sizes and skip processed sugars. 
You will also want some variety in your diet.  The more boring your diet is, the bigger the temptation is to try a food that is on the proscribed list, namely the foods that you can't have.  Being gluten-free doesn't mean that you have to eat boring foods.  In fact, if you're clever, you can include foods that are nutritious, not dangerous, and most importantly of all, delicious.  Such as gluten-free wraps for example. 

Venice Bakery
134 Main Street
El Segundo, CA 90245
(310) 322–7357
http://www.venicebakery.com/

Why Purchase Gluten- Free Products? Contd

There are several compelling reasons to go on a gluten-free diet.  Some of them are the symptoms gluten-sensitivity or Celiac disease can manifest.

Gluten-free foods may also help improve overall health | (310) 322–7357

Gluten-Free Foods and Avoiding Adverse Symptoms
As we covered previously, gluten-sensitvity can manifest some serious symptoms. 
Dermatitis Herpertiformis
This condition is characterized by a very itchy rash and intense burning on the skin. You may also have some bumps and blisters if you suffer from dermatitis herpertiformis. It usually affects the back, scalp, knees, buttocks, and elbows. It is advisable to purchase gluten-free products to avoid dermatitis herpertiformis attacks and complications.

Wheat Allergy
If you suffer from wheat allergy, you should exclude all gluten foods from your diet. This allergy can present itself in various ways including contact hives, respiratory symptoms, and food allergy. Some of the symptoms include itching, eczema, hives, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, swollen mouth, and vomiting. These symptoms can affect various parts of the body including gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, eyes, mouth, skin, and nose.
Gluten Sensitivity
People who suffer from gluten sensitivity may experience fatigue, skin rash, headaches, abdominal pain or discomfort, gas, bloating, diarrhea, depression, and lethargy when they consume foods that contain gluten.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
This is another medical condition that has been associated with gluten foods. Irritable bowel syndrome can be very debilitating and frustrating. Its symptoms include diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas, and abdominal pain. Research has revealed that people who suffer from this condition may show improvements in their symptoms when they switch to a gluten-free diet.
Foods to Purchase
There are various foods that you can eat while you are on a gluten-free diet without worrying about side effects. These include:

• Rice
• Arrowroot
• Corn
• Flax
• Buckwheat
• Millet
• Nut flours
• Quinoa
• Sorghum
• Potatoes

If you enjoy eating bread, it is very important to make sure it is gluten-free. You can get bread made from potatoes or rice.

Gluten Sensitivity and a Gluten-Free Diet

It is often difficult to diagnose conditions associated with foods that contain gluten. In most cases, you will have to eliminate all forms of gluten foods to observe if your symptoms will improve. A gluten-free diet is not a fad especially for those who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, Celiac disease, and gluten sensitivity. Continued consumption of these foods can aggravate your condition and cause long term damage to your small intestines.
There are various stores that offer gluten-free products to promote good health . These products will still provide the nutrients your body requires without leading to gluten reactions. Manufacturers are also producing gluten-free wheat products to meet the increasing demand. This means that you have a lot more options to consider when it comes to planning your delicious gluten-free diet.
Venice Bakery
134 Main Street
El Segundo, CA 90245
(310) 322–7357
http://www.venicebakery.com

Why Purchase Gluten- Free Products?

Gluten-Free Foods | (310) 322–7357

Is going on a gluten-free diet right for you? Is it just a fad?

Gluten-Free Pizza Crusts and Going Gluten-Free

Is going on a gluten-free diet right for you? Is it just a fad?
An increasing number of people are turning to gluten-free diets and this has made it seem like a diet fad. But a gluten-free diet actually offers a variety of health benefits especially for individuals who suffer from gluten sensitivity. Gluten refers to a form of protein that is found in various grains including barley, rye, and wheat. There are various medical conditions and illnesses that require individuals to eat gluten-free products like gluten-free pizza crusts including the following:
Celiac Disease
This is one of the medical conditions that have been associated with gluten-free diet for many years. Researchers are yet to identify the real cause of this disease but it is believed to be genetic. There has been a rise in the number of people who suffer from Celiac disease in the last few years. It is an example of an autoimmune disease. With this kind of disease, your immune system begins to attack your normal tissue. It usually targets the inner lining in the small intestines when an individual consumes foods with gluten. This leads to inflammation.

Gluten-Free Foods and Celiac Disease

For those who suffer from Celiac disease, it is necessary to purchase gluten-free products for your health. With this disease, your body considers gluten foods toxic. The gluten foods can damage your small intestine’s inner lining, making it difficult for nutrients to be absorbed into the body. This exposes you to various nutritional deficiencies including fat soluble vitamins such as K, E, D, and A, calcium, iron, fat, and protein. You may also suffer from diarrhea, anemia, vomiting, abdominal cramping, delayed growth, and osteoporosis. That's why you want to get high quality foods that are 100% certified gluten-free, such as gluten-free pizza crusts.
When you eliminate gluten, you will benefits from clinical improvements in your small intestines. If you experience any of these symptoms each time you consume foods with gluten, it is important to get a diagnosis before your suffer from intestinal damage and lymphoma.
Ultimately, you should never have to sacrifice flavor for safety. That's why you need to find a supplier that takes your health into account as well as producing high quality foods such as gluten-free pizza crusts.
Read more

Venice Bakery134 Main Street
El Segundo, CA 90245
(310) 322–7357
http://www.venicebakery.com/

Why A Gluten-Free diet is a Must (Contd.)

 Going gluten-free may help with a variety of health problems. 

Gluten-Free Foods | (310) 322–7357

Gluten-Free Foods and Improved Health

Gluten may cause health problems, some of which are below.  It may be advisable to go on a gluten-free diet.

Infertility: According to a recent study conducted by Tampere University, female celiac patients who do not follow a gluten free diet run the risk of shortening their reproductive period and can even be affected by an early menopause. Male patients on the other hand have a high chance of contracting gonadal problems. These conditions together significantly increases the risk of infertility for patients with celiac disease.

Severe Headaches: People with celiac disease often get pounding headaches when they consume food containing high amounts of gluten. According to a study conducted by American Academy of Neurology, 30 percent of all patients suffering from the disease get chronic headaches triggered usually by gluten rich food.

Gastrointestinal Problems: This is probably the most common symptoms suffered by celiac patients who fail to restrict themselves to gluten free diet. The symptoms include diarrhea, gas, sudden abdominal pain, constipation, and bloating.

Lowered Bone Density: Celiac disease affects the small intestine which is responsible for absorbing life sustaining nutrients such as calcium. Without proper absorption of calcium patients with celiac disease often lose bone density. As gluten aggravates symptoms of the disease absorption rate of calcium is hindered when a celiac patients consistently consumes gluten rich food.

All of these symptoms and conditions mentioned above can be prevented if people with the disease maintain a strict gluten free diet. However, according to recent statistics about 95 percent of all patients suffering from the disease remain undiagnosed. These people continue to ignore the symptoms not realizing that the main culprit behind these problems is their gluten rich diet.

Why Going Gluten Free Is Not That Difficult 

Even though it sounds impossible to construct a wheat free diet, going gluten free is actually not that difficult in this day and age. Ever since gluten free diet was popularized by the fitness industry thousands of different gluten free food items started cropping up in the shelves of supermarkets all across the globe. Even most bakeries in the US are either going full gluten free or opening a separate gluten free section.

From bread and cake to pizza and chocolate bars there is probably a gluten free alternative for every known type of food item. This means people following a gluten free diet can satiate all kinds of food cravings and has no reason to feel deprived. So start with a gluten-free pizza crust and go from there.  

Read More...

Venice Bakery
134 Main Street
El Segundo, CA 90245
(310) 322–7357
More Info

Why A Gluten-Free Diet is a Must

Should you go on a gluten-free diet?  Well, that depends on a lot of different factors. The first of which is medical need.

Going Gluten-Free May Help With Celiac Disease |(310) 322–7357

Going Gluten-Free: More than Just a Fad

Should you go on a gluten-free diet?  First off, you need to ask that question of your primary care physician.  Going gluten free continues to be one of the health crazes as millions of people flock to the 'gluten free' sections of different supermarkets globally. However, not many people are aware why they should have gluten free food in the first place.

Gluten is a type of protein commonly found in wheat, barley, and some other types of cereals. The protein is responsible for giving food a certain degree of elasticity and chewiness. Most people can have gluten without any worries. However, people with celiac disease should stay away from it at all costs. This is because gluten often causes dangerous inflammations in intestines of people with celiac disease. In fact that's how it all started. Gluten free food was first developed as an alternative for patients suffering from celiac disease before it became popular among the masses.

Why People With Celiac Disease Should Switch to Gluten Free Food

Almost 3 million Americans suffer from celiac disease. For them having gluten rich is not really an option as it is known to alleviate the symptoms of the disease. Let's take a detailed look at what might happen if a patient suffering from the disease consumes food with gluten in them.

Skin Rashes: Dermatitis herpetiformis commonly known as gluten rash is a type of itchy and painful skin rash happens when the body's immune system starts to fight the gluten in the diet. Even though it can suddenly appear almost anywhere in the body, they usually develop on elbow, buttocks, neck, knees and lower back. This is a condition that predominantly happens when a person with celiac disease consumes gluten rich food.

Malnutrition: Small intestines of humans are lined with small finger like protrusions called villi. These protrusions are responsible for absorbing the nutrients from food. When patients with celiac disease have gluten rich food the villi in the intestines starts getting damaged which in turn hampers the rate of absorption. Without proper absorption of nutrients people with the disease can suffer from malnutrition no matter much how much food they consume.  That's why it may be time to go on a gluten-free diet.

Going on a gluten-free diet may be your answer.  Continue reading...

Venice Bakery
134 Main Street
El Segundo, CA 90245
(310) 322–7357
More Info

Gluten-Free Diets and Improved Brain Function(Contd.)

Going gluten-free may have more health benefits than you might think.  

A Gluten-Free Diet May Also Help With Mental Health | (310) 322–7357

Going Gluten-Free: Improved Cognitive Function?

In our last article, we covered the possibility that going gluten-free may have health benefits such as improved cognitive function.  A recent study involving patients who were diagnosed with celiac disease but who had not switched to a gluten-free diet.

The patients in the study had not added items such as  gluten-free bread crumbs or other similar products. They followed the diet for a full year and when the diet study had been concluded, the findings showed a significant improvement between the study participants in cognitive function. This study backs up the idea that there is a correlation between elevated biological brain fog and celiac disease.  

As to why celiac disease is a contributing factor towards decreased cognitive function is open to debate.  One theory, however, is malnutrition and a lack of folate, iron, and other nutrients which reduce chronic inflammation in the intestinal wall.  Another surprising benefit concerning foods such as gluten-free bread crumbs is the ability to combat depression.     

Gluten-Free Bread Crumbs and Fighting Depression 

In another study, study participants without any form of gluten sensitivity were studied to see the effects of a gluten-free diet.  After a three day period, the study participants were put on another diet until three more days concluded.  Each of the participants were studied for mental state, and to see if there were any signs of cortisol, which is a stress-related hormone.   

The study participants who were assigned to have a gluten-free diet were found to have reduced levels of cortisol and much lower percentages of depression symptoms. Further study may be necessary, however, if these findings stay true, then there may be even more benefits to going gluten-free, namely better mental health.  

Going gluten-free is not for everyone.  Make sure that you schedule an appointment with a doctor to see if switching to a gluten-free diet is the right choice for you.  If it is, make sure that you make the switch with the right support in place.  Join a celiac support group, and make sure your friends and family know that you have to watch what you eat.  Check your food labels carefully, because gluten turns up in a lot of places.  And finally, buy the right foods for your new lifestyle, such as gluten-free bread crumbs.  

Read more on this topic here.  

Venice Bakery
134 Main Street
El Segundo, CA 90245
(310) 322–7357
More Info