Registered dietitian, celiac disease expert and Allergic Living columnist Shelley Case has created unique and incredibly helpful nutritional comparison charts of the most popular gluten-free pasta brands. Find out which ones are enriched with vitamins, fiber, iron and protein in the charts below. Print them and bring them along the next time you go grocery [...]

When you follow a gluten-free diet, it’s important to realize that all cereals are not the enemy. In fact, gluten-free whole grains are superb for your diet and essential to good health. Studies show that those who regularly eat whole grains have lower cholesterol levels, reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, cancer [...]

Whole grains are an important part of the gluten-free diet since they contain nutrients such as B vitamins, vitamin E, iron, magnesium, fiber, protein, antioxidants and phytochemicals (naturally occurring plant chemicals). Regular consumption of whole grains can lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and certain cancers. They also play a role [...]

You’ll hear of celebrities like Russell Crowe and Miley Cyrus lauding the gluten-free life as their ticket to weight loss. The word is that Lady Gaga, in the quest for onstage bloat control, doesn’t allow her dancers to eat wheat. But it’s time for a reality check: the truth is that many people who give [...]

Q. How closely do I need to follow the gluten-free diet? Will a little bit of gluten harm me? Shelley Case, RD: The only treatment for celiac disease is a strict gluten-free diet for life. Eliminating gluten will allow the villi  in the small intestine to heal, resulting in improved absorption of nutrients. Over time, [...]

Q. I often need a snack when I’m on the run, but am hard pressed to find something gluten-free when I need it. Do you have any suggestions? Shelley Case, RD: Whether you’re rushing between meetings or getting the kids to music lessons or a sports event, grabbing a snack on the go is all [...]

Q: I’ve been diagnosed with dermatitis herpetiformis. How is it related to celiac disease? A: Dermatitis herpetiformis is a skin disease caused by an intolerance to gluten. It is a form of celiac disease, the inherited autoimmune intestinal disorder that affects between one in 100 and one in 200 people worldwide. Gluten, found in the [...]

Q: I’ve heard that quinoa is a good gluten alternative. But what is it, and what kind of dishes would I use it in? A: Quinoa (pronounced “keen-wah”) was a staple of the Incas who called it “the mother grain”. It is not actually a grain but a seed from a broad-leafed plant that is [...]

Q: I have been hearing more about celiac disease, and wonder if I may have it. What exactly is celiac, and how is it diagnosed? A: Celiac disease, also known as celiac sprue or gluten sensitive enteropathy, is an inherited digestive disorder affecting between one in 100 and one in 200 people worldwide. With this [...]

Q: I’ve heard many people on a gluten-free diet don’t get enough vitamins, minerals and fibre. How do you avoid this? A: Gluten-free diets can be limited in variety, with white-rice bread, rice cakes, rice crackers and white rice as staples. Also, many commercial gluten-free products such as breads, cereals, pasta and flours are low [...]