In today’s world of food allergies and celiac disease, eating a special diet that is free of gluten can be a challenging way to live that impacts every day and every meal. Show respect and admiration for those who must eat strict and careful diets by observing National Gluten Free Day!
History of National Gluten Free Day
Gluten, a protein that is found in grains such as wheat, barley, rye and triticale, is a substance that many people struggle to digest, creating sensitivities in some people or even seriously dangerous health problems in others. One serious complication, called celiac disease, is an autoimmune problem that prevents that absorption of nutrients in the body, which means that gluten needs to be cut out of their diet completely.
National Gluten Free Day got its start when Cassy Joy Garcia of Fed + Fit founded the day to raise awareness for the cause of eating gluten free. The inaugural day was celebrated in 2014 and has continued to be observed on the second Monday of January each year.
The purpose of establishing National Gluten Free Day was simply to help people understand the difficulty of what it is like to eat a gluten free diet, to show compassion and care for those who have celiac disease or are gluten-intolerant.
How to Celebrate National Gluten Free Day
In observance of National Gluten Free Day, consider some interesting ideas for planning a celebration, such as these:
Try Eating Gluten Free
In solidarity with those in the world who must eat a gluten free diet, perhaps consider taking National Gluten Free Day as a time to experiment with what it would be like. Choose to avoid foods that contain gluten, such as pasta, breads, crackers and more. Cut out all wheat, as well as foods that may have been prepared in facilities that contain wheat, such as oatmeal.
Instead, go for gluten free substitutes for breads, or simply avoid grains altogether and eat a diet that consists more of fresh fruits, vegetables, rice, potatoes and dairy products.
Learn Benefits of Eating Gluten Free
While most people may not have celiac disease, having a sensitivity or intolerance for gluten may be more common. This means that cutting out on gluten in the diet might actually be beneficial even for some people who have not been diagnosed with celiac. (Of course, it is important to consult a medical professional or dietician about any health issues.)
Consider these benefits of a gluten free diet for those who have a sensitivity:
Eliminate bloating
People who have an intolerance for gluten may experience excess gas and bloating after eating foods that contain it. Cutting out gluten can significantly reduce these digestive problems.
Increase energy levels
Those who have a gluten intolerance may find they are extremely tired and may even suffer from chronic fatigue. A gluten-free diet might bring back energy and rebalance nutrient deficiencies.
Reduce pain
Joint paincaused by inflammation and migraine headaches can both be symptoms of a gluten allergy or celiac disease. Removing gluten from the diet might mitigate or even eliminate these types of pain.
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