Believe me it was a long, tedious, and sometimes tear-filled process. I would read the ingredients on something only to find out that the last ingredient was something I couldn't have. By the time a couple months rolled by I was a professional label reader who could see the words "corn", "gluten", "walnuts', "sesame seeds", "may contain", "processed on equipment that also processes wheat", and the beat goes on...My husband would freak out because corn was in absolutely everything! My best example that even powdered sugar, spices, and baking powder all had corn starch. Eventually, I found replacements for many things, including my essential baking ingredients!
Still, you have to be very careful when choosing items that say all the right things, especially with gluten free items. I have an intolerance for gluten, but what's not really known is that they really don't know how to gauge sensitivity because everyone is different. So even though it may say "gluten-free" you may be extremely sensitive to even the smallest ppm (parts per million) of gluten. Celiac disease is a very serious condition. It is an autoimmune disease and is often not easy to diagnose. According to Dr. Peter H. R Green and Rory Jones in the book Celiac Disease: A Hidden Epidemic, "...1 percent of the U.S. population (approximately 1 in every 100 people)...." have celiac disease, but 97% of that group are undiagnosed. You need to be very careful with celiac disease and that means eating no gluten at all. The only way your body can repair itself and prevent further damage is to take out the thing that is hurting it most, gluten. You should always check if an item is gluten free certified.
The ICS (International Certifications Services) regulates the criteria to be considered gluten free. They have a certification process and they also certify USDA organic standards. I will attach a link to their website if you want more info. Below is what it the seal should look like.
This advice is also very important when it comes to organic labeling too. The USDA regulates and creates standards for what can be considered organic. If you don't see that label o the item while grocery shopping chances are it isn't organic. For those of you who are like me and love the farmers market be careful there too. It is great to shop local produce, but that doesn't always mean the farmers practice organic farming methods. You could still get items that are full of pesticides and artificial fertilizers. My best advice is to research. Ask the person selling you produce for more information, pick up the business cards they hand out, and ask the information booth at the farmers market for information and names of farms. If you can't get any info then move on to the next stand because there are plenty of them in one farmers market. Below is the USDA's organic seal. I will also attach the USDA's organic program link.
Back to grocery stores, be extremely careful with items labeled "natural". Just because it says natural doesn't mean it is "organic". In addition, "natural" doesn't always mean better for you. Just like gluten free items, natural items can simply say it is, but really it isn't. Here in the U.S. we turned eating healthy into a FAD, and this is what makes certain items more dangerous for those with allergies and sensitivities. If it isn't certified, and the company doesn't state things about good practices to avoid cross contamination or made in a gluten free facility, then it is in your best interest to avoid that product. Just because something says "natural" doesn't mean you should forget to read the ingredients label. Corn syrup is made from corn and that's considered a natural ingredient, but that doesn't mean it's good for you especially if you are allergic. A lot of stores have their own generic brand, so they decide to create a "natural" line of products to make more money by keeping up with what's in. I'm not saying all their product isn't good or made with good ingredients, but I am saying this:
*Do you Homework. Don't let things slide because the label convinced you it was a good item to buy.*
*Look for certifications that you know are legit. Don't be fooled by items with 'made up' certifications*
In today's world, knowledge is power. Making sure you are informed or educated about what you are buying and eating is your number one weapon against sneaky allergens and artificially or genetically-modified products. This is why I created this blog; to help continue the fight to be informed. If anyone wants to know something or have me find it out for them I would be glad to! Either post a question to the blog or email me if you want confidentiality. It's never silly to want to know more :) and I'm glad to support anyone's Journey. The links are below that I promised ;)
Fight the fight to be "Free". We all deserve better food in our lives.
More to come!
Mary
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