Most of us have heard of being gluten intolerant, or allergic to gluten and/or wheat. It's even common now to hear of Celiac disease or Crohn's disease. It is quite another thing to be diagnosed with one of these condition. Beginning a gluten-free lifestyle can be annoying or even devastating, for a variety of economic, emotional and time-based reasons. It can even be isolating. Or can it? With estimates that upwards of 15% of the population has some type of gluten sensitivity or allergy, you are actaully in good company with this prevalent health issue.
If you or someone you adore has recently been diagnosed with this challenge, take heart. Your biggest asset is your ability to educate yourself, which is where the Co-op comes in. We carry a huge variety of foods tailored for the gluten-free lifestyle. And, we also offer vitamins that are gluten-free, and even enzymes that help you break down the peptides in gluten, should you accidentally slip up and eat something you shouldn't.
Right now, we're in the process of creating a free, comprehensive resource guide for our gluten- and wheat free-clientele to help you learn how to live a full, healthy life, and show you exactly where our gluten free items are located. Look for that in the next month or so.
In the meantime, here's a little preview of what you'll find in our guide. Nanas No! gluten-free cookies are located in Aisle Six. Want some pasta or a wonderful bread mix? Go to Aisle Ten (my favorites are the brown rice pasta by Tinkiyada and the Sun Flour Mills bread mixes. Bonus: Sun Flour Mills are made right here in Idaho!). Craving waffles? Try the freezer on Aisle 3. While you are there, look at our selection of wheat-free breads!
The goal of the Co-op is to help people benefit through healthy living. Our many staff members who are health-minded or living with allergies are dedicated to sharing their knowledge with you. In addition to our upcoming Gluten-Free Guide, we'll soon be offering store tours and classes on the subject, so do keep an eye out for these exciting new services! And check the March newsletter for the next installment of Living Gluten Free.
Be well and see you at the Co-op!
Caitlyn in Vitamins
