Living Gluten-Free in Central Iowa

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Celiac disease, also known as gluten intolerance, is a genetic disorder that affects at least 1 in 133 Americans.   Symptoms of celiac disease are diarrhea, weight loss, and malnutrition.  What is gluten?  It’s a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley and other common grains.  If you have ever eaten bread, pizza, cereal or a cookie than you have eaten gluten.

The problem today is that more and more kids are being found to have celiac disease.  Why?  The so called exports don’t have a clear answer.  It could just be that due to better testing and awareness of this disease more cases are being diagnosed.  Who knows?  But, if you have ever had an experience with a child or an adult who has Celiac disease and has moved to a gluten free diet you know the results can be life changing.

The good news for parents with children diagnosed with Celiac disease it that due to heightened awareness finding gluten free food in Central Iowa is much easier than it was a couple years ago.  Plus it’s become more affordable.  Here are some grocery stores that have some great gluten free options:

• Hy-Vee – Located within the Health Market, Hy-Vee provides a whole aisle devoted to gluten free food products ranging from crackers to Mac and Cheese.
• Whole Foods – Great selection of gluten-free health food
• Trader Joe’s –  TJ brand products marked with a “G” symbol if gluten-free
• Campbell’s Nutrition–  One of the original health markets in Des Moines to offer gluten-free options

Now let’s say you are looking for some great pizza for your next dinner or party and need to accommodate kids that need a gluten-free pizza.  Try these options:

Gluten-Free Pizza – Coach’s Pizza, Godfather’s Pizza, Incredible Pizza, Fong’s Pizza, Biaggis (great GF pasta and bread too at Biaggis)

What are your favorite gluten-free options in Central Iowa?  I would love to hear.  Leave your thoughts in the Comments section below.