Pizza, pasta, chocolate cake – imagine what it might be like if your favourite foods made you sick every day. For many Canadians, it’s a reality.
More than 330,000 Canadians have been diagnosed with celiac disease, which is a digestive disorder that affects the small intestine.
The immune system reacts against gluten, a protein found in wheat products. Villi, located in the small intestine, are damaged and the body can no longer absorb necessary nutrients.
According to the Canadian Celiac Association, there is no cure for celiac disease but it can be managed by following a gluten-free diet.
Gluten-free products are, on average, 2.5 times more expensive than regular food products and may not be readily available in smaller centres.
Last week, the Lethbridge area Canadian Celiac Association invited area residents to a five-course, gluten-free dining event at Lethbridge College’s Garden Court Restaurant.
The Lethbridge College Culinary Careers program provided the meal at a cost of $40 for adults and $25 for children.
In Lethbridge, gluten-free products are becoming more readily available. Most grocery stores stock a variety of options and many restaurants now offer gluten-free menu choices.
Nutter’s Bulk and Natural Foods staff members suggest replacing wheat-based products with items like rice, corn or quinoa, a gluten-free, high-fibre protein.
A variety of gluten-free recipes are available on their website (www.nutters.com).
Lethbridge and area residents affected by sensitivity to gluten can visit local restaurants like Mocha Cabana Café, the Penny Coffee House or the Saigonese Restaurant, which include gluten-free menu items.
A more detailed list of gluten-free offerings in Lethbridge restaurants can be found at www.theceliacscene.com.