The term "gluten" refers to a group of plant storage proteins that trigger sensitivity in some people. If you have celiac disease, for example, your body identifies the hordein gluten in barley, secalin gluten in rye and gliadin gluten in wheat as threats and launches an attack. Parents and caregivers of those with autism or other developmental disabilities, sometimes offer a gluten-free diet, as they believe it can reduce symptoms of certain conditions. More research is needed to confirm this. Some forms of Bigelow tea are appropriate for gluten-free diets, but others are not.
Expert Insight
The Bigelow website assures consumers that almost all Bigelow tea flavors are gluten-free. Each product is clearly labeled as "gluten free" or "not gluten free," taking the guesswork out of grocery shopping.
Flavors Containing Gluten
If you have celiac disease and drink one of the Bigelow teas that contain gluten, the autoimmune response that your body launches against the gluten can damage the villi, or tiny finger-like projections that line the inside of your small intestines. Over time, the damaged villi lose their ability to absorb carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals from the foods you ingest. If you continue to drink Bigelow tea or ingest other beverages or foods containing gluten, you increase your risk of developing osteoporosis, some forms of cancer, infertility, diabetes and other autoimmune diseases. Many people believe that beverages that contain gluten will make autism symptoms worse.
Gluten-Free Flavors
People with celiac disease, as well as individuals with autism, can safely drink gluten-free flavors of Bigelow tea without negatively impacting their health. It's fine to add gluten-free ingredients, such as sugar, sucrose, polysorbate, cream, milk or corn syrup, to your tea. However, people who are sensitive to gluten should avoid malt flavoring, malt syrup, rice syrup or brown rice syrup.
Tips
The Bigelow website features the ingredients for each flavor of tea, along with a "gluten free" or "not gluten free" designation. You can select gluten-free flavors and order them directly from the manufacture, or include them on your grocery list in preparation for your next trip to the supermarket or health foods store.
Warnings
Keep Bigelow tea products in a designated spot in your kitchen or pantry that's separate from gluten-containing products. Clean cooking surfaces, spoons and dishes carefully between uses so you don't contaminate your tea with gluten.
References
- National Foundation for Celiac Awareness: Getting Started: Celiac Disease & the Gluten-Free Diet
- Autism Speaks: Treating Autism
- Bigelow; Bigelow Recognizes Gluten Freedom in National Celiac Awareness Month; 2011
- The University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center: Living with Celiac Disease
- Bigelow: Assorted Teas
- MayoClinic.com; Gluten-Free Diet; January 29, 2010
