Gluten intolerances such celiac disease require a diet without certain grains, including wheat, rye, malt, barley and any foods that have come into contact with gluten-containing foods, such as a salad with croutons removed. Because flour is a wheat-based product, many types of bread cannot be eaten by those with gluten intolerance, and gluten-free flours need to be used for bread making. Pamela's Products produces a gluten-free bread mix.
Gluten Intolerance and Celiac Disease
While celiac disease is a diagnosed disorder for those who do not tolerate gluten, there are others who do not appear to have celiac yet still are unable to digest gluten without side effects. Symptoms of gluten intolerance are highly individualized and sometimes difficult to diagnose but may include vomiting, weight loss, bloating and intermittent diarrhea and constipation. Without proper treatment and dietary changes, celiac may lead to severe intestinal damage or cancer. A lifelong dietary restriction of gluten-based foods needs to be kept.
Gluten-Containing Foods
Gluten is a protein contained in certain grains, especially wheat. The obvious gluten-containing foods include most breads, cereals and baked goods. However, there are many hidden gluten-containing foods that celiac patients are unable to digest. This list is exhaustive and includes pasta, soy sauce, bulgur wheat and graham flour. Be aware of ingredients such as modified food starch, gelatinized starch and vegetable gum or starch. Natural flavoring is a broad term that may include gluten. Candy ingredients should be read before purchasing, because they may contain gluten.
Tolerated Ingredients
Gluten-free breads for toast and sandwiches can be made from home where ingredients can be controlled. Alternatives to wheat-based flours that do not contain gluten include potato, rice, sorghum and tapioca flours. Pamela's Gluten-Free Bread Mix is made with sorghum, tapioca, sweet rice, brown rice and white rice flours, plus rice bran and yeast. This bread mix is sweetened with organic, natural, evaporated cane sugar, honey and molasses. All these products tend to be well tolerated by those with gluten intolerance.
Other Recipes
Pamela's Gluten-Free Bread Mix can also be used to bake bagels, crackers, pizza crusts, cookies and buns. The mix can also be used for gravies, stuffing and dumplings. The versatility of the bread mix makes it possible for someone with a gluten intolerance to make foods ahead of time and take it to social functions where gluten-based foods or gluten cross-contaminated foods may be present.
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