[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2013\/12\/gluten-free-holiday\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2013\/12\/gluten-free-holiday\/","headline":"Breezing Through the Holidays Gluten-Free","name":"Breezing Through the Holidays Gluten-Free","description":"Celiac disease occurs when the immune system reacts to gluten \u2013 a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley- used to make many breads, pastas, crackers, and cereals. The immune reaction damages the lining of the small intestine, leading to malabsorption of valuable nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and energy rich compounds. So, how does one […]","datePublished":"2013-12-17","dateModified":"2019-12-09","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/digestive-disorders-regions","name":"Digestive Disorders","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/digestive-disorders-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/digestive-disorders\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/holiday-dinner.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/holiday-dinner.png","height":527,"width":791},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2013\/12\/gluten-free-holiday\/","about":["Nutrition"],"wordCount":345,"keywords":["autumn","barley","bread","celiac disease","Celiac Disease Center at UPMC","cereal","Christmas","crackers","fish","fruits","gluten intolerance","gluten-free products","gluten-free stuffing","holidays","immune system","malabsorption of nutrients","Marc Schwartz MD","meat","pasta","rye","seafood","Thanksgiving","vegetables","wheat","winter"],"articleBody":"Celiac disease occurs when the immune system reacts to gluten \u2013 a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley- used to make many breads, pastas, crackers, and cereals.The immune reaction damages the lining of the small intestine, leading to malabsorption of valuable nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and energy rich compounds.So, how does one get through the holidays if they are unable to eat the many staples of the buffet table that contain gluten?Here are a few tips for breezing through the holiday gluten-free:Research gluten-free products before purchasing them for your dish.\u00a0 Many packaged food manufacturers have been jumping on the gluten-free bandwagon.\u00a0 New FDA guidelines require that foods labeled \u201cgluten-free\u201d have less than 20 parts per million of gluten, a safe level for almost any celiac patient. \u00a0Always make sure the ingredients were produced in a separate gluten-free facility, free of any cross-contamination with wheat, rye or barley. If you are unsure about product labeling, contact the company!Keep it simple.\u00a0 While most processed foods contain gluten, all fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, and seafood are naturally gluten-free.\u00a0 Your dishes will be delicious and healthy.Practice your favorite dish beforehand. Avoid the last minute rush to cook gluten-free stuffing, and do a test-run the night before to make sure it comes out to your liking.Avoid unknown dishes! The best way to combat Celiac disease is to maintain your diet, no matter what temptations arise. One way to do this is to bring your own gluten-free dish to a party, eating enough to tide you over and stay away from other foods.Relax\u2026it\u2019s the holidays! The true focus of the holidays should be less on the food you will be eating, and more about spending time with family and friends.Marc Schwartz, MD of the Celiac Disease Center at UPMC says, \u201cA gluten-free diet has to be a way of life, but does not have to limit your enjoyment. With planning and preparation, careful food choices, and a focus on whole foods your holiday feast will be as satisfying as ever.\u201d"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2013","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2013\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"12","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2013\/\/12\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Breezing Through the Holidays Gluten-Free","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2013\/12\/gluten-free-holiday\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]