Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. This protein acts as a binding agent in the grains and is why bread rises without breaking apart (and there's your simple chemistry lesson for the day). For those who have Celiac, gluten causes the small intestine to become inflamed and damaged. Why is this so bad? Well, the villi which line the walls of the intestine (I think it looks like a Koosh ball) absorb nutrients out of the food that you eat. When they become damaged, (1) they can no longer absorb the good stuff you need from your food and (2) every time these cells die, there is an increased chance that they may regrow as cancerous cells.
Im not trying to scare you, but if you have been diagnosed with Celiac and think "Oh, well i can just deal with the stomach ache today - Put that damn cookie down!" Smile and be happy, keep following and youll see just how easy being gluten free can be. Below are some tips to make your life a bit easier.
1) Restaurant cards are extremely helpful. Celiactravel.com offers them FOR FREE and in multiple languages to make traveling just a bit easier. No one wants to be sick while exploring the the world.
http://www.celiactravel.com/cards/
2) Lie. Most people do not understand Celiac and croutons will come on your salad. However EVERYONE understands severely allergic, annaphylaxis, and death.
3) Talk up your local grocery store. Even if you do not live in a large city with an organic health foods store, you can request them to carry breads, cookies, and whatever else you may want. I will even ask for specific brands.
4) Call restaurants ahead - they can be ready before you get there and tell you if what you request is possible\
~GFG
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