November is Gluten-free Diet Awareness Month and according to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA), over 3 million Americans have Celiac Disease. More commonly referred to as a gluten allergy, Celiac Disease affects one in every 133 Americans (or about 1% of the population).
What is Celiac Disease?
When people with celiac disease eat foods containing gluten (which is found in wheat, barley and rye), their immune system responds by damaging the finger-like villi of the small intestine. When the villi become damaged, the body is unable to absorb nutrients into the bloodstream, which can lead to malnourishment. Left untreated, people with Celiac Disease can develop other autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis, thyroid disease, and even cancer.
What is Gluten-Free?
A 100% gluten-free diet is the only existing treatment for Celiac Disease today. There are currently no pharmaceutical cures for celiac disease. A gluten-free diet rules out all ordinary breads, pastas, and many convenience foods; it also excludes any food items thickened with wheat, rye, barley, or other gluten-containing flour.
Several grains and starch sources are considered acceptable for a gluten-free diet. The most frequently used are corn, potatoes, rice, and tapioca. Sometimes various types of bean, soybean, and nut flours are used in gluten-free products to add protein and dietary fiber.
Many establishments, like Sardella’s Pizza and Wings, are helping families across the country maintain a gluten-free diet without always having to cook in the (gluten-free) safety of their own homes. Sardella’s is proud to offer several gluten-free options, including gluten-free pizza, wings and cinna-bread.
For the best gluten-free pizza in Phoenix, try Sardella’s Pizza and Wings. The Sardella’s menu offers more than just the best gluten-free pizza in Phoenix. For the full Sardella’s menu and best gourmet pizza in Arizona, visit www.sardellaspizza.com. And when you get hungry, order a thin, thick or gluten-free pizza or any of your other menu favorites online.
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