PARTNERS Brownie Thins for Celiac Awareness Month

Doesn’t it seem like all food is labeled gluten-free these days? Do you know the reason why?

Nope, it’s not just a fashion trend, it is something more serious that we have actually deemed the month of May the month of Celiac Awareness.

What is celiac disease?

Without getting down into the scientific weeds on the subject, celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder of the small intestines and the person with the disease has a reaction to wheat proteins that can cause pain and discomfort in the digestive tract. Diagnoses of this disease has increased since screening has become more known and available and globally the disease affects between 1 in 100 and 1 in 170 people (although in certain regions it can be as high as 1 in 40!)

What’s that have to do with GLUTEN-FREE?

Celiac disease is caused by a reaction a gluten protein that is found in wheat and other common grains like barley and rye. While the disease itself can cause the individual affected who eats the gluten protein to have gastrointestinal discomfort and issues, some may not experience any side-effects at all!

So, if I have celiac disease without symptoms why does it matter if I eat the gluten protein?

While I am certainly not a doctor, I did read that those with celiac disease (even with NO SYMPTOMS) have an increased risk of adenocarcinoma, lymphoma of the small bowel and other non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas! Yikes.

What do I do if I have celiac disease to treat it?

At present, the only effective treatment is a lifelong gluten-free diet, which is why it is on so many family’s minds these days. Most grains in the United States have the gluten protein in them, so unless you are looking for the ‘gluten-free’ label, most people will avoid grains, especially those that contain corn, soy and rice.

But ISN’T that almost everything?

Well, it is very true that in our modern diet, it can be difficult to maintain a gluten-free diet, which is why awareness and additional support in the food industry with gluten-free choices are important. Just because you have celiac disease does not mean you can’t have certain foods or enjoy the occasional snack where grains are present! As we are getting into the spring party season as the weather turns gorgeous, I know that I try to have some food choice options for those that go gluten-free. AND – I also have a fun little yummy snack treat to recommend for you and your gluten-free friends!

Here are some great tips for hosting your gluten-free friends and family this May:

Leave salad dressings and sauces on the side – gluten can hide in surprising places, and it’s best to let each gluten expert determine what they can eat.
Make sure you have some inherently gluten-free treats on hand. Vegetables, cheeses and nuts are great snacks for everyone, and gluten-free friends won’t feel like they’ve disrupted the menu.
Check your labels – wheat-free does not necessarily mean gluten-free.
Prepare and serve gluten-free foods in a clean area of your kitchen, to ensure no traces of gluten make their way to particularly sensitive folks.

Want a tasty snack for all those fun May gathering that is gluten-free? You are in LUCK! New Brownie Thins from PARTNERS, A Tasteful Choice Company are made with cassava flour and contain no corn, soy or rice. – so yes, they are GLUTEN-FREE! The Brownie Thins are made with a blend of five ancient grains and are a crunchy, non-GMO treat perfect for any spring celebration.

For additional gluten-free and non-GMO goodies for your May celebrations, visit the PARTNERS Free for All Kitchen line that includes the delicious Olive Oil & Sea Salt, Roasted Garlic & Rosemary, and Olive Oil & Herb crackers. Yum!

Hey Austinites! Partners Brands, including the new Brownie Thins, are available at your local Whole Foods!

PARTNERS Brownie Thins for Celiac Awareness Month

http://www.partnerscrackers.com

List Price: $ 3.99 (4 oz package)