What is Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity?

Gluten sensitivity is an immune response to gluten, with similar symptoms of celiac disease. However, people with gluten sensitivity do not create the same antibodies or immune response as someone with celiac disease does, and therefore to suffer intestinal damage.

What is gluten?

Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, durum semolina, rye, spelt, kamut, einkorn, emmer, farro and barley. Gluten is what gives dough elasticity and what creates structure in bread. When completely eliminated from the diet, the symptoms of celiac disease and gluten sensitivity vanish. It is important to focus on what you can eat and not what you cannot and to stay informed about cross-contamination.

Why are so many people sensitive to gluten? Over the past 10,000 years, wheat has evolved and our bodies have not adapted to these changes.  Long ago, wheat was not available all year long and there was a natural rotation to the diet. Research estimates that 18,000,000 people in the United States have gluten sensitivity and 1 out of every 133 Americans has celiac disease.

 What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack itself whenever it attempts to digest gluten.  If you have celiac disease, a gluten free diet will bring you back to wellness. Scientists estimate that only 5% of people with celiac disease have been diagnosed.

arrow Learn more celiac disease

arrow Learn how to eat gluten free

You are not alone! So many of us today live healthy lives with food intolerances. We at jovial know you can eat well and feel happy on a gluten free diet, because being gluten free is part of our everyday lives.

Here’s how we can help!

  • Artisan crafted, certified organic foods because we believe it is not only important to avoid gluten, but essential to nourish our bodies with the best ingredients available. See our products.
  • Great Gluten Free Recipes that will celebrate life and enliven any home kitchen with authentic Italian food. See our recipes.
  • Jovial Culinary Getaways because we can show you how to cook gluten free in hands-on cooking class in a luxurious Tuscan villa. Read more about our Culinary Getaways here.
  • Einkorn Wheat is the most ancient wheat and it should be avoided if you have celiac disease.  However, it can be a healthful grain for those with sensitivity to gluten. Learn more about this nutritious ancient grain.