Live gluten free in Greater Lansing with these restaurants and resources

Whitney Dawn Carlson | Lansing State Journal

Show Caption Hide Caption How can you tell if you have Celiac disease or a gluten allergy? What are they signs and symptoms of Celiac disease? And how is it different from a gluten allergy?

You've probably heard of trendy diets that stress low carbohydrates or cutting out gluten. But for some people, avoiding gluten isn't a choice, it's a necessity.

What is gluten?

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. It's the glue that helps baked goods maintain their shape and not crumble. It's found in many types of foods, even ones you might not expect.

What's the difference between Celiac disease, gluten intolerance and wheat allergies?

Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune disorder that harms the small intestine. It affects about 1 in 100 people worldwide, but most people who suffer from it are undiagnosed. Some symptoms include:

Vitamin deficiencies

Migraines and headaches

Body aches, muscle and joint pains

Diarrhea, gas, bloating, Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Eczema, loss of hair

Gluten intolerance can have similar symptoms, but it doesn't have the same effects on internal organs. Intolerance causes bodily stress (think lactose intolerance). According to current research, it doesn't cause long-term damage to the body like Celiac disease.

Wheat allergies cause reactions to wheat specifically. Its symptoms are similar to other allergies, including swelling, itching, hives and anaphylaxis.

Local gluten-free restaurants

Many chain restaurants are becoming more friendly for folks who can't eat gluten, and local restaurants are excelling at it, too.

Here's a short and safe list of standout local businesses:

More: Lansing’s best pizza options for the gluten-free, picky and devoted

More: Strange Matter Coffee has gluten-free, vegan options

Resources

Whitney Dawn Carlson has celiac disease and is a digital producer for the Lansing State Journal. Connect with her on Twitter: @whitneydawn.