MedStar Offers Tips for Gluten-Free Living

With a growing number of people eating gluten-free these days, MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital notes that more and more people are becoming aware of products that don’t contain gluten.

Gluten is defined as a mixture of proteins found in wheat and related grains, including barley and rye. Some might think it sounds simple, others might find themselves overwhelmed searching for answers and wondering about ingredients in specific products they love.

Many people who avoid gluten do so because they have some type of intolerance or allergy. Managing a gluten-free diet can become easier if you know the severity of your allergy.

“Getting an official test done by an allergist is a great first step,” said Catherine Dowling, registered dietitian at MedStar St. Mary’s Health Connections department. “Make sure to eat gluten a day before your allergy test so a proper diagnosis can be read. That way your allergy will be properly documented in your medical records.”

How Can a Dietitian Help?

Living gluten-free means knowing what foods are made of and what ingredients are used in preparing every meal you eat. Whether you need help identifying which foods are naturally gluten-free at the supermarket or making the best choices when eating out, a consultation with MedStar’s dietitian offers:

• One-on-one sessions to help you understand how to better manage your diet
• Tips on shopping at the supermarket and cooking at home
• Education on where to look for gluten, not just in food, but also in beauty products
• Resources for gluten-free recipes and products

To make an appointment with a Health Connections dietitian, call 301-475-6019.

You must present a referral from your allergist or primary care physician.

MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital is a full-service community hospital, delivering state-of-the-art emergency, acute inpatient and outpatient care in Leonardtown. Nestled in a waterside community, MedStar St. Mary’s provides advanced technology with a dedication to excellence in all services provided. The not-for-profit hospital has been named among the nation’s Top 100 Hospitals and is an eight time recipient of the prestigious Delmarva Medicare Excellence Award. In addition, MSMH received the Maryland Performance Excellence award at the Platinum level in 2014 – the highest in the state. The staff is committed to providing quality and compassionate medical care for all patients by coupling innovation with an outstanding team of medical staff members, associates, and volunteers.