Food choices form an integral part of our lifestyle, determining health and longevity. With food options increasing as the world is becoming more technologically advanced, there are still people who struggle to find meals matching their diet preferences.
These are individuals who may have celiac disease, sensitivity, or intolerance to gluten or lactose. Food allergies and intolerances is a topic less spoken about, yet screaming the need for awareness.
Gluten, a protein, is an ingredient present in many food grains and items such as wheat, barley, rye, and their derivatives- malt and brewer’s yeast. People with gluten intolerance, gluten sensitivity, or celiac disease must follow diets without any gluten to avoid health consequences, including cancer. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that produces a reaction to gluten. The symptoms can begin at any age: fatigue, headaches and migraines, joint and muscle pain, mood disorders, iron deficiency, and weight gain or loss. Celiac disease cannot be cured, but its symptoms can be alleviated by integrating a strict gluten-free diet.
Similarly, people with lactose intolerance cannot digest products containing milk or milk derivatives. Lactose intolerance is caused by lactose malabsorption, a condition in which the small intestine produces low amounts of lactase enzyme responsible for breaking down lactose. The symptoms are visible within a few hours of consuming milk or milk products, and these include: bloating, diarrhoea, gas, nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting.
The challenge is real for people with diet restrictions, where ignorance or cheat days can lead to severe consequences.
Approximately 1% of the worldwide population has been diagnosed with celiac disease. The Global Celiac Disease Market Research and Forecast 2022-2028 report stated that the worldwide market of the disease is anticipated to increase at a CAGR of 8.5% .
We at NihKan, as a member of The Celiac Society of India is launching a campaign to raise awareness about food intolerances and allergies with a goal to make people with dietary limitations feel accepted. We aim to simplify the lives of these people and help them with the right food options.
Individuals may experience symptoms such as: fatigue, headaches and migraines, joint and muscle pain at any age, but remain in the dark about Celiac Disease. The only way to confirm the condition is to get tested.
Celiac disease and gluten sensitivity cannot be cured, but the symptoms can be alleviated by integrating a strict gluten-free diet.
You can determine that you have lactose intolerance if your body responds to milk or milk products with symptoms such as gas, bloating, abdominal pain, which are controlled if you avoid consuming lactose-containing foods.
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NihKan, a woman-owned business, falls under a business category that supports sustainability. We have been Awarded as one of the Top 10 Dehydrated food start-ups in India’ 2022 by Industry Outlook.
Our range of products includes Gluten-Free Flour and 100% Plant-based Superfoods. What makes our products different are the sources, ingredients, and techniques. For instance, the green bananas we utilize undergo dehydration to produce the healthy & versatile varieties of flour. The same technique is also applied to produce ready-to-eat Sprouted Millets & Lentils, and Sprouted flours.
