Swim star Ariarne Titmus shines a light on gluten-free challenges
Accidental gluten ingestion is an issue Olympic swimmer Ariarne Titmus understands all too well.
You wouldn’t know it to watch her charging up the pool, but champion swimmer Ariarne Titmus has dealt with gluten intolerance throughout her incredible career.
“Gluten causes me issues; even the tiniest little bit in my diet causes a massive flare-up in my gut,” the 22-year-old says.
The current Olympic 200m and 400m freestyle champion, Ariarne says this can make travelling the world for competitions challenging.
“Some places I’ve been to don’t accommodate people with gluten sensitivities, or the language barrier makes it hard to be sure what you’re getting is really gluten free,” she says.
“Asia is difficult as gluten can be in a lot of the sauces, like soy sauce. In Italy the fresh seafood and cheeses are amazing, but they use so much gluten in the breads and pizza – so cross contamination is an issue.”
Gluten intolerance a growing problem
Ariarne is far from alone.
Many Australians are known to avoid wheat or gluten for various reasons.
For those who suffer gluten intolerance, inadvertent consumption is a regular problem, especially when you are not in control of food preparation such as when eating out or travelling.
For some, as little as a couple of breadcrumbs is enough to ruin the night.
While the thought of accidental gluten intolerance may seem daunting, some planning can help ease your mind when eating out.
Here are Ariarne’s tips for eating out and managing a gluten-free diet:
- Always ask questions about what you’re eating if you’re unsure.
- Choose places to eat that you know are gluten-free friendly.
- Eat out with people who understand your dietary requirements.
- Choose meals that are least likely to have cross-contamination (for example, those that are naturally gluten free, such as meats and vegetable-based dishes).
- Have a go-to at a place you know it is yummy and agrees with your tummy.
A gluten-free lifestyle with confidence
Ariarne has partnered with GluteGuard to help spread the word about the risk of accidental
gluten ingestion, and help reduce the fear associated with it.
An innovative patented enzyme supplement, GluteGuard helps to protect those with any form of medically diagnosed gluten sensitivity from inadvertent and accidental gluten ingestion.
One tablet taken before any meal you don’t trust to be entirely gluten free helps to protect from the symptoms and the likely impact on day-to-day activities.
Formulated with caricain, a naturally derived enzyme from the papaya fruit, GluteGuard works by breaking down harmful parts of gluten before they interact with the intestinal lining, and is the only clinically proven1 product demonstrated to protect against the symptoms of accidental gluten ingestion.
GluteGuard is helping make a positive change for thousands of people living gluten-free, by enabling them to live their lives confidently and positively.
Meaning you can face each day with an Olympic-sized smile!
This post is brought to you by GluteGuard. GluteGuard helps protect those with medically diagnosed gluten sensitivity from symptoms of accidental gluten ingestion. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. For use only in conjunction with a gluten free diet. Paid partnership.
Main image: Cormac Hanrahan
1Cornell JH et al. 2016 IJCD Vol. 4, No 2 p:40-47. Zebrowska A et al. 2014 IJCD Vol. 2, No 2 p:58-63. These clinical studies were funded by Glutagen Pty Ltd.
