Gluten
What is Gluten?
Gluten is "a substance present in cereal grains, esp. wheat, that is responsible for the elastic texture of dough."
Information About Gluten
Definition
A gluten-free diet is a diet that excludes the protein gluten. Gluten is found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye. A gluten-free diet is used to treat celiac disease. Gluten causes inflammation in the small intestines of people with celiac disease. Eating a gluten-free diet helps people with celiac disease control their signs and symptoms and prevent complications. Initially, following a gluten-free diet may be frustrating. But with time, patience and creativity, you'll find there are many foods that you can eat and enjoy while observing a gluten-free diet.
Purpose
The gluten-free diet is a treatment for celiac disease
A gluten-free diet is a diet that excludes the protein gluten. Gluten is found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye. A gluten-free diet is used to treat celiac disease. Gluten causes inflammation in the small intestines of people with celiac disease. Eating a gluten-free diet helps people with celiac disease control their signs and symptoms and prevent complications. Initially, following a gluten-free diet may be frustrating. But with time, patience and creativity, you'll find there are many foods that you can eat and enjoy while observing a gluten-free diet.
Purpose
The gluten-free diet is a treatment for celiac disease
Diet Details:
Always avoid In order to avoid eating gluten, avoid food and drinks containing:
Many other products that you eat or that could come in contact with your mouth may contain gluten. These include:
Allowed foods
There are still many basic foods allowed in a gluten-free diet. With all foods, check to see that each is labeled gluten free or call the manufacturer to double-check
Grains and starches allowed in a gluten-free diet include:
Check the label when buying amaranth, buckwheat and quinoa. These can be contaminated with gluten during processing.
Other gluten-free foods include:
- barley
- bulgur
- durham
- farina
- graham flour
- kamut
- matzo meal
- rye
- semolina
- spelt (a form of wheat)
- triticale
- wheat
- beers
- breads
- candies
- cakes and pies
- cereals
- cookies
- crackers
- croutons
- gravies
- imitation meats or seafood
- oats
- pastas
- processed luncheon meats
- salad dressings
- sauces (including soy sauce)
- self-basting poultry
- soups
Many other products that you eat or that could come in contact with your mouth may contain gluten. These include:
- food additives, such as malt flavoring, modified food starch and others
- lipstick and lip balms
- medication and vitamins that use gluten as a binding agent
- play dough
- toothpaste
Allowed foods
There are still many basic foods allowed in a gluten-free diet. With all foods, check to see that each is labeled gluten free or call the manufacturer to double-check
Grains and starches allowed in a gluten-free diet include:
- amaranth
- arrowroot
- buckwheat
- corn
- cornmeal
- gluten-free flours (rice, soy, corn, potato, bean)
- hominy grits
- polenta
- pure corn tortillas
- quinoa
- rice
- tapioca
Check the label when buying amaranth, buckwheat and quinoa. These can be contaminated with gluten during processing.
Other gluten-free foods include:
- fresh meats, fish, and poultry (not breaded, batter-coated, or marinated)
- fruits
- most dairy products
- potatoes
- rice
- vegetables
- wine & distilled liquors, ciders, and spirits
Results
People with celiac disease who eat a gluten-free diet experience fewer symptoms and complications of the disease. People with celiac disease must eat a strictly gluten-free diet and must remain on the diet for the remainder of their lives. In some severe cases, a gluten-free diet alone can't stop signs and symptoms of celiac disease. In these cases, doctors might prescribe medications to suppress the immune system.
Risks
Not eating enough vitamins: People who follow a gluten-free diet may have low levels of certain vitamins and nutrients in their diets. Many grains are enriched with vitamins. Avoiding grains with a gluten-free diet may mean eating fewer of these enriched products. Ask your dietitian to review your diet to see that you're getting enough:
Not sticking to the gluten-free diet If you accidentally eat a product that contains gluten, you may experience abdominal pain and diarrhea. Some people experience no signs or symptoms after eating gluten, but this doesn't mean it's not damaging their small intestines. Even trace amounts of gluten in your diet may be damaging, whether or not they cause signs or symptoms.
- iron
- calcium
- fiber
- thiamin
- riboflavin
- niacin
- folate
Not sticking to the gluten-free diet If you accidentally eat a product that contains gluten, you may experience abdominal pain and diarrhea. Some people experience no signs or symptoms after eating gluten, but this doesn't mean it's not damaging their small intestines. Even trace amounts of gluten in your diet may be damaging, whether or not they cause signs or symptoms.