Gluten Free Diet Foods

Gluten free diets are commonly prescribed to people suffering from wheat allergies, celiac disease and a select few other ailments, and are also becoming increasingly popular as a home treatment for autism and even for weight loss. People on a gluten free diet eat foods that are completely or at least mostly free of gluten, a protein that is found in wheat, barley and similar substances.

For many people, gluten free diet foods are difficult to find simply because gluten is found everywhere. It is commonly used to flavor foods or provide thickness to liquids, so finding things to eat and drink that are entirely gluten free can be hard. There are many foods available on the market today that contain little or no gluten, however.

Some gluten free diet foods that can be safely consumed include beans, nuts and different types of seeds that have not been processed. Fresh eggs are also generally found to be gluten free, as are fresh meats, such as beef, poultry and different types of fish that are prepared without marinades, breading or batter. A majority of dairy products are also totally gluten free, though it is advisable to check the label before consuming them.

Just because wheat and its by-products are not allowed in a gluten free diet does not mean the dieter must avoid all grains and starches. Many are still allowed in the diet, such as buckwheat, corn, flax, cornmeal, millet, quinoa, rice, soy and certified gluten-free flours, among others.

While it is still difficult to maintain a gluten-free diet in many places, it is becoming easier as wheat-free foods are manufactured and slip into mainstream markets. Always check labels on commonly eaten foods such as breads, beer, sweets, pastries, cookies, cereals, gravies, sauces, French fries and other popular foods to assure they are entirely free of gluten before consuming them.

Gluten is a type of protein that is found in wheat, barley and rye. This protein helps dough rise and keep its shape. People who have celiac disease are unable to digest gluten. Celiac disease is a condition that occurs when gluten damages the villi. The villi are hair-like projections that are found in the intestines. They are responsible for absorbing nutrients.

People who have celiac disease have to eat gluten free diet foods. There are both short-term and long-term effects of eating gluten. Abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and diarrhea are some of the immediate effects of eating gluten. Some of the long-term effects include hair loss, depression, anxiety, itchy skin and mouth ulcers. People who have celiac disease are often at an increased risk for becoming malnourished because gluten interferes with the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. Furthermore, there has also been evidence to suggest that gluten may increase the risk of intestinal cancer and liver disease in celiac disease patients.

Because the typical American diet is very high in rye, barley, wheat and oats, finding gluten free diet foods can prove to be quite challenging. The best thing that people can do is look for foods that are labeled gluten-free. When dining out, it is important to ask whether the dish contains gluten.

Additionally, people should also be cognizant of the fact that cross-contamination can trigger celiac disease symptoms. For example, if a person eats a burger that was prepared on the same tray as wheat, they could still suffer unpleasant symptoms even though the burger itself does not have gluten.

People may also want to consider working with a registered dietician. It is best to find a dietitian that has had experience working with celiac disease patients. Dieticians often recommend that people take supplements to make up for nutritional deficiencies.

Eating gluten-free foods will help ease the symptoms of celiac disease and heal the intestines. Children who follow a gluten-free diet will be able to heal their intestines within six months. It can take up to three years for adults.