According to The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, more than two million Americans suffer from a disorder called celiac disease. Because the only treatment for this disease is a gluten-free diet, millions of people with this disorder have had to learn how to change the way they eat. Following a gluten-free diet will require some adjusting. The good news is that with the proper knowledge and guidance, following a gluten-free diet doesn't have to be hard, and eating can still be enjoyable.
Celiac Disease
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, people with celiac disease cannot tolerate this protein, and when consumed, the villi, which are tiny finger-like protrusions in the small intestine, are destroyed. Because the villi allow nutrients to be absorbed into the bloodstream, when they are destroyed, a person with celiac disease can become malnourished. Other symptoms of celiac disease include chronic diarrhea or constipation, abdominal bloating and pain, foul-smelling stool, unexplained weight loss or weight gain, depression or irritability, joint and bone pain, and a vitamin K deficiency.
Treatment
According to The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, celiac disease is a life-long disorder and must be treated with a gluten-free diet. By removing gluten from the diet, the small intestine has a chance to heal, improving overall health. Under normal circumstances, the celiac disease foundation says medication is not necessary in treatment, although your practitioner may prescribe nutritional supplements for any nutritional deficiencies you may have.
Foods to avoid
A gluten-free diet will require some lifestyle changes. Reading labels on food items is extremely important. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse lists the following foods as containing gluten and must be avoided: wheat, including wheat starch, wheat bran, wheat germ, hydrolyzed wheat protein; rye, barley, spelt, white flour, wheat flour, and semolina. Some items that you would least suspect contain gluten. These include some candy, chips, cold cuts, matzo, gravy, ketchup, and soy sauce.
Foods To Eat
Although it seems as if there is so much you can't eat on a gluten-free diet, there are plenty of options available to have a well-balanced diet. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse lists the following foods as gluten free: Meat, fish, potato, rice, corn, quinoa, buckwheat or bean flour, fruits, vegetables, flax, legumes, nuts, millet, and soy. Because so many people are affected by celiac disease, many stores now carry special gluten-free breads, pasta, and other products to make your life easier.
Considerations
If you are finding it difficult to follow a gluten-free diet, it may be helpful to speak to a dietitian. There are also celiac disease support groups where you can meet and talk with other people who are now living gluten-free.
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