Avoiding gluten and casein is a necessary dietary restriction for those allergic to these proteins. People who are allergic must find other ways to consume the nutrients provided by foods containing gluten and casein. With careful planning, it is still possible to eat a well-balanced, nourishing diet.
Gluten Allergy
Wheat, rye and barley all contain gluten. People with celiac disease experience serious allergic reactions to it, specifically, damage to their small intestines. According to the Gluten Intolerance Group of North America, this can lead to malnutrition over time. Gluten also can be found in modified food starch, foods made with wheat and many processed foods. Caution should be exercised when using marinades, spice blends, imitation seafood and meats, certain medications and candies.
Gluten-Free Diet
The goal of the gluten-free diet is to completely avoid foods that contain gluten. To follow it, you need to eliminate wheat, barley, rye, spelt, kamut and triticale. Instead of wheat-based products, look for gluten-free foods made with rice, brown rice, almonds, garbanzo beans, fava beans, rice flour or potato flour. When you bake, use these flours as substitutes for wheat flour. Gluten-free baking can be tricky. You can also eat all unprocessed fruit, vegetables, meats and dairy or dairy-substitutes without fear of gluten. Be cautious of processed yogurt, pudding, candies and packaged foods, because they might contain wheat or gluten.
Casein Allergy vs. Lactose Intolerance
People with casein allergies cannot tolerate whey, lactose or casein--the protein found in dairy foods. They experience allergic reactions that can include hives, tightness in the throat or mouth and even anaphylaxis, according to the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network. The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network says 2.5 percent of children younger than age 3 have a casein allergy, but many of them outgrow it.
By contrast, individuals with lactose intolerance may be able to tolerate certain certain forms of lactose, according to the Mayo Clinic website, because the issue is enzymatic not immunity. For example, you might be able to tolerate eating yogurt instead of drinking milk, or cheeses with less lactose--such as Swiss cheese. You may also be able to take over-the-counter lactase enzyme supplements to help you digest lactose.
Casein-Free or Low-Lactose Diet
If you are allergic to casein, you must avoid all forms of casein, including milk, cheese, yogurt, butter and processed dairy foods. In addition, casein acts as a binder in meat substitutes, nondairy creamers and tuna fish. Carefully read labels if you are allergic. Lactose can be found in most milk products, but the amount can vary in each food. Certain cheeses have less lactose and may be tolerated in smaller amounts. Some milk and yogurts now have lactase added to the product and may also fit into a low-lactose diet. Instead of milk products, consume broccoli, almonds, bok choy and milk substitutes, like soy milk or rice milk, to get the calcium and other nutrients provided by milk. You can also enjoy unprocessed meat, vegetables, fruit and grains to create a well-balanced diet.
Autism and the GFCF Diet
People following the gluten-free, casein-free (GFCF) diet must avoid foods that contain both gluten and casein or dairy. The GFCF diet is sometimes used to treat autism spectrum disorders, a range of developmental disorders. Parents following the diet report improved social interaction, communication and behavior, according to The GFCF Diet Intervention-Autism Diet website. Despite this, scientists have been unable to find evidence to support the experiences. Researchers at the University of Texas in Austin critically reviewed 15 studies regarding autism spectrum disorder treatment with a GFCF diet. They pointed out that there are "adverse consequences" when following a GFCF diet, such as "stigmatization" and decreased bone density. The researchers concluded that only if children display acute behavioral changes and symptoms specific to casein or gluten allergies or intolerances should they follow the GFCF diet.
Following the GFCF Diet
While it may seem restrictive, the GFCF diet does include a good variety of food. You can create a diet based on fruits, vegetables, unprocessed meat, legumes, nuts and dairy substitutes. You can also try gluten-free grains like quinoa, brown and white rice, potatoes and gluten-free bread and pasta. Try stuffed peppers, spaghetti squash and stir-fried sweet potatoes for some variety. Opt for nondairy milk, like soy milk and rice milk, fortified with vitamins A and D, to meet your dairy requirements. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables to get the B vitamins, calcium, fiber and iron that wheat and milk would provide. Consult with a nutrition professional or your health care provider to make sure you are getting the nutrients you need.
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