Celiac disease is a chronic illness that affects the digestive tract. If you have celiac disease and you consume foods that contain gluten, you can experience side effects such as diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating, according to MayoClinic.com. If you suffer from celiac disease, following a gluten-free diet will help improve your symptoms. Talk to your doctor if you think you may have a gluten allergy.
Grains
Finding grains, cereals and bread products that you can eat on a celiac diet can be a challenge. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, you can consume alternative grains, cereals and flours such as amaranth, buckwheat, millet, quinoa, rice and rice flour, teff flour and soy products. Read food labels for processed foods carefully to make sure they do not contain wheat gluten. Ask your doctor or nutritionist for a complete list of grains and flours that are safe for the celiac diet. Be sure to avoid all foods that contain any wheat, barley or rye.
Fruits and Vegetables
All vegetables are safe to consume when on a celiac diet, according to KidsHealth.org. You can even consume starchy vegetables such as potatoes, yucca and corn. Legumes, meaning any type of bean, are also safe to eat on a gluten-free diet, as are any seeds. Cooking oils such as olive oil and canola oil are also safe items to use when cooking for someone with celiac disease. You can safely consume any type of fresh fruit without upsetting your digestive system if you are gluten intolerant.
Meat and Dairy
MayoClinic.com states that any freshly prepared meats, including fish and poultry, are safe to eat on a celiac diet. Be wary of meat that has been coated with any sort of breading, as these coatings often contain gluten. Consider avoiding meat that has been pre-marinated as well, as marinades sometimes contain flour or other items that have gluten in them. Most dairy products are gluten-free and safe to eat if you have celiac disease. Be careful to read the labels of your dairy products to make sure that no thickening agents have been added. Avoid yogurts that have been thickened with wheat starch.
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