People who have celiac disease cannot tolerate a protein found in wheat, barley and rye, known as gluten. When people with celiac disease eat foods containing gluten, their immune system attacks the digestive system, causing damage and death to the villi that absorb the nutrients from food. Without proper working villi, a person with celiac disease can become malnourished. To prevent digestive damage, the person with celiac disease must consume foods without gluten. Consult with a physician for specific guidelines and recommendations about a diet for celiac disease.
Grains and Starches
Gluten is primarily found in grain and starch foods, and finding suitable replacements can be difficult for the person with celiac disease. Gluten-free grains include rice, corn, quinoa, amaranth, buckwheat, millet, tapioca, teff and arrowroot. Many food companies now offer a variety of gluten-free products, including bread, crackers, frozen waffles, frozen pancakes, pizza crust and cereals. Other gluten-free starches include cream of rice, grits, puffed rice, corn tortillas and taco shells.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fresh fruits including apples, oranges, grapes and strawberries are naturally gluten-free, according to the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. Canned fruit packed in its own juice should also be gluten-free. The 2006 labeling law, Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Act, says all foods containing any of the eight most common food allergens, including wheat, must be clearly indicated on the food label. And legislation is underway, as of September 2010, regarding labeling food as gluten-free, according to NASPGHN.
Fresh and frozen vegetables without added sauces are also gluten-free, including broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, leafy greens and mushrooms. Canned vegetables should also be gluten-free, but check the ingredient list to be sure the canned item does not contain a gluten-containing additive.
Meats and Alternative Proteins
Fresh meats, fish and poultry prepared without breading or sauces are gluten-free, according to MayoClinic.com. Eggs are also gluten-free. People with celiac disease should avoid self-basting poultry products because they contain gluten, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders. Dry and canned beans are also gluten-free.
Dairy Foods
Plain milk, aged cheese, cream, most yogurts, butter, margarine, cottage cheese and sour cream are allowable foods for someone with celiac disease, according to NASPGHN.
Snack Foods
Snack foods on the celiac food list include plain potato chips, corn chips, plain popcorn, rice cakes, rice crackers, plain nuts, jello, pudding, most ice creams and sherbet.
Condiments
Celiac condiments include honey, jelly, pancake syrup, peanut butter, ketchup, relish, pickles, olives, mustard and vinegars. Some salad dressings are also gluten-free, but carefully read the ingredients list.
