Food allergies affect approximately 4 percent of adults, according to the National Institutes of Health. Among those allergies is wheat allergy, in which the person's immune system responds inappropriately to wheat and reacts as though it is a dangerous substance. When an allergic person is exposed to a food containing wheat, a number of chemicals are released from cells and produce symptoms such as skin rashes, gastrointestinal problems, difficulty breathing and in some cases a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis. Strict avoidance of gluten can prevent this reaction.
Significance
Gluten is a protein found in several types of grains, such as wheat, barley and rye. For people who are allergic only to wheat, some amount of gluten in the diet may be permissible. For those with celiac disease, an autoimmune condition in which people react to gluten specifically, strict avoidance of gluten is needed. In these people, gluten causes inflammation of the small intestines and results in malabsorption and diarrhea.
Foods to Strictly Avoid
Maintaining a gluten-free diet requires avoidance of many foods that always contain gluten. As MayoClinic.com notes, these foods include barley, bulgur, durham, farina, graham flour, kamut, matzo meal, rye, semolina, spelt, triticale and wheat. Careful analysis of food labels is needed, because the ingredient "gluten" may not be easy to find on the label.
Possibly Contaminated Foods
Many foods are likely to have gluten-containing grains unless they are specifically labeled "gluten-free." Common foods that may be contaminated with gluten include beers, bread, candy, baked goods, crackers, gravies, processed meat, oats, pasta, sauces and soups. It is often easier to prepare foods at home to ensure that no grains contaminated with gluten have been used in the food.
Other Products To Avoid
Gluten can be found in nonfood substances as well, but since these substances may contact a person's mouth, it is important to avoid them. Lipstick or lip balm, food additives, medications and toothpaste can include gluten. This information is often on the package insert but can be obtained directly from the manufacturer if it is not.
Foods To Eat
While this diet may seem restrictive, people on gluten-free diets can safely consume many foods. Gluten-free grains can be used for bread products, and meats, fish, poultry, fruits, dairy products, rice and vegetables are typically gluten-free. Many foods are labeled as gluten-free to make finding an appropriate food choice easier.
Risks
While adhering to a gluten-free diet is important for reducing symptoms of wheat allergy, people on such diets may have difficulty obtaining needed vitamins and nutrients. An evaluation with a nutritionist can help determine whether an individual's diet is sufficiently nutrient-rich. People who prepare most of their food at home may find that a well-balanced diet is easier to achieve.
