Gluten is the primary protein source associated with wheat grains and other grass seeds like barley and rye. Gluten will be present in any food products prepared with these grains. Additionally, gluten proteins can be purified away from the other components of the granins and used as a protein supplement to low-protein foods. According to MayoClinic.com, sufferers of celiac disease experience gastrointestinal inflammation in response to gluten consumption that may lead to abdominal pain, diarrhea, lactose intolerance, malnutrition and cancer. The only effective treatment for celiac disease is to avoid food products containing gluten.
Corn Products
Corn-based products are generally considered safe for those maintaining a gluten-free diet. While it is true that corn contains some similar proteins found in gluten, it should not be confused with wheat gluten, according to Celiac.com. Food products containing corn proteins include cornmeal, corn flour, corn malt, hominy, grits, oil and sweeteners. However, people should be cautious when purchasing corn-based products and determine that they are in fact free of wheat glutens as some manufacturers inappropriately label corn proteins as corn glutens.
Rice Products
Food products that are composed out of rice grains are also considered to be gluten-free. These products include foods made out of rice flour like breads, cereals, crackers, cookies, snacks and noodles. However, according to Celiac-disease.com, people should be careful when buying rice-based products for a gluten-free diet because gluten is often added to some of these products. Examples of rice-based, non gluten-free products to avoid are prepared rice and rice pasta mixes. Generally, uncooked or unprepared rice is going to be gluten-free but all ingredient labels should be carefully read.
Soy Products
Soy-based food products are safe for those on a gluten-free diet. Products made out of soy flour and soy milk, are considered safe. Other soy-based foods including tofu and soy sauce often contain wheat byproducts, so caution should be used when purchasing these items, since there are gluten-free options available.
Other Foods
There are number of other food groups that are generally safe to eat for a gluten-free diet. This includes all fruits and vegetables, however prepared and canned portions of these may contain gluten. Milk products like creams and cheeses are usually gluten-free, however there may be exceptions like sour cream, yogurt and malted drinks. Additionally, people with celiac disease may develop lactose intolerance, reducing their eligibility to eat milk-based products. Protein sources such as meat and eggs are considered safe when they are not mixed with anything other products.
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