People with celiac disease, or CD, have an autoimmune disorder that tells their bodies to attack gluten proteins from certain plant sources. When someone with CD eats foods made from wheat, barley or rye, she may experience abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, gas, diarrhea or constipation. According to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, or NFCA, "The gluten-free diet is a lifelong commitment for people with celiac disease." Fortunately, there are many dessert options for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Effects
When someone with CD ingests gluten, the subsequent autoimmune response damages the villi, or small finger-like projections on the inside of his small intestine. Over time, these villi become less effective at absorbing nutrients from the gut and the person becomes malnourished.
Considerations
According to the Celiac Sprue Association, or CSA, people with celiac disease should avoid all foods and beverages made from wheat, rye and barley. Some individuals with celiac disease can tolerate uncontaminated oat products, but others may trigger an immune response if they ingest oat protein. Therefore, CSA says, "Inconclusive evidence exists concerning the inclusion of oats in the gluten-free diet."
Gluten-Free Food Groups
While the whole-grain food group contains many gluten-laden foods, five of the six food groups are gluten-free, according to the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center. Patients with celiac disease can safely select dessert options like fresh, frozen, canned or dried fruits that don't contain thickeners, additives or preservatives made from gluten, says CSA. Most dairy products are gluten-free, offering a good base for creating homemade desserts. Both tree nuts and peanuts can be served as gluten-free desserts.
Processed Foods
Gelatin, ice cream, sherbet, custard, junket and yogurt are great choices as long as gluten hasn't been added to them during the manufacturing process, says CSA. Learn to read labels carefully to identify gluten used as a flavoring, preservative or stabilizer. Some pudding mixes are gluten-free, for example, while others will cause an autoimmune response. Wine, cider, distilled liquids and spirits are all gluten-free dessert beverages, according to MayoClinic.com.
Tips
Instead of using wheat flour for home baking, people with celiac disease can try gluten-free substitutes like rice flour, almond meal flour, coconut flour or potato flour. NFCA publishes an extensive online listing of gluten-free dessert brands, online vendors and markets. Look for special sections for gluten-free treats in mainstream grocery stores and health food stores.
References
- National Foundation for Celiac Awareness: Getting Started: Celiac Disease & the Gluten-Free Diet
- Celiac Sprue Association: Treatment of Celiac Disease
- Celiac Sprue Association: Gluten-Free Diet: Basic Diet Choices
- The University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center: Gluten-Free Diet
- MayoClinic.com: Gluten-Free Diet
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