Celiac disease is a genetic digestive disease that affects approximately 1 in 133 Americans each year, according to the website Celiac.com. Celiac disease damages the small intestine and prevents the body from absorbing nutrients from food. People who have celiac disease cannot tolerate gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. Gluten is found mainly in foods but it can also be found in medicines, vitamins and lip balms. Symptoms of celiac disease may include diarrhea, weight loss and/or malnutrition. A gluten-free diet can help alleviate some of the symptoms commonly associated with celiac disease.
Fresh Meats and Proteins
Most fresh meats and proteins are gluten-free foods that celiac disease patients can safely consume, according to MayoClinic.com. People who have celiac disease should avoid meat products that are breaded, coated or marinated, unless they are labeled "gluten-free." Other protein-based food sources that do not contain gluten are eggs and beans.
Gluten-Free Grains and Starches
According to MayoClinic.com, people with celiac disease can consume gluten-free grains and starches such as corn, cornmeal, rice, tapioca, hominy grits and pure corn tortillas without fear of celiac disease complications. Any flour that is made from nuts, beans, tubers or legumes is gluten-free and safe to eat if you have celiac disease. In addition, many grocery stores now offer a variety of gluten-free substitutes such as pizza, pasta and bagels, according to the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. If you have a hard time finding gluten-free products, they can usually be found in specialty health-food stores.
Fruits and Vegetables
Gluten-free food sources that are safe for celiac disease patients are fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables that do not contain added syrups or sauces, according to the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. These fruits and vegetables include apples, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, oranges, mushrooms, grapes, leafy greens and strawberries. People with celiac disease should avoid dates and french fries due to the possibility of contamination. According to the Canadian Celiac Association, dates may be coated with gluten-containing wheat flour to prevent sticking and French fries may be cooked in the same skillet as other foods battered with wheat flour.
Dairy Products
Gluten-free dairy products such as milk, buttermilk, plain yogurt, natural cheese, cream cheese and cottage cheese are safe gluten-free foods for celiac patients, according to Rush University Medical Center. If you have celiac disease, it is important that you carefully read the labels before consuming certain ice cream products because they may contain wafers and cookies made with wheat flour. In addition, people with celiac disease should avoid processed cheese spreads because they may contain thickeners made from wheat flour.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Celiac Disease
- Celiac.com: What is Celiac Disease?
- MayoClinic.com: Gluten-Free Diet
- North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
- RD411.com: Gluten Free Diet Quick Start
- Canadian Celiac Association: The Gluten-Free Diet
