Wheat allergy is defined as having the immune system identify wheat as an allergen and creating antibodies, known as IgE, to fight the allergen. The antibodies attach themselves to mast cells that are located throughout the body. Every time wheat is consumed, the mast cells explode, releasing histamines and other chemicals that cause a variety of allergic reaction symptoms. Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat and other grains. A gluten allergy is having the immune system identify gluten specifically as the allergen. As such, if you have a gluten allergy, you must avoid wheat and if you have a wheat allergen, gluten is one of the proteins that will cause a reaction.
Treatment for Gluten and Wheat Allergies
There is no medical treatment for either gluten or wheat allergies. The only therapy is strict avoidance of the offending foods. Sometimes, even the smallest exposure can cause deadly allergic reactions. It is essential to avoid contact with wheat, products containing wheat, products containing gluten, or ingredients that might contain either allergen.
Recommended Foods for Dessert
There are many foods that are recommended for people with a wheat allergy or a gluten allergy that could be used as desserts. Dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, and cheeses, can be consumed without any problems. Unseasoned and unflavored dry or canned nuts and seeds are also well-tolerated. Certain starches are considered safe for both people with wheat or gluten allergies. Starches, such as corn, potatoes and rice, are typically safe for both allergies; therefore, desserts that contain these starches are considered safe. Although the gluten content of oats is a controversial subject, oat-processing mills usually use the same equipment to process wheat and oat, causing cross-contamination. Thus, avoiding oats all together is a good precautionary measure. All fruits and fruit juices are safe to eat and will not cause any adverse reactions. Finally, margarine, shortening and vegetable oils are also well tolerated and wheat/gluten-free.
Gluten Free and Wheat Free Chocolate Chip Cookies
One example of a wheat and gluten free dessert that is easy to make and store is wheat/gluten free chocolate chip cookies. After preheating the oven to 350 degrees, mix 1 cup peanut butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 egg and one tsp. of baking soda in a bowl. After those ingredients are well mixed, fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips. Place the dough in a lightly-greased baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
Gluten Free and Wheat Free Baked Apple Dessert
Another popular dessert is a baked apple. For this recipe, preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Then, remove the cores of 4 good baking apples and stretch the holes so that each is 1-inch wide. In a separate bowl, mix a 1/4-cup brown sugar, 1 tsp. cinnamon, 1/4-cup raisins and 1/4-cup chopped pecans. After mixing well, stuff each apple with the mixture and place a dot of butter on top. Then, place the apples in a baking pan and add 3/4-cup of boiling water to it. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the apples are tender. After taking the baking pan out of the oven, baste the apples with their juices and serve with one scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips for Avoiding Allergic Reactions
It is important to avoid cross-contamination. Use hot soapy water to clean kitchen surfaces, cutting boards and utensils to remove any allergens. Other places that are sources of cross-contamination include toaster ovens and microwave ovens. Prepare the wheat-free or gluten-free item first, and then cover it before cooking something else to ensure that no contamination occurs. Never reuse frying oil after something with wheat or gluten was cooked in it. Another way to avoid adverse allergic reactions is to carefully read the nutrition facts label. Because wheat and gluten are major allergens, if a food item contains them, it must be stated in the ingredients list. Reading the labels on all food items, including bubblegum ,is a good way to avoid an allergic reaction. It is important to also be aware of non-food items such as soaps, lotions, make-up, shampoo and medications as these might also contain wheat and grain products.
References
- American Dietetic Association: What Allergy Nutrition Therapy
- American Dietetic Association: Wheat Allergy Tips
- "Nutrition Therapy and Pathophysiology": Nelms, Sucher, Long; 2007
