Coeliac, or celiac, disease is also known as celiac sprue or gluten-sensitive enteropathy. Although the disease process is not fully understood, it is thought to be an immune reaction to gliaden, a component of gluten. When gliaden enters the small intestine, the walls of the small bowel become damaged, and this causes significant distress for the affected person.
Remove Gluten-Containing Foods
If you are suffering from celiac disease, you must remove all gluten-containing foods from your diet. This is the only way to become symptom free and prevent nutritional deficiencies associated with the damaged intestinal lining. Gluten is a protein component from grains. Wheat, oats, barley, rye, bulgur, spelt, kamut and triticale all contain gluten. It can be a challenge to remove all gluten, especially considering that wheat is one of America's largest dietary staples. Fortunately, many companies are sensitive to this and are labeling foods gluten-free now for foods such as breads and crackers.
Hidden Gluten
In addition to avoiding certain grains, those who suffer from celiac disease should also watch for certain ingredients in common foods. For example, soy sauce, white flour, certain canned soups and bottled dressings, and prepared deli meats often contain hidden gluten. Beer, gin, whiskey and white vinegar all contain gluten. Check ingredient labels for hydrolyzed vegetable protein, flour, vegetable protein, vegetable gum, food starch and malt, all which contain gluten.
Focus on Non-gluten Grains
Grain foods that do not contain gluten include corn, millet, buckwheat, amaranth, rice and quinoa. You can substitute rice, soy or potato flour for traditional wheat flour in many recipes. Use potatoes, soybeans, cornmeal, arrowroot powder, and rice, cider or wine vinegar.
Diet Strategy
Try eating three to five small meals and snacks each day. Aim for a balance of protein, healthy fats and non-gluten carbohydrates to compose your meals and snacks. In addition to the previously mentioned non-gluten grains, include a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Healthy fats are anti-inflammatory and help soothe the gut and keep it functioning well. Some common healthy fats are olive oil, canola oil, avocado, and the fat from nuts, seeds, natural nut butters and salmon.
Supplemental Treatment
Once you have removed all gluten from your diet, the small intestine will heal and resume normal function. Depending on the duration and severity of the symptoms and injury, you may consider nutrition supplements as part of your treatment. A multivitamin/mineral supplement is beneficial to ensure adequate intake of essential nutrients that you may have been lacking due to malabsorption. Probiotics like lactobacillus and bifidobacterium can help ensure a healthy gut environment is established. Glutathione is an amino acid necessary for the repair of intestines. Adequate fiber intake from fruits, vegetables and gluten-free grains keeps your intestines healthy.
References
- "Krause's Food Nutrition and Diet Therapy, 10th Edition";L. Kathleen Mahan and Sylvia Escott-Stump; 2000
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Third Edition";PhyllisA. Balch, CNC and James F. Balch, MD; 2000
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