Nutritional Diet For A Person With Celiac

Celiac disease is a complex digestive disease that damages the small intestine and affects nutrient absorption from food. The intestinal damage takes place when you eat gluten, a protein in wheat, rye, barley and malt products. In addition to foods, gluten is sometimes found in medicines, vitamins and lip balms. About 2 million Americans have celiac disease, and according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, one in 133 people develop celiac disease.

Diet Guidelines

Those with celiac disease require a lifelong restriction of gluten, meaning they must avoid all products containing wheat, rye, barley, and malt. Limiting oat products to a 1/2 cup per day is recommended because some manufacturers prepare oat products with the same equipment as wheat, rye, barley and malt products. Household products such as toothpaste, mouthwash and over-the-counter medication may contain fillers composed of gluten. Products labeled wheat-free may actually contain small amounts of wheat, requiring you call the manufacturer if the ingredient sources are not identified on the label.

Products with Gluten

As you should avoid all products containing gluten, breads, certain sauces and flour-containing products are not permitted on a gluten-free diet. Grains such as crackers, pretzels, tortilla chips, breaded foods, breads, bagels, croissants, cereals, buns and croutons contain gluten. Sweeter grains such as cakes, donuts, pies, pancakes and waffles contain harmful gluten compounds. Sauces such as gravy, some salad dressings, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce and some soups are some of the less-obvious sources of gluten.

Deli foods such as cold cuts, hot dogs, salami and sausage contain gluten, as well as pasta and pizza from any take-out restaurant. Hidden sources of gluten include self-basting turkeys, stuffing, some candy, beer, and communion breads.

Gluten-Free Diet

The gluten-free diet contains foods from all the five major food groups: grains, fruits, vegetables, meats and milk. If you have celiac disease, there are still cereals made without wheat, barley or malt, such as Corn Chex or Rice Chex. Of course, fruits and vegetables are allowed on a gluten-free diet, including rice, corn, and potatoes. Protein-rich foods such as meat, poultry, fish without breading or gravy are allowed, as well as milk-based products and beans. If you consume alcohol, distilled alcohols are gluten-free and safe to consume.

Specialty Gluten-Free Products

In many health-food stores and some supermarkets, you can find specialty grain products such as pasta, bread, pancakes, and pastries made rice, buckwheat, tapioca, potato, corn flour and corn starches. Internet specialty stores sell flours made from flax seed, tapioca, quinoa, sorghum, buckwheat, soy, amaranth and arrowroot, which are all gluten-free. Legumes such as black beans, garbanzo beans and white beans are also made into flours at internet specialty stores. Some stores have high prices for these specialty products, but after researching in your area, you will find the best deals.