Gluten is a form of protein typically found in oats, barley, rye and wheat. Gluten can cause gastrointestinal problems and food allergies. Celiac disease, Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome are also caused by gluten intolerance. If you suffer from any of these conditions, your physician may prescribe a diet that excludes foods high in gluten. Cutting high gluten foods out of your diet can prevent symptoms of gluten allergies and gluten intolerance.
Dairy
Dairy items with malt flavorings, such as hot chocolate, malted milk shakes, processed cheeses and chocolate milk, are high gluten foods. Ice cream products should also be restricted if you suffer from celiac disease, a genetic autoimmune condition that damages the intestines when gluten is consumed. Some puddings and yogurts are considered high in gluten.
Whole Grains and Breads
Foods normally eliminated on a gluten-free diet include breads and whole grains. Barley, oat bran, wheat bread, semolina and rye are all high in gluten. Whole grain products that contain gluten include kamat, durum, malt extract and bulgur. Most baked goods, breads, cereals, flour mixes and pastas have high gluten levels, but many manufacturers now make gluten-free varieties.
Meats and Dressings
Many meat products should left off of a gluten-free diet because of their high gluten amounts. For example, meat dishes that include breadcrumbs, flour, pasta or lunch meat, soup or soup bouillon should be avoided because of high gluten content. Sauces, salad dressing and gravies with a flour base also contain gluten.
Vegetables and Fruits
Although vegetables and fruits are included on a gluten-free diet, vegetables in cream-based canned soups and breaded vegetables have a high gluten content. If you have celiac disease, fruit sauces and jams with thickeners and syrups should also be avoided. Fruit cobblers and fruit filled pastries are other items with extremely high gluten. Most French fries and flavored potato chips contain additives that elevate their gluten content.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Gluten-Free Diet
- Celiac Sprue Association: Gluten-Free Diet: Grains and Flours
- Rice University Medical Center: Wheat Allergy Diet
- "Digestive Wellness"; Elizabeth Lipski, Ph.D., CCN; 2005
