A Celiac Gluten-Free Diet

Approximately 2.8 million Americans suffer from celiac disease, reports the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness. This autoimmune condition occurs when the body cannot digest the protein gluten, found in wheat barley and rye. Sufferers experience a wide variety of symptoms including excessive gas and bloating, diarrhea, weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, weakness, joint pain, tingling and rashes. The only treatment for the disease is a gluten-free diet.

Foods to Avoid

You must not eat any trace of wheat, barely or rye. Even a tiny crumb can set off symptoms. Traditional breads, pastas, cereals and many processed foods should be avoided. Any food with the ingredients spelt, farina, matzo, semolina, durum, graham, emmer, kamut, wheat starch, wheat bran, wheat germ, hydrolyzed wheat protein and triticale also contain gluten.

Foods to Include

Focus on foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, dairy, nuts and seeds and beans. Stick to unseasoned and unmarinated foods, as the additives may contain gluten ingredients. Many gluten-free versions of pasta, bread and baked goods are available in grocery and specialty stores. You can also enjoy grains such as quinoa, rice, amaranth, buckwheat and teff.

Processed and Restaurant Foods

When purchasing foods not labeled "gluten-free," you must carefully read the ingredient list to be sure they do not contain any gluten ingredients. Products that are of concern include energy and granola bars, chips, candy, imitation crab, rice mixes with seasoning packets, seasoned tortilla chips, rotisserie chicken, sauced vegetables, sausage and processed meats. At restaurants, learn to communicate with your server to explain your condition and the foods you cannot consume. Be wary of french fries, which may be fried alongside breaded items and are thus cross contaminated. Even grilled items may be placed next to flour containing foods. Request your meat or fish to be prepared in a clean pan and that any vegetables and rice be steamed without any sauce.

Considerations

It is unclear whether people with celiac disease can safely consume oats. Many brands seem to be cross contaminated with wheat during processing, making them off-limits. Check with your health care provider to see if she recommends you consume any type of oats on your gluten-free plan. Other foods that contain gluten are beer and soy sauce. Seek out gluten-free sorghum beer or tamari, wheat-free soy sauce, to still enjoy these foods.