Gluten is the protein part of rye, wheat, barley and many other grains. It is also used as a stabilizer, emulsifier, starch, hydrolyzed plant protein and flavoring agent in many products, so it can be difficult to detect. A gluten-free diet is needed when you cannot tolerate gluten in your small intestine due to genetic mutations. The best way to cope with the intolerance is to avoid gluten.
Celiac Disease
A gluten-free diet is designed to prevent the signs and symptoms of a gluten intolerance, known as celiac disease. This disease causes inflammation in the small intestines when gluten is consumed because the bacterial composition of the intestines changes, and the body attacks the gluten. A person experiences bloating, diarrhea, cramps, gas and possible weight loss. Also, since many grains are enriched with nutrients, when you avoid grains you must be certain to obtain the proper amount of vitamins and nutrients through other areas of the diet.
Carbohydrates
Reading labels is the best way to determine what foods contain gluten or are made in a factory that processes foods that contain gluten. Never consume foods that contain wheat, barley or rye in the ingredients. Bread crumbs on meats or fish and in meatloaf or meatballs and pasta dishes all contain gluten. Most waffles, pancakes, pastries, pizza and breads contain gluten, so carbohydrates need to be carefully monitored. But remember that rice, corn, buckwheat, potato, millet and quinoa are gluten-free, so stick to those grains when consuming carbohydrates.
Other Gluten Sources
Many sauces and condiments contain gluten to produce the proper mouthfeel and consistency. So avoid salad dressings, mayonnaise, nondairy creamers, gravies, syrups, soy sauce, tomato sauce, seasonings and cream sauces that are thickened with flour. Other foods to watch for are commercially made soups, beer, malt-containing drinks, nutritional supplements, creamed vegetables, custards, puddings, soy products, meat patties, salty snack foods, cold cuts, pie fillings, ice cream, chocolate and ale. Again, reading labels and researching is the most important way to avoid foods with gluten.
Recommendations
Due to current trends and the rise of gluten-intolerance, many food manufacturers are making gluten-free foods in gluten-free factories. Labels to this effect will be posted on the products. Many healthy fresh foods do not contain gluten, such as fresh vegetables, meats, eggs, corn, rice, popcorn, potatoes, fruits, beans, nuts and peanut butter. So a gluten-free diet is a heart-healthy diet because it encourages fresh foods and nonfried meats. A gluten-free diet is very doable if you read labels and educate yourself about the right foods.
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