A gluten-free diet prescribed for diarrhea and pain is most likely to treat irritable bowel syndrome or celiac disease. Both conditions are gastrointestinal conditions that cause pain after eating that leads to chronic diarrhea. Some people with irritable bowel syndrome might be sensitive to gluten, which could trigger common IBS symptoms. Celiac disease is a digestive condition that causes the immune system to damage the lining of your small intestines whenever you eat gluten. A gluten-free diet will take time and determination because gluten if found in a wide variety of products.
Gluten
Gluten is a protein found in three grains: wheat, rye and barely. People who are hypersensitive to this protein might be instructed by their doctor to implement a gluten-free diet. In some cases, a gluten-free diet can be life-saving. If you have celiac disease and continue to eat gluten, you can cause permanent damage to your digestive system, leading to further complications. Complications from eating gluten with celiac disease are malnutrition and excessive weight loss. Gluten that triggers IBS will not cause any long-term effects on your body but could cause severe symptoms.
Gluten-Free
Gluten-free diets have become more common, causing manufacturers and distributors to make gluten-free products more readily available. You can find many gluten-free products at your local grocery store labeled, "gluten-free." Certain grains and flours are naturally gluten-free and can be used in baking and cooking. Use rice, tapioca, soy, corn, bean, potato, millet or buckwheat flours for cooking. Foods that are naturally gluten-free are fresh meats, fresh fish, fruits and vegetables. Use caution if you purchase processed meats such as hot dogs or lunch meat because many contain gluten.
What to Avoid
Some foods that contain gluten might not be obvious. The following foods might contain gluten: bread, cake, beer, candy, cereal, pie, oats, crackers, cookies, croutons, gravy, pasta, soups, ice cream and certain sauces. When in doubt, read the ingredients on the package. If the product contains durham, barely, bulgur, wheat, rye, graham flour, farina, semolina, spelt or tricale, do not consume the product.
Consideration
A gluten-free diet should be prescribed by your doctor. Do not implement a gluten-free diet based on your own initiative. A clinical diagnosis is needed before you participate in a gluten-free diet. Most conditions that require a gluten-free diet are diagnosed with a blood sample, tests done on the intestines or a colonoscopy.
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