If you've been diagnosed with celiac disease, your doctor has most likely prescribed a gluten- and lactose-free diet. Celiac disease is a common digestive condition that results in damage to the lining of your small intestines when you eat products that contain gluten. Gluten is a protein found in rye, barely and wheat and is widely used in many processed and packaged foods. The most effective way to treat celiac disease is to avoid gluten and lactose, especially if the condition has caused you to become lactose intolerant.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an intolerance to gluten, found primarily in bread, baked goods and cereals. If you have this disease, your immune system damages the tiny hair-like fibers that line the intestines called villi. Villi play a vital role in absorbing nutrients from the foods you eat. If the villi are severely damaged, you may become malnourished and require hospitalization. This condition is also caused by an abnormal immune system reaction to gluten, which is commonly a genetic disorder. The damage to the villi can cause you to become lactose intolerant.
Lactose Intolerance
Because of damage to the lining of your small intestines from celiac disease, you may stop producing lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose. If your intestines stops creating lactase, whenever you consume dairy products you will develop bloating, diarrhea, gas, stomach pain and cramping within a half hour. Lactose is found in most dairy products and in some medications. Some lactose intolerance may be treated by taking a lactase enzyme supplement. Lactose intolerance is a chronic condition that has no cure.
Gluten-free Diet
Implementing a gluten-free diet will require a new approach to buying and eating food. Gluten is found in a wide variety of foods, many that do not make gluten an obvious ingredient. It is best to make your own food or purchase foods that clearly state that they are gluten-free. Instead of using wheat, barely or rye flour, use corn, bean, soy, rice potato or buckwheat flour. These flours are naturally gluten-free and are safe with celiac disease. Other foods that are naturally gluten-free are fresh meats, fruits, vegetables and dairy. Deli meats and oats may contain gluten.
Lactose-free Diet
Creating a lactose-free diet involves eliminating all dairy products or purchasing dairy products that labeled, "lactose-free." Lactose-free dairy products have been treated with the lactase enzyme, removing all lactose form the product. If you eliminate all dairy products from your diet, you may require calcium and vitamin from other sources, such as supplements, spinach or broccoli.
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