Gluten is a protein component of wheat, barley and rye. Celiac disease is a chronic condition characterized by an inability to tolerate gluten. When someone with celiac disease consumes gluten, an abnormal immune response sends out antibodies. This damages the lining of the small intestines. If the lining of your small intestines is damaged, your ability to absorb various nutrients is hindered, and this can lead to malnutrition.
Gluten-Free Diet
The only way to treat celiac disease is to follow a gluten-free diet. To completely follow a gluten-free diet, you must avoid any foods or drinks that contain wheat, rye, barley, bulgur, farina, spelt, triticale, kamut, semolina, durham, graham flour and matzo meal. Generally, this means you must avoid most commercially produced crackers, cookies, cereals, breads, pastas, sauces and beer. Some grains, such as oats, amaranth, buckwheat and quinoa, do not naturally contain gluten, but are sometimes contaminated during production. When you're choosing these grains, look for gluten-free labels. Grains are tested before packaging, and if contamination occurred, they cannot carry a gluten-free label. Also check medicine, vitamin and cosmetic labels, because these products often contain gluten.
Foods to Eat
Grains labeled gluten-free, as well as rice, soy, corn and potato flours are allowed on a gluten-free diet. Your diet should consist of these grains and starches, as well as meat, poultry, fish, fruit, vegetables and most dairy products. Wine and distilled liquors are also usually gluten-free.
Considerations
Because a gluten-free diet omits several types of food, it can be low in several vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and folate. A gluten-free diet may also be low in fiber, which not only keeps your bowels functioning normally, but also lowers cholesterol levels and your risk of heart disease. If you are on a gluten-free diet, visit your doctor or dietitian regularly to assess your nutritional status and make sure you are not deficient in a specific nutrient. If you are deficient, you may require a vitamin, mineral or fiber supplement.
Warnings
If you have celiac disease and do not follow a gluten-free diet, your intestinal lining may become damaged. In addition, your body can lose calcium, which can lead to brittle bones and the development of osteoporosis. Those with uncontrolled celiac disease also have an increased risk of bowel cancer and intestinal lymphoma, according to the Mayo Clinic website.
