Gluten-Free Medical Diet

A gluten-free diet has become a fad for some, but it is only medically necessary for those who suffer from celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the small intestine. Although this diet requires significant lifestyle changes, it results in an improvement in quality of life and will reduce the likelihood of illness for those with celiac disease.

Celiac Disease

For those who have celiac disease, eating gluten causes and immune response that damages to the mucosal lining of the small intestine. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, triticale -- a cross between wheat and rye -- and occasionally oats. If celiac disease is left untreated, it can eventually cause poor absorption of essential nutrients. While this disease occurs in people of all ages, it is common to occur after stress, infection or pregnancy. Symptoms of celiac disease include frequent, strong-smelling stools that may be pale and foamy, diarrhea, fatigue, abdominal distention, weight loss, vomiting and anemia. If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor as a medical diagnosis is essential to confirm the disease.

Gluten in Foods

If you have celiac disease, eliminating gluten from your diet usually results in improvement of symptoms within four to five days. Foods such as stuffing, croutons, bulgur, matzo, imitation seafood, processed meat, soups and soup bases contain gluten and you should not eat them. You can include a small amount of oats that are not contaminated with wheat. Foods that do not contain gluten and can be eaten freely include beans, lentils, gluten-free bread, nut flours, quinoa, potato and potato flour, rice, tapioca, soy and corn. Fruits, vegetables, fish, beef, chicken, fish, milk-based foods and cereals made without wheat or barley malt are also gluten-free and safe to eat.

Gluten in Medications

Other less obvious sources of gluten include inactive ingredients in certain medications. For example, use caution if your medication contains gluten, dextri-maltose, dusting powder, flour, starch or pregeletanized starch. Always review your medication label and talk with your doctor if you notice any of these ingredients.

Other Nutritional Considerations

People with untreated celiac disease may also suffer from nutritional deficiencies from poor absorption of nutrients such as iron, folate, vitamin D and calcium. Deficiencies can only be confirmed by your doctor and they will improve with a healthy diet and supplementation. If you have celiac disease, consult a registered dietitian knowledgeable in the disease to develop an eating plan that is right for you.