The gluten-free diet removes all sources of gluten, found in barley, rye and wheat, from the diet. Gluten is found predominately in food prepared from gluten grains, like breads and pasta. It may also be found in other food products, such as seasonings and additives. Many foods, however, are naturally gluten-free, including dairy.
Reasons for the Diet
The gluten-free diet is medically therapeutic for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. If you have celiac disease, eating gluten causes your body to attack your small intestine. Small, hair-like projections in your intestine that trap nutrients, called villi, are destroyed, which could lead to malnutrition and other complications, according to the Celiac Disease Foundation. If you have gluten sensitivity, ingesting gluten may cause symptoms such as headaches, diarrhea, constipation and fatigue. Your body does not damage itself with gluten sensitivity. Naturally gluten-free foods will become staples of your diet if you have these conditions. Foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, plain, unseasoned meats, all beans and legumes, nuts and grains like brown and wild rice, quinoa and corn are naturally gluten-free. Meet with a dietary professional to learn which foods are included in a gluten-free diet.
Dairy Products
Dairy products like cheese, yogurt, ice cream and milk are a healthy part of a well-rounded gluten-free diet. Milk and milk products are sources of calcium, potassium, vitamin D and protein, which are needed for healthy bones and muscles. Choose 2 cups of dairy per day for children and 3 cups per day for adults for the most health benefit, recommends MyPyramid.gov.
Food Additives
Flavorings and other ingredients containing gluten may be added to dairy products during production. Malt flavoring, often added to some flavored milks, ice cream and yogurt, is made from barley and contains gluten. Other dairy flavors may contain pieces of cookies, brownies or other treats made from flour. Products containing candy pieces may also contain wheat flour. Read dairy product labels to be sure the product doesn't contain gluten ingredients.
Lactose Intolerance
If you have celiac disease, there is a good chance you're also lactose intolerant, according to Mayo Clinic. Lactose is a sugar found in milk and dairy products. Your body uses an enzyme, lactase, to digest lactose from dairy products. Lactase is produced in the lining of the small intestine. Your small intestine may be damaged from celiac disease, which may prevent adequate production of lactase for digesting dairy. Symptoms of lactose intolerance may not appear until you've started a gluten-free diet, states the American Academy of Family Physicians. The symptoms include diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain after eating dairy. Over time, you may be able to tolerate dairy as your intestine begins to heal while on a gluten-free diet.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Celiac Disease: Complications; December 2010
- USDA: My Pyramid: Food Groups: How Much Food From the Dairy Group is Needed Daily?; February 2011
- Celiac Disease Foundation: What Happens with Celiac Disease?
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Information from Your Family Doctor: Celiac Disease: What You Should Know; December 2006
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