The term gluten refers to proteins found in certain specific types of natural grains; gluten is used in many different foods, drinks and other products. Approximately 3 million Americans have gluten sensitivity, also known as celiac disease. For these individuals, eating even small amounts of gluten can damage the small intestine and bowel. There is no cure for gluten intolerance; complete abstinence is the only treatment.
Grains and Baked Goods
Gluten naturally occurs in grains such as rye, wheat and barley; it is commonly found in baked goods, breads and cereals. It is also present in pretzels, cookies, cakes, pasta, bread crumbs and pizza dough.
Gluten in Unexpected Foods
Gluten shows up as filler in many processed foods. Avoid sausages and luncheon meats, self-basting turkeys, Matzo flour and meal, creamy soups and gravies thickened with flour, dry mustard powder, salad dressings, tofu turkey, blue cheese, imitation crab meat, baked beans in tomato sauce, and potato chips. Avoid Seitan, a mock meat found in vegetarian and Asian dishes that is pure gluten. Gluten is even found in gum.
Gluten in Drinks
Instant coffee, malted drinks, hot or cold chocolate beverages and many beers should be avoided. The number of gluten-free beers is growing: Brewers use gluten-fee grains like buckwheat, sorghum, rice, maize, and millet. Beers that claim to be gluten-free because of the brewing process should be avoided because they cannot guarantee they are 100 percent gluten free.
Unexpected Sources of Gluten
Read package labels or check online for consumer information regarding gluten in non-food products. It is found in some lipstick brands, in some toothpastes, and in some over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Religious communion wafers, while small, may contain gluten. Gluten intolerant children should not play with Play Doh; although non-toxic, the popular craft toy comes with a wheat gluten warning.
References
- Celiac Disease Foundation: About Celiac Disease
- AOL Daily Finance: Cub FOODS Introduces Program to Make It Easier for Customers to Live Gluten Free
- The Gluten-Free-Chef.com: List of foods containing gluten
- The Vegetarian Resourse Group: Recipes: Seitan -- The Vegetarian Wheat Meat
- Hasbro: Customer Service: Play Doh Ingredients
- The Independent: Health & Families: Your guide to gluten-free beers from around the world
