Gluten is found in a variety of grains, such as barley, rye and wheat, and contributes to the leavening ability of the flour when used in cooking and baking. Its presence in the diets of certain people also causes food allergies and gastrointestinal problems. AllergyEscape.com explains that symptoms from gluten intolerance can occur immediately or hours after eating. Most of the symptoms caused by the ingestion of foods containing gluten can be relieved by following a gluten-free diet. Avoid the following foods and add gluten-free items to your diet for relief of symptoms.
Grains
The following foods containing high-gluten grains such as wheat, rye, barley and in for some people, oats, should be avoided according to the guidelines presented by Rush University Medical Center. Specifically, they are: biscuits, rolls, batter-fried foods, bran, graham crackers, granola, rye bread, farina, flours, cornbread, crackers, dumplings, muffins, gravies, macaroni, cream of wheat, pancake mixes, pasta pastries, bread, pumpernickel bread, matzos, pies, pita bread, pizza, bread crumbs, croutons, cakes, cereals, cookies, noodles, tortillas, ice cream cones, vermicelli, doughnuts, bulgur, buns, pretzels, spaghetti, waffles and wheat germ.
Condiments and Seasonings
Steer clear of condiments and seasonings made with gluten, which makes them suspects in food allergies and for those who are gluten intolerant, recommends Rush University. Avoid Worcestershire sauce, malt products, modified food starch, bouillon, monosodium glutamate and any salad dressing or gravy thickened with wheat flour, pepper, barley malt, mayonnaise, sauces, soups, soy sauce and tamari.
Processed Meats
If you are gluten-intolerant leave out the processed meats, recommends the Celiac Sprue Association. Many processed meats, including liverwurst, sausages, cold cuts, bologna and hot dogs, are made with grains containing gluten.
Alcoholic Beverages
Avoid alcoholic beverages, recommends AllergyEscape.com. Drinks such as beer, light beer, ale and certain hard liquors are made with gluten-containing grains.
Sweets
Choose fruits for your sweet tooth and avoid cocoa, ice cream, malted milk, candy, chocolate, root beer, Ovaltine and puddings, which all contain gluten.
