The protein gluten is found in many grains and related food products. If you think you have a gluten sensitivity, make an appointment with your doctor. Do not begin a gluten-free diet on your own, because the diagnostic tests for celiac disease require that you continue to eat gluten. However, if you have positive antibodies and a positive intestinal biopsy, then you will want to limit your intake of gluten to control your symptoms and improve your nutrition.
Symptoms of Celiac Disease
If you suspect you have a gluten sensitivity, you may be experiencing some of the symptoms of celiac disease after consuming foods containing gluten. Classic signs of celiac disease are abdominal bloating, gas, diarrhea or constipation, fatty stools, anemia and weight loss, according to the Celiac Disease Foundation. Many other symptoms are possible, though, including problems with dental enamel, osteoporosis, joint pain, fatigue, infertility, depression, mouth ulcers, delayed puberty, tingling of the hands and feet, and migraines. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, anemia and other signs of malnutrition are long-term risks of untreated celiac disease.
Celiac Disease Diagnosis
Diagnosing celiac disease is a complex process that requires blood work and a biopsy of your intestine for absolute certainty. Before your blood work, you must follow a diet that contains gluten for at least four weeks for accurate tests. The most common blood tests include anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody, anti-endomysial antibody, anti-deaminated gliadin peptide, total serum IgA and anti-gliadin antibody. If these antibody tests come back positive, your doctor will likely order a biopsy of your intestine to determine if you have celiac disease. The doctor will insert a scope down into your stomach to take a sample of your intestine. Only if the intestine shows signs of celiac disease will you receive an official diagnosis.
Foods to Avoid
If you are diagnosed with celiac disease or have a gluten sensitivity, you need to avoid wheat, rye and barley, according to the Ohio State University Medical Center. Oats are not strictly off-limits, but they are often contaminated with gluten, so they are best avoided. Unfortunately, some foods are contaminated with gluten or contain gluten as an additive. This makes many foods off-limits for those on a gluten-free diet. Any foods made from wheat flour, such as crackers, pasta and pizza, are strictly off this type of diet. Canned foods with a gluten thickener and processed foods, such as hot dogs, have gluten in them, as well. Even some medications and supplements have gluten as a binder.
Foods to Eat
If you cook your own food, you can eat gluten-free relatively easily, and many restaurants offer gluten-free menu options. You can eat any fresh red meat, poultry or fish, and tapioca, corn, rice, potato and soy flour are acceptable forms of starch. You can make your own breads and cakes from these ingredients. Rice and corn-made products are also great ways to get starch into your diet. All fresh fruits and vegetables are available for you to eat. Almond Joy, Mounds and Pay Day candy bars are gluten-free to satisfy your sweet tooth.
