Gluten-Free Diet
It's a specialized plan for those who have adverse reactions to gluten.
BACKGROUND
The Gluten-Free Diet is pretty simple - don't consume any gluten. There are many people who actually have a high intolerance to gluten, known as Celiac Disease. Celiac Disease can damage the small intestine, and this can lead to weight loss, painful cramping and insufficient vitamins and minerals in the body. Completely removing gluten from one's diet allows the body to heal and function properly.
FOOD & RECIPES
Gluten is found in many grains, especially barley, wheat and rye. Many times, foods and grains are processed together, creating instances of cross-contamination. Becoming well-educated about gluten and learning how to read food labels will greatly help you avoid products containing gluten. Some key things to watch on food labels, that usually indicate hidden gluten, are:
- Soy Sauce
- Vegetable Gum
- Vegetable Protein
- Cereals
- Starch and Modified Food Starch
- Maltodextrim
- Flavoring
- Hydrolyzed Plant Protein
- Glucose Syrup
When committing to a gluten-free diet, you should not eat any grains containing gluten. Gluten-free choices include oats, corn, rice, potatoes and soybeans. Most fruits, vegetables, meat, fish and dairy products are free of gluten. Prepared foods should be eaten with caution, and labels reviewed carefully.
More recently, many bakeries are promoting themselves as gluten-free, to accommodate the needs of these individuals. Also, many health-food and organic grocers are carrying more gluten-free products.
Beer should be avoided as it is almost all brewed with some form of wheat or barley. There are some specialty beers available and most wines and liquors are acceptable.
The Gluten-Free Diet is primarily followed by those suffering from Celiac Disease. Both those with the disease and those considering a voluntary Gluten-Free Diet should consult their physician before beginning.
EXERCISE
It recommends regular cardio and resistance exercise.
EXPENSE
Cost of the book, Gluten-Free Diet: A Comprehensive Resource Guide.
PRO
- Effective for people who need to avoid gluten.
CON
- Not necessary for most people.
CONCLUSION
Most people don’t need to worry about avoiding gluten. But for those who have an adverse reaction to it, this is a good guide.
Common misspellings: Gluten Free Deit, Glutin-Free Diet, Gluten-Free Deit
Anonymous: has anyone tried this gluten-free diet? it seems more like something for an alergy than a "diet"
Thor, medical student: A gluten free diet is not only recommended but necessary for individuals who have coeliac disease / gluten sensitive enteropathy. They have an adverse reaction to gluten, and if they consume even a small amount it causes the bodies immune system to have a destructive effect on their intestines. That leads to malabsorption and great discomforts. By completely avoiding gluten, sensitive individuals recover full health and can live life normally, except for the fact that they must always watch out for gluten in their diet. A gluten free diet is very hard to follow and is not necessary for a majority of individuals. Unless you have been diagnosed with coeliac disease by a licensed medical professional you shouldn't embark on a gluten free diet.
Jen.ut/usa : I agree/disagree You have the basic information correct, however- being a person with sprue its hard to say we are living a NORMAL life- there are many intollerance's involved down to your lip stick you wear! So normal isn't a word I would use ever with this no cure available dis. It is also a fantastic diet for those people with add adhd autism and asburger's syndrome! I have two kids who have both bennifited from this who have those problems- and have seen a huge difference in them! Anyone can do this diet! or lifestyle as i put it- its all in your mindset and how commited you are to getting all those toxins OUT of you body! besides, did anyone really think fast food and soda was REALLY a GOOD IDEA? come on!.
JLSankot: To everyone: Be aware that symptoms of celiac sprue are not the only indications of an allergy to gluten. For 60 years, I suffered from almost constant itching followed by skin eruptions, which would manifest themselves as open sores for 4-6 months. Miserable! No physician could give me a clue as to what was going on with me. One day, I searched the internet and found out that I have a gluten allergy. It was a hugh adjustment at first, but soon I found out that I felt better when avoiding wheat and wheat products. And my skin is almost clear after almost 2 years on a gluten free diet. So it isn't just bowel involvement in the form of diarrhea that indicates a gluten allergy. Hopefully, I have been able to help others by sharing this information. Thank you.
