Gluten Free Diet

Gluten is a protein found in most grains, mainly wheat, barley and rye. Although gluten is present in other foods, those seem to be the triggers of the major problems noted in patients who have celiac disease. This diet is not a diet for everyone, nor it is a diet to follow without a clear diagnosis of celiac disease.  

The goal of the diet is eliminate gluten intake and exposure. Gluten can trigger the immune system to react to it in the intestinal walls, causing loss of the surface of absorption and resulting in multiple symptoms including abdominal pain and bloating, those are non specific. Also, this can result in malabsorption and decrease in nutrients sometimes resulting in low blood counts. 

 

What Can I Eat?

  • Fruits and vegetables

  • Beans, seeds, legumes and nuts in their natural forms

  • Eggs

  • Non processed meats, fish and poultry

  • Most low-fat dairy products

 

Grains, starches or flours that can be part of a gluten-free diet include:

  • Amaranth

  • Arrowroot

  • Buckwheat

  • Corn if labeled gluten free

  • Millet

  • Gluten-free flours — rice, soy, corn, potato and bean flours

  • Hominy (corn)

  • Rice

  • Quinoa

  • Sorghum

  • Flax

  • Soy

  • Tapioca (cassava root)

 

What to Avoid?

  • Wheat (including other naming such as Semolina, Farina..)

  • Barley

  • Rye

  • Triticale

  • Oats if not clearly stated that they are gluten free. 

  • Cookies and crackers

  • Processed foods unless stated that it is gluten free. 

  • Alcoholic beverages prepared from gluten containing products.

  • Cakes and pies

  • Candies

  • Cereals

  • Communion wafers

  • Croutons

  • French fries

  • Gravies

  • Imitation meat or seafood

  • Malt, malt flavoring and other malt products (barley)

  • Matzo

  • Pastas

  • Hot dogs and processed lunchmeats

  • Salad dressings

  • Sauces, including soy sauce (wheat)

  • Seasoned rice mixes

  • Seasoned snack foods, such as potato and tortilla chips

  • Self-basting poultry

  • Soups, bouillon or soup mixes

  • Vegetables in sauce

 

Benefits

It is a long list and hard to follow but it is rewarding to patients with celiac disease. Patient who follow the diet strictly notice improvement in overall symptoms and nutrient levels. This can be curative and result in complete resolution of celiac disease. Make sure you continue to follow up with your provider and follow up with possible laboratory testing.