What is celiac disease and how does it affect the body. Which foods contain gluten and must be avoided. What are safe, nutritious alternatives for a gluten-free diet. How to read food labels and navigate restaurants with celiac disease. What are potential nutritional deficiencies to watch for on a gluten-free diet. How can individuals with celiac disease ensure proper nutrition while avoiding gluten. What support and resources are available for those newly diagnosed with celiac disease.

Understanding Celiac Disease: The Gluten Connection

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects approximately 3 million Americans. It’s characterized by an immune response triggered by gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. But what exactly happens in the body of someone with celiac disease when they consume gluten?

When a person with celiac disease eats gluten, their immune system attacks the small intestine. This attack damages the villi, tiny finger-like projections that line the small intestine and are responsible for nutrient absorption. As a result, the body can’t properly absorb nutrients, leading to various health issues.

The Impact of Gluten on Celiac Patients

The effects of gluten consumption in celiac patients can be far-reaching:

• Digestive issues
• Malnutrition
• Deficiencies in iron, calcium, and vitamin D
• Increased risk of long-term conditions like neurological disorders and osteoporosis
• Potential trigger for thyroid disease

Given these serious health implications, the only effective treatment for celiac disease is a strict gluten-free diet. But how can individuals with celiac disease navigate this dietary change while ensuring proper nutrition?

Navigating the Gluten-Free Diet: What to Avoid and What to Embrace

Adopting a gluten-free diet can seem daunting at first. Many common foods contain gluten, and it’s crucial for those with celiac disease to avoid even small amounts. However, with proper knowledge and planning, a gluten-free diet can be both nutritious and satisfying.

Foods to Avoid with Celiac Disease

Individuals with celiac disease must steer clear of the following gluten-containing foods:

1. Wheat and its varieties (including durum, emmer, semolina, and spelt)
2. Barley
3. Rye
4. Triticale (a hybrid of wheat and rye)
5. Malt and malt derivatives

These ingredients are commonly found in:

• Bread, pastries, and baked goods
• Pasta and noodles
• Cereals and granola
• Beer and some other alcoholic beverages
• Sauces, gravies, and salad dressings
• Soups and broths
• Processed meats and imitation seafood

Safe and Nutritious Gluten-Free Alternatives

While the list of foods to avoid may seem long, there are numerous delicious and nutritious gluten-free options available:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Meat, poultry, fish, and eggs
• Dairy products (for those without lactose intolerance)
• Beans, legumes, and nuts
• Gluten-free grains such as rice, quinoa, corn, millet, and buckwheat

Many food manufacturers now offer gluten-free versions of popular products, making it easier for those with celiac disease to enjoy a varied diet.

Mastering the Art of Label Reading: Decoding Gluten in Food Products

For individuals with celiac disease, reading food labels is a crucial skill. Gluten can hide under various names, and even trace amounts can cause harm. How can you ensure the products you’re buying are truly gluten-free?

Key Points for Reading Food Labels

• Look for “gluten-free” labels, but always double-check the ingredient list
• Be aware that “wheat-free” doesn’t necessarily mean gluten-free
• Familiarize yourself with less obvious sources of gluten, such as malt extract or brewer’s yeast
• Be cautious of products that may have been cross-contaminated during processing

Remember, manufacturers can label a product as gluten-free if it contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. While this amount is considered safe for most people with celiac disease, some individuals may be more sensitive and should consult with their healthcare provider.

Nutritional Considerations: Ensuring a Balanced Gluten-Free Diet

While a gluten-free diet is essential for managing celiac disease, it’s important to ensure that this dietary change doesn’t lead to nutritional deficiencies. What are some potential nutritional concerns for those following a gluten-free diet?

Common Nutritional Deficiencies in Celiac Patients

People with celiac disease, especially those newly diagnosed, may be at risk for deficiencies in:

• Iron
• Calcium
• Vitamin D
• B vitamins, particularly folate and B12
• Zinc
• Magnesium
• Fiber

To address these potential deficiencies, it’s crucial to focus on nutrient-dense gluten-free foods and, in some cases, consider supplements under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Strategies for a Nutritionally Complete Gluten-Free Diet

1. Incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables for vitamins, minerals, and fiber
2. Choose gluten-free whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and millet for B vitamins and fiber
3. Include lean meats, fish, and legumes for protein and iron
4. Opt for dairy products or fortified non-dairy alternatives for calcium and vitamin D
5. Consider gluten-free fortified products to help meet nutritional needs

Dining Out with Celiac Disease: Strategies for Safe Restaurant Experiences

Eating out can be challenging for individuals with celiac disease, but it doesn’t have to be impossible. How can you navigate restaurant menus and ensure a safe dining experience?

Tips for Gluten-Free Dining

• Research restaurants in advance and look for those with gluten-free options
• Call ahead to discuss your dietary needs with the restaurant staff
• Clearly communicate your gluten-free requirement to your server
• Ask about food preparation methods to avoid cross-contamination
• Stick to simple dishes with whole, unprocessed ingredients when possible
• Consider bringing your own gluten-free condiments or salad dressings

Remember, your health is paramount. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or express concerns about the gluten-free status of menu items.

The Role of Oats in a Celiac Diet: To Eat or Not to Eat?

The status of oats in a celiac diet has been a topic of debate. While oats themselves don’t contain gluten, they’re often grown near wheat, barley, or rye, leading to potential cross-contamination. So, can individuals with celiac disease safely consume oats?

Considerations for Including Oats in a Gluten-Free Diet

Research suggests that pure, uncontaminated oats are safe for most people with celiac disease. However, it’s crucial to keep the following points in mind:

• Only consume oats labeled as gluten-free
• Introduce oats gradually and monitor for any adverse reactions
• Some individuals may be sensitive to avenin, a protein in oats similar to gluten
• Consult with your healthcare provider before adding oats to your diet

If tolerated, oats can be a valuable addition to a gluten-free diet, providing fiber, B vitamins, and minerals.

Living Well with Celiac Disease: Beyond Diet

While a gluten-free diet is the cornerstone of managing celiac disease, there are other aspects of living with this condition that are important to address. How can individuals with celiac disease ensure overall health and well-being?

Holistic Management of Celiac Disease

1. Regular medical check-ups to monitor health and nutritional status
2. Bone density scans to assess and prevent osteoporosis
3. Screening for associated conditions like thyroid disorders and other autoimmune diseases
4. Mental health support to cope with the challenges of a chronic condition
5. Joining support groups or online communities for shared experiences and advice

Remember, celiac disease affects more than just your diet. A comprehensive approach to management can help ensure a high quality of life.

The Future of Celiac Disease Management: Emerging Treatments and Research

While a gluten-free diet remains the primary treatment for celiac disease, researchers are exploring new avenues for managing this condition. What potential treatments are on the horizon for celiac disease?

Promising Areas of Celiac Disease Research

• Enzymes that break down gluten in the digestive tract
• Therapies to reduce intestinal permeability (often referred to as “leaky gut”)
• Vaccines to induce gluten tolerance
• Medications to block the immune response to gluten

While these potential treatments are exciting, they’re still in various stages of research and development. For now, a strict gluten-free diet remains the most effective way to manage celiac disease.

Living with celiac disease requires vigilance and commitment to a gluten-free lifestyle. However, with proper education, support, and resources, individuals with celiac disease can lead healthy, fulfilling lives. Remember to work closely with healthcare providers, stay informed about the latest research, and connect with others in the celiac community for ongoing support and guidance.

How to Go Gluten-Free & Get Proper Nutrition with Celiac Disease

Celiac disease has just one clear treatment: Say goodbye to gluten. It sounds simple, but can feel overwhelming. Isn’t gluten in everything?

It may feel that way at first. Because celiac affects almost 3 million Americans, gluten-free labeling is now the norm. You can find gluten-free foods on menus, grocery store shelves, and right in your own refrigerator.

That doesn’t mean it’s easy. Going gluten-free means rethinking how you shop, cook, and order in restaurants. With education and effort, you can make confident choices about foods that taste good and are good for you.

What Is Gluten?

Gluten is a protein in wheat, barley, and rye. When those grains and the ingredients made from them (flour) are used to make foods — like pasta, cereals, and bread — gluten is the “glue” that holds them together.

How Does Gluten Affect People With Celiac?

Celiac is a genetic autoimmune disease. When you eat a food with gluten, your immune system attacks the protein. This causes damage to the villi, or little fingers that line your small intestine. Without the help of healthy villi, your body can’t absorb nutrients into the bloodstream.

This causes digestive issues and malnourishment, especially when iron, calcium, and vitamin D aren’t being absorbed. If it’s not dealt with, celiac can cause other long-term conditions, such as neurological disorders and osteoporosis. It could also trigger the start of thyroid disease.

Should I Get Expert Help?

Support is essential. Ask your doctor to refer you to a registered dietitian who specializes in celiac. A dietitian can show you how to:

• Understand food and product labels
• Customize gluten-free meal plans and recipes
• Stay on top of nutritional deficiencies
• Be aware of conditions associated with celiac

What Can I Eat?

A gluten-free diet isn’t as limited as you might think. In addition to prepared foods with gluten-free labels, the following foods are naturally gluten-free and the can be the foundation of healthy celiac diets:

• Beef
• Poultry and eggs
• Fish and seafood
• Beans, legumes, and nuts
• Fruits
• Vegetables

Though you have to avoid wheat, barley, and rye, naturally gluten-free grains do exist. Use these to replace the big three:

• Amaranth
• Arrowroot
• Buckwheat groats (also called kasha)
• Cassava
• Chia
• Corn
• Flax
• Millet
• Potato
• Quinoa
• Rice
• Soy
• Sorghum
• Tapioca
• Teff
• Yucca

What Should I Avoid?

Take a deep breath. Though the list below may contain some of your favorite foods, many have gluten-free counterparts:

• Beer
• Bread and pastries (cakes, cookies, croutons, flour tortillas, pies, stuffing)
• Some breakfast foods (pancakes, waffles, biscuits, French toast)
• Cereal and granola
• Crackers (pretzels, graham crackers)
• Food coloring
• Noodles (ramen, soba, udon)
• Pasta
• Salad dressings
• Sauces and gravies
• Soups

Wheat, barley, and rye can appear in various forms and varieties, all of which contain gluten as well. Be sure to look out for these on food product labels:

Wheat

• Wheatberries
• Durum
• Einkorn wheat
• Emmer (or farro)
• Farina
• Graham
• Kamut khorasan wheat
• Semolina
• Spelt

Rye

Barley

Triticale (a hybrid of wheat and rye)

Malt

• Malted barley flour
• Malted milk / malted milkshakes
• Malt extract
• Malt syrup
• Malt flavoring
• Malt vinegar

Brewer’s yeast

Wheat starch

Are Oats Safe?

Oats are tricky territory. Despite their nutritional benefits, and the variety they offer celiac diets, oats are often grown near wheat, barley, and rye. This opens the door to cross-contamination.

Check with your doctor or dietitian about oats labeled gluten-free.

Can I Eat Casein?

If you have celiac disease, you might also wonder if you need to avoid casein, which is a protein in milk, butter, and cheese. If you’re allergic to casein, definitely keep it out of your diet. But if you don’t have a casein allergy, you might not need to worry about it.

There hasn’t been a lot of research on whether casein has the same effects as gluten. The theory got its start decades ago, when some people thought that casein, gluten, and autism might be linked. That theory isn’t proven.

One thing to keep in mind is that if milk upsets your stomach, it could be due to lactose, which is the natural sugar in milk. Casein and lactose aren’t the same, and your sensitivity may have nothing to do with casein. Anyone can have lactose intolerance, including people who have celiac disease and people who don’t.

You can ask your doctor to test and see if you’re allergic to casein. If you remove casein from your diet, you’ll want to focus on getting enough vitamin D and calcium.

Reading Food Labels

Knowing how to read food labels is the most important part of a successful gluten-free diet. Grocery store aisles are the battleground in the fight against gluten. Take these tips with you:

• Manufacturers can label food gluten-free if it has less than 20 ppm (parts per million) gluten. This means it’s safe, but double-check the ingredient list.
• Gluten goes by many names. Wheat, barley, and rye are sure to stand out in an ingredient list, but look for lesser-known derivatives like malt flavoring or graham.
• Wheat-free doesn’t mean gluten-free.
• When in doubt, leave it out. This is a well-worn phrase in the world of gluten-free foods. No cracker is more important than your health.
• Labels won’t replace common sense. Remember that naturally gluten-free foods like bottled water or green beans won’t always be labeled gluten-free.
• Still not sure? Call the company that produced the food or check their website. Have the SKU number from the scanner pattern on hand for easy reference.

Kitchen Smarts

When gluten-free food comes into contact with a food that has gluten, cross-contact occurs. Make sure these home hot spots are used only for gluten-free foods:

• Toasters
• Colanders
• Convection ovens
• Flour sifters
• Sponges, dishcloths
• Containers
• Utensils
• Pots, pans, skillets
• Grills, griddles, presses, irons
• Fryers
• Cutting boards
• Shelves in your refrigerator and pantry

What You Can and Can’t Eat — Eat This Not That

In case you haven’t noticed, supermarket shelves and restaurant menus are filling up with more and more gluten-free items, from chickpea pasta to cauliflower pizza crust. And while a gluten-free diet has become undeniably trendy, for those with celiac disease, it’s not a lifestyle choice—it’s a necessity.

The cause of celiac disease is unknown, and it can develop at any age. It’s estimated to affect 1 in 10 people across the world today, according to The Celiac Disease Foundation (CDF). The effects can range vastly. In fact, there are 200 known symptoms of celiac, which can occur in the digestive system or other parts of the body.

Coping with celiac disease requires a lifelong commitment to avoiding gluten in all forms. Unfortunately, this group of proteins is hiding in many popular foods, making it difficult to discern what’s safe to eat. Wondering how to recognize gluten on a nutrition label? Not sure which grains you’re supposed to stay away from? Looking for some celiac-friendly alternatives to some of your favorite foods? Whether you or a loved one in your household is adjusting to this diet following a celiac disease diagnosis, or you’re simply curious about the difference between celiac and gluten intolerance, read on to find out the answers to all your burning questions about this common disorder.

What is celiac disease?

According to the CDF, celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that is detrimental to the lining of the small intestine when gluten—a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye—is ingested.

When someone with celiac disease consumes gluten, their body instantly triggers an immune response that attacks the small intestine, thus hindering nutrient absorption.

Amanda A. Kostro Miller, an RD and LDN who serves on the advisory board for Smart Healthy Living, notes that common symptoms of celiac disease include:

• abdominal pain
• diarrhea
• constipation
• bloating

However, the CDF reports that adults with celiac disease may or may not have digestive symptoms, and can experience other symptoms as well. These can include:

• fatigue
• bone or joint pain
• canker sores in the mouth
• migraines
• tingling
• numbness or pain in the hands and feet
• dermatitis herpetiformis (an itchy skin rash)

According to Miller, your doctor can test for celiac disease via an analysis of antibodies and/or a biopsy of the small intestine.

What’s the difference between celiac disease and gluten intolerance?

Both celiac disease and gluten intolerance involve an adverse reaction to gluten. However, it’s important to distinguish between the two. The former entails an autoimmune response to gluten, the latter is a condition that results from an inability to properly metabolize and absorb the protein.

It has long been assumed that people with gluten sensitivity do not experience the same intestinal damage as those with celiac disease. However, a 2016 study conducted by Columbia University Medical Center demonstrated that when individuals with gluten sensitivity (who never tested positive for celiac disease) were put on a diet that included wheat, some did experience a certain degree of gut cell damage.

“People’s reactions to gluten can range from minor to severe,” says Miller. “If you have a gluten intolerance, you may find that you can tolerate a certain amount of gluten and/or you can tolerate wheat/barley/rye as ingredients in certain foods. However, those with celiac should avoid all foods that contain gluten and/or ingredients that contain gluten.”

For this reason, board-certified endocrinologist Dr. Anis Rehman recommends that anyone who has been newly diagnosed with either celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity seek out detailed medical counseling with a dietitian.

Unlike celiac disease, Miller says there is no test for gluten intolerance. That’s why she advises seeing a registered dietitian if you suspect you have this condition—as they may recommend an elimination diet to confirm that gluten is the culprit of your symptoms.

RELATED: Your guide to the anti-inflammatory diet that heals your gut, slows the signs of aging, and helps you lose weight.

Foods you can eat on a gluten-free diet

Despite needing to avoid gluten, there are many foods you can still enjoy if you’ve been diagnosed with celiac disease. In fact, some foods, like fresh and frozen produce, legumes, and dairy products are naturally gluten-free.

According to Andres Ayesta, RD, LD, and founder of Vive Nutrition, as well as Monica Auslander Moreno, RD, LD/N, and nutrition consultant for RSP Nutrition, here are some of the core foods that are safe to eat on a gluten-free diet:

• Fresh, frozen, canned or dried fruit (with no gluten-containing additives)
• Fresh, canned, or frozen vegetables (with no gluten-containing additives)
• Eggs
• Meat, poultry, and seafood (as long as they’re not breaded or dipped in flour)
• Dairy products (except some flavored milks and yogurts)
• Beans and legumes
• Nuts and seeds
• Certain grains (quinoa, millet, rice, amaranth, and teff)
• Potatoes
• Oils and vinegars

You’ll likely have no issue finding a plethora of gluten-free crackers, pasta, bread, cereal, and much more on the supermarket shelves. However, when it comes to any processed foods, you need to be extra diligent about checking labels to ensure the products are, in fact, free of gluten and have not been cross-contaminated.

Foods you can’t eat on a gluten-free diet

If you have celiac disease, it’s imperative to stay away from gluten-containing foods—not only to avoid potential discomfort, but also to prevent damage to your GI tract.

So, it probably goes without saying that a slice from a traditional pizza joint or an Italian sub is off the table. But you’ll also need to skip any bread, pasta, baked goods, or other products made with wheat, barley, rye, or triticale. That means croutons, breadcrumbs, and even seitan are a no-go. While fresh fruits and vegetables are fine, Miller warns that frozen and canned versions sometimes contain sauces or flavorings that feature gluten.

Here are some other foods to avoid while on the celiac disease diet, according to Dr. Sashini Seeni, a general practitioner of medicine at DoctorOnCall:

• Products containing wheat, barley, rye, or triticale
• Processed meats (salami, sausage, hot dogs, etc. )
• Processed cheeses
• Flavored yogurts with gluten-containing preservatives or other additives
• Farina
• Semolina flour/couscous
• Farro
• Spelt flour
• Graham flour

There are many other sneaky foods with gluten to be aware of, like soy sauce (which contains fermented wheat), pickles (which contain malt vinegar), and pudding (which contains wheat-based thickeners). According to Ayesta, condiments and seasonings often contain gluten as well. Even some canned soups and bottled salad dressings have wheat thickeners to give them a creamy texture.

It’s critical to keep in mind that some foods that don’t contain gluten are still at risk for cross-contamination. Oats, for example, are naturally gluten-free—but some are processed in facilities that also process wheat, barley, and rye. That’s why it’s a good idea to check the label to ensure the product has been processed in a gluten-free facility.

“The list of potential ingredients with gluten is exhaustive,” says Moreno. “Celiac sufferers need to speak with their doctors about their particular sensitivity and needs.”

When you’re eating out, it’s important to clearly communicate with your server about your need to avoid gluten. Be sure to specify that this need is due to celiac disease, not gluten sensitivity or a dietary choice. While certain dishes may appear safe, there could be gluten-containing additives in the sauces or seasonings that you don’t know about. For instance, some restaurants add pancake batter (which is chock-full of gluten) to omelets in order to make them more fluffy.

“In a restaurant, you may need to worry about gluten cross-contamination on cooking surfaces,” adds Miller. “Most foodservice operations cannot guarantee that they are gluten-free. Some people with severe gluten sensitivities may develop symptoms if food touches a surface that had flour or other gluten products on it. While I do not recommend being fearful of our food system if you have celiac disease, it is important to remain vigilant and voice your nutrition needs to those who cook for you so that they are aware. “

Fortunately, Ayesta notes that many kitchens now have gluten-free certifications, which indicate that they use practices to avoid gluten cross-contamination.

How to read food labels

Determining if a product contains gluten requires some practice. Although some products are specifically labeled “gluten-free,” the U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn’t require manufacturers to disclose gluten on food labels (only gluten-containing ingredients, like wheat).

If the packaging includes a “gluten-free” label, then you know that as per FDA guidelines, it includes less than 20 ppm (parts per million) of gluten. Still, not every gluten-free product has this label, so you may need to do some further investigating to assess whether it’s safe to eat or not. Miller recommends checking the allergen warning section, which is usually located near the ingredients list, for wheat. Keep in mind, though, that a “wheat-free” label does not necessarily mean that a food is gluten-free, because it still may still include rye and barley. This is why it’s advisable to scan the ingredients list for all forms of wheat, rye, barley/malt, and their derivatives. Corn flakes and rice puffs are considered gluten-free cereals, but they often contain malt extract/flavoring.

Keep a lookout for hydrolyzed wheat protein, hydrolyzed wheat starch, wheat flour, bleached flour, bulgur, wheat germ oil or extract, and wheat or barley grass, all of which either contain gluten or may be cross-contaminated. Many of the thickeners added to soups, salad dressings, and sauces, have wheat in them, but guar gum, xanthan gum, and carob bean gum are all celiac-friendly alternatives.

“Understand which products are at the highest risk for cross-contact with gluten,” says Miller. “Flours and grains, for example, have high levels of contact with gluten, so consumers should purchase flours and grains specifically labeled gluten-free.”

Other ingredients that may potentially contain gluten include modified (food) starch, (hydrolyzed) vegetable protein, (hydrolyzed) plant protein, vegetable starch, dextrin, and maltodextrin. You should be cautious when you spot terms like “natural flavoring” or “artificial flavoring” in the ingredients as well, as these can sometimes be made from barley.

When in doubt, always check with the manufacturer to clarify whether or not a product that includes any of these ingredients contains gluten, or could be cross-contaminated.

Gluten-free substitutions of popular foods

Just because you have celiac disease doesn’t mean you have to forfeit your beloved pastries or pizza. Fortunately for those with celiac disease, it’s easier than ever to find safe substitutions for popular gluten-containing foods, including baking mixes, bread, crackers, cookies, and more.

Craving a hearty plate of pasta? Seek out gluten-free products that are made from quinoa, rice, chickpea, or corn flour rather than wheat flour. Rice noodles and mung bean noodles are naturally gluten-free as well.

Cakes, cookies, and cereal that utilize almond meal or coconut flour, in place of wheat, rye, or barley, are also acceptable. Other gluten-free flour options include potato flour, pea flour, soy flour, arrowroot flour, tapioca flour, hemp flour, rice flour, sorghum flour, and buckwheat flour.

When it’s time for taco night, use corn tortillas or brown rice tortillas instead of flour ones.

While there are many gluten-free crackers on the market, rice cakes are also a phenomenal option when you’re seeking a crunchy accompaniment to cheese, gluten-free hummus, or salsa.

Many pizzerias make gluten-free versions of their pies, but if they also use wheat flour in the same kitchen, it’s a good idea to ask whether there’s a possibility for cross-contamination. You can also make your own pizza at home with a cauliflower or spaghetti squash crust.

And when a lazy weekend calls for a comforting batch of pancakes, all you have to do is swap out the wheat flour or all-purpose flour with cornmeal. As an added bonus, cornmeal contains more satiating protein than traditional flour.

Clearly, the celiac disease diet requires some strict restrictions and special considerations, but luckily, an increasing number of restaurants and food manufacturers are making it a point to ensure that there are tasty alternatives for those who need to avoid gluten. The more you can educate yourself on gluten-containing ingredients, the more easily and effectively you’ll be able to read nutrition labels to make smarter, safer shopping choices.

Gluten Free Diet: Building the Grocery List

Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat, barley and rye, as well as foods made from these grains. Consuming even the smallest amounts can damage the intestines of someone with celiac disease. Because of this, individuals with celiac disease must follow a strict gluten-free diet. Here are a few tips on building a grocery list and navigating the aisles.

Build Your Grocery List

There are many grains and flours available that don’t have gluten. Some safe choices to add to your grocery list include rice, wild rice, corn (maize), sorghum, quinoa, millet, buckwheat, amaranth, teff, Indian rice grass and gluten-free oats*. These grains may be found intact, like when you buy a bag of rice, or ground into a flour. Some other gluten-free flours you may come across include sago, soy, potato, tapioca, garbanzo bean and arrowroot.

Other foods that are naturally gluten-free include single ingredient foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, butter, eggs, lentils, nuts and seeds, fish and poultry, honey and water.

*Oats are, by nature, gluten-free. However, they are often contaminated with other gluten-containing grains during processing. Many individuals with celiac disease are able to tolerate about a ½ cup of dry gluten-free oats per day.

Keep It Off the List

While the names of some foods give clues to their ingredients, like whole-wheat crackers or rye bread, other foods in your pantry may surprise you. Always read the ingredient list on the label of processed foods and avoid foods that contain wheat, rye, barley or malt. Malt products such as malted milk powder, malt flavoring and malt vinegar are generally made from barley and contain gluten. Triticale is a lesser known hybrid of rye and wheat, which should be avoided. There are also several varieties of wheat, including einkorn, durum, farro, graham, Kamut, semolina and spelt, which should be avoided.

These ingredients may make an appearance in foods like bouillon cubes, brown rice syrup, candy, deli meats, hot dogs, communion wafers, drugs and medications, supplements, french fries, gravy, imitation fish, matzo, modified food starch, rice mixes, salad dressings, sauces, potato chips, seitan, self-basting turkey, soups and soy sauce. Many of these foods are available gluten-free as well, but it’s important to always check the label. In 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued guidelines that manufacturers must follow for labeling foods “gluten-free.” When in doubt, check with the food manufacturer or go without.

In addition to food, if you’re of legal drinking age and choose to drink, avoid beers, ales and lagers unless they are specifically labeled gluten-free. This includes any foods that use beer as an ingredient, like beer cheese soup.

This list is not complete. You may want to discuss gluten-free choices with a registered dietitian nutritionist or physician who specializes in celiac disease. An RDN can help you understand what foods are safe to eat and what foods to avoid in order to eat a nutritionally adequate, gluten-free diet.

In the Aisles

At the grocery store, be sure to read food panels carefully. Start by looking for the words gluten-free. Under the FDA rule, a food can be labeled gluten-free when the unavoidable presence of gluten in the food is less than 20 parts per million. Some foods labeled gluten-free may also contain wheat starch. If the food is gluten-free it should state, “The wheat has been processed to allow this food to meet the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements for gluten-free foods.” If you have a severe gluten sensitivity, do not eat foods containing wheat starch that are not labeled gluten-free.

When a product is not labeled gluten-free, look for these words in the ingredient list: wheat, rye, barley, oats and malt (unless a gluten-free source is listed, such as corn malt). If these ingredients are listed, don’t buy it. Also, do not eat foods labeled “contains wheat” listed next to the ingredients. Brewer’s yeast may or may not contain gluten and should also be avoided unless the label states it is gluten-free.

Food products that seem as though they might be gluten-free, such as a rice mix, may have traces of gluten. Read all product labels each time you purchase a product – even if you’ve had it before – as the manufacturer may change an ingredient.

Finally, don’t hesitate to speak to your grocer about grains you would like to have available in your store.

Celiac Disease (for Parents) – Nemours KidsHealth

What Is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder. It happens when someone has a food intolerance to gluten. Gluten (GLOOT-in) is the general name of proteins found in wheat, rye, barley, and other grains.

In celiac (SEE-lee-ak) disease, the body can’t absorb important nutrients. If that happens, a person can become malnourished.

Doctors don’t know for sure why the immune system reacts to gluten. But if your child has celiac disease, there are ways to manage symptoms and prevent damage to the intestines.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease — also known as celiac sprue, gluten-sensitive enteropathy, and non-tropical sprue — can cause a wide variety of symptoms. Infants may not gain weight and length as expected, a condition called failure to thrive. Older kids can have:

• diarrhea
• constipation
• pale, foul-smelling stools (poop)
• belly pain and bloating
• weight loss
• tiredness
• headaches
• painful skin rashes (usually in older teens and adults), especially around the elbows and knees

Some people don’t have any symptoms.

Symptoms can happen at any time in a child’s life. Some kids have problems the first time they have gluten, but others get symptoms years after safely consuming gluten products.

A baby might show the first signs of celiac disease soon after starting solid foods such as cereal. Signs might include diarrhea, stomach pain, and not gaining weight at a healthy pace.

Over time, a child might not reach the expected height, may develop anemia and mouth sores, and can have behavior issues.

What Causes Celiac Disease?

In celiac disease, gluten triggers the immune system to damage villi. Villi (VIL-eye) are finger-like projections lining the small intestine that absorb nutrients from food and send them into the bloodstream. Damaged villi can’t absorb the vitamins and minerals that a child needs to grow.

The cause of celiac disease isn’t known. It tends to run in families, so a child with a family history of the condition may be more likely to get it. It also can happen along with other disorders, such as Down syndrome, Williams syndrome, type 1 diabetes, and autoimmune thyroid disorders.

How Is Celiac Disease Diagnosed?

Diagnosing celiac disease usually starts with a blood test to look for antibodies to gluten and other proteins in the intestine’s lining. Antibodies are proteins the immune system makes that recognize and get rid of germs and other things it sees as threats. They usually stay in our bodies in case we have to fight that germ or problem again. If the blood test finds high levels of antibodies to gluten, the doctor probably will do a biopsy of the small intestine to send for testing.

To do a biopsy, doctors put a long, thin tube (called an endoscope) through the mouth and stomach into the small intestine to get a small tissue sample. A child usually is sedated or under general anesthesia to sleep through the procedure.

If a child is diagnosed with celiac disease, their siblings, parents, and grandparents should get tested too. They could have the disease but no symptoms. Celiac disease that isn’t found in adults for a long time can lead to serious health problems.

How Is Celiac Disease Treated?

There is no cure for celiac disease. Researchers are working on new treatments, and many show promise. But for now, the condition is managed with a gluten-free diet. This lets the intestinal lining heal, and helps ease symptoms.

Dietary Changes

If your child has celiac disease, the doctor will guide you on which foods your child can eat and which to avoid. These changes will have a big impact on your family’s everyday life and your child’s diet. So the doctor may suggest that you meet with a dietitian for advice.

Your child’s diet should have no wheat, barley, rye, and related grains. No law requires food manufacturers to list gluten on food labels, so making sure your child avoids it can be hard. In the United States, all foods must be clearly labeled if they contain any of the top eight food allergens, including wheat. But wheat-free doesn’t mean gluten-free — some wheat-free products may have gluten-containing grains like barley and rye in them.

Carefully read food labels on all items before you buy them or let your child have them. And help your child learn to do it too. The Celiac Disease Foundation’s website lists many foods and drinks to watch out for.

Finding Safe Options

Here are some tips to remember when choosing foods:

• Start with the foods your child can eat. Safe foods and ingredients include foods made with the flours of corn, rice, buckwheat, sorghum, arrowroot, garbanzo beans (chickpeas), quinoa, tapioca, teff, and potato. Also OK are all plain meats, fish, chicken, legumes, nuts, seeds, oils, milk, cheese, eggs, fruits, and vegetables.
• Watch for cross-contamination. Sometimes, gluten-free foods can come into contact with foods that contain gluten (called cross-contamination). For example, crumbs from regular wheat bread can find their way into jams, spreads, or condiments if people aren’t careful to use a fresh knife or utensil each time. Keeping condiments in squeezable bottles and using separate butter, jams, and spreads for people with celiac disease is a great idea. You might also keep a separate toaster for gluten-free bread.
• Clean appliances, utensils, and work surfaces before you make gluten-free products, especially after handling foods that contain gluten. Wash your hands well and often when you prepare food.
• In restaurants: Tell the server or the kitchen staff about your child’s condition so they know that your child’s food must be free of gluten and related ingredients.
• In grocery stores: Most carry some gluten-free bread, cereal, baking mixes, cookies, crackers and other products. Health food stores and natural food markets may have wider selections of these foods. Skip gluten-free products from bulk food bins because of the risk of cross-contamination.

What if My Child Does Get Something With Gluten?

Even with these precautions, your child may ingest gluten at some point. That’s OK — a single small exposure may cause mild inflammation in the gut, but probably won’t lead to immediate symptoms. Normally, the lining of small intestine completely renews itself every 3–4 days. So after a single incident, new cells quickly replace damaged ones. Repeated exposure to gluten, though, will lead to ongoing damage of the intestinal lining.

How Can Parents Help?

If your child has celiac disease, tell the other adults in your child’s life — caregivers, teachers, school nurses, camp counselors, babysitters, and friends’ parents — and explain the importance of keeping foods with gluten away from your child. Teach older kids not to accept foods from others unless they’re from someone who can ensure the food is gluten-free.

Help your child adapt to a gluten-free diet. This can be a challenge, especially at first. But over time, you and your child will get to know which foods are OK and which are not, making it easier to find safe meals, snacks, and ingredients.

Reassure your child that they’re not alone with these dietary problems. Your doctor might be able to recommend a local support group. Online support groups and organizations can help too, such as:

Foods to Avoid with Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that damages the intestinal wall tract and interferes with nutrient absorption. It is estimated that 1 in 133 Americans have celiac disease. Unfortunately, many of those with this disorder do not know they have it. Celiac disease is no respecter of person. Both men and women, young and old are affected. If you have celiac disease and keep consuming gluten, you could be causing long-term health problems, including osteoporosis, malnutrition and even cancer. Therefore, it is important to know which foods you should avoid.

What is Gluten?

Gluten is found in a variety of grains, including wheat, barley, spelt and farina. The most common grains people eat are wheat, rye and barley. However, any of the grains listed above can be found in a variety of foods.

Gluten-Free Grains

You can enjoy several grains if you have celiac disease including-

• Rice
• Quinoa
• Millet
• Corn
• Buckwheat

Oats are another gluten-free grain; however, they frequently come in contact with wheat during processing, so it is important to choose oats that are labeled as gluten-free. Many of these grains are available as flour, which can be substituted in a variety of recipes.

Gluten-Free Foods

There are a number of gluten-free foods that you can enjoy including-

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Meats
• Fish
• Dairy products
• Beans
• Nuts

The FDA has enacted a law that only products containing less than 20 parts of gluten per million can be labeled as gluten-free. Additionally, any gluten free products containing wheat must have a description stating they have adhered to the FDA requirements.

Common Foods Containing Gluten

Many of the things people enjoy may contain gluten. Learning which foods to avoid will help prevent reactions and damage from occurring. Wheat, including bulgur, semolina, farro, spelt and durum, along with triticale, rye and barley.

Pastas, unless labeled as gluten-free, often contain gluten. Other items, including malt beverages, beer, soy sauce and Teriyaki sauce may contain wheat and should be avoided. Blue cheese is another product that may contain gluten. Oftentimes, it is made with bread mold.

Gluten is often present during the processing of processed foods, artificial flavorings, artificial colorings, dyes, dried fruit, French fries, processed cheeses, seasoning and salad dressings. Therefore, most physicians recommend purchasing only products labeled as gluten-free.

Non-Food Items that May Contain Gluten

Did you know that make-up products, such as lip balm, lipstick and lip gloss might contain gluten? Other items that may contain gluten include vitamin and mineral supplements, herbal formulas, over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs. Finally, it may surprise you to know that even play dough can contain gluten.

In order to become gluten-free, you must avoid all traces of gluten; therefore, you must be vigilant to avoid all traces of gluten. Read labels carefully. You will be surprised at the foods that have gluten. You must also be very careful when dining out. Ask the restaurant if they have a gluten-free menu, and let your wait staff know that you have celiac disease. This will help ensure your food is handled properly.

A food sensitivity test can help identify any gluten sensitivities.  Our integrative practitioners help with treatment of Celiac diseases and as well as other autoimmune conditions.

How to Follow a Gluten-Free Diet – Cleveland Clinic

If you’ve been diagnosed with celiac disease, your doctor likely informed you that you’ll need to follow a strict and life-long gluten-free diet. This means avoiding all foods that contain or have come in contact with wheat, barley or rye ingredients.

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Don’t panic! A gluten-free diet will definitely take some adjusting to, but it isn’t a sentence to a life without bread, pasta or other foods you love. Thanks to the many gluten-free products and recipes readily available today, it’s possible to follow a gluten-free diet and still enjoy many of your favorite foods. It just requires some extra effort and care.

You should be very careful to avoid gluten because, when you have celiac disease, ingesting even small amounts can trigger an autoimmune response in your body that can damage your intestinal lining. The damage can lead to a variety of symptoms that can affect your overall health, so it’s important that you understand how to follow a gluten-free diet.

Ready to get started? Registered dietitian Anna Taylor, MS, RDN, LD, serves up some tips on eating a celiac disease diet.

What to eat

First, know that all fruits, vegetables, legumes, nut and seeds, oils, meat, seafood, eggs, poultry and dairy products are free of gluten in their natural forms.

But, if these foods have been processed — and have had additives, flavors or other ingredients added to them — they may not be safe to eat. We’ll get into that in a bit.

Gluten-free grains

Most grains (except for wheat, barley and rye) are actually gluten-free. Grains and starches that are green-lighted on a celiac disease diet include:

• Amaranth.
• Arrowroot.
• Buckwheat.
• Corn.
• Millet.
• Potatoes (including sweet potatoes).
• Quinoa.
• Rice.
• Sago flour.
• Sorghum.
• Tapioca.
• Teff.
• Wild rice.

A quick word about oats: They’re naturally gluten-free and are also a great source of vitamins, minerals and fiber that might otherwise be lacking in a gluten-free diet. However, they’re often grown, processed or stored near wheat or products that contain wheat. If you do purchase oats, look for a certified gluten-free label.

What to avoid

Gluten-containing grains

On a celiac disease diet, you’ll need to avoid these gluten-containing ingredients:

• Barley.
• Barley malt/extract.
• Bulgur.
• Couscous.
• Durum.
• Einkorn.
• Emmer.
• Farina.
• Faro.
• Graham flour.
• Kamut.
• Matzo flour/meal.
• Orzo.
• Panko.
• Rye.
• Seitan.
• Semolina.
• Spelt.
• Triticale.
• Udon.
• Wheat.
• Wheat bran.
• Wheat germ.
• Wheat starch.

Questionable ingredients

When it comes to gluten, not all foods are so straight-forward. Some ingredients and foods may or may not contain gluten, depending on how they’ve been made. It’s best to avoid these products unless you can verify that they don’t contain gluten or aren’t derived from gluten-containing grains:

• Brown rice syrup (can be made from barley).
• Flour or cereal products.
• Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP), hydrolyzed plant protein (HPP), or textured vegetable protein (TVP).
• Malt vinegar (distilled vinegar is OK).
• Modified food starch.
• Rice malt.
• Seasonings or “natural flavors.”
• Soy sauce or teriyaki sauce.

Gluten where you might not expect it

While many products advertise their gluten-free status on their packaging, you won’t see products that aren’t gluten free with labels that say, “Full of gluten!” You’ll have to get good at checking food labels carefully and scrutinizing every ingredient.

Be especially careful with products that might contain unexpected gluten, such as:

• Breading.
• Brewer’s yeast.
• Broth/bouillon.
• Brown rice syrup.
• Communion wafers.
• Croutons.
• Salad dressings.
• Drugs or over-the-counter medications.
• Energy bars.
• Herbal or nutritional supplements.
• Ice cream or gelato.
• Imitation bacon and seafood.
• Licorice.
• Marinades.
• Medication or supplements (rarely; look for words like starch, pregelatinized starch or flour).
• Playdough (wash your hands after using).
• Processed meats (deli meats, salami, bologna, hot dogs, lunch meats).
• Roux.
• Sauces and gravies.
• Thickeners.
• Veggie burgers.

Shopping for (healthy) gluten-free foods

Most national and regional grocery chains stock gluten-free packaged and convenience foods. Sometimes they’re located in a special aisle or section, but often they’re on the shelf alongside other foods. If you have access to health food stores, these typically have a good variety of gluten-free items.

Any packaged product marketed as “gluten free,” “without gluten,” “free of gluten,” or “no gluten” must contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten — the lowest detectable level in foods — according to the Food and Drug Administration’s safety standards. However, it’s a good idea to get in the habit of checking every product’s ingredient list, regardless of the claims made on its packaging. (Beware of products marketed as “wheat free” – that’s not the same as gluten free!) And don’t be afraid to ask store managers or staff if a particular item is gluten free.

An important caveat when grocery shopping: Gluten free does not equal healthy.

Processed gluten-free foods like breads and sweets can still be high in fat, sugar and sodium, and low in fiber.

Follow these tips to make the healthiest choices at the grocery store:

• Shop mostly in the perimeter of the store for nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, poultry and dairy products.
• Choose packaged gluten-free foods that are made from whole grains like brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice or cornflour.
• The first ingredient on the label will be the most abundant in the food, so make sure that it is a gluten-free whole grain.
• If you make a gluten-free pizza or pasta dish, load it up with vegetables and lean protein.
• Watch out for gluten-free frozen meals — like all frozen meals, they can be loaded with sodium.
• Save the gluten-free snacks and desserts for special occasions.

Tips for dining out

The best way to avoid gluten when you’re eating out is to prepare ahead of time. Start by calling the restaurant you plan to visit to see if they are able to safely prepare your food without gluten and without risk of cross-contamination.

Then, check out the menu online and make a mental note of dishes that sound good to you.

When you get to the restaurant, tell your server that you can’t be exposed to gluten. It’s important to be firm. You might say: “I have celiac disease, so I can’t eat foods that contain or that have come in contact with wheat, barley, rye or oats (unless oats are certified gluten-free) or else I will get very sick.”

He or she may offer you a gluten-free menu, or suggest items that can be prepared gluten free. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Even a little bit of gluten contamination could make you sick, so it’s best to be safe rather than sorry.

Here are some things to note when you’re selecting items from the menu:

• Salads: Make sure your server knows that croutons cannot come in contact with your salad. Some salad dressings contain flour as a thickener, so ask your server about the ingredients.
• Soups: They are often thickened with flour. Ask your server.
• Meat: Opt for grilled meats instead of fried, and ask what the meat has been marinated in.
• Meat substitutes: Veggie burgers and other meat substitutes are often made with fillers that contain gluten. Check with your server.
• Fried foods: Avoid anything fried (such as French fries, onion rings or tortilla chips) unless the restaurant has a separate fryer dedicated to gluten-free foods.
• Alcohol: Distilled alcoholic beverages (i.e. gin, rum, vodka) and wine are safe on a gluten-free diet. Most wine coolers, beers, ales and lagers — unless they’re specified as gluten-free — do contain gluten because they were fermented from gluten-containing grains.

Avoid dishes that have these words in their name or description, which suggest they contain wheat:

• Au gratin.
• Bechamel.
• Cordon bleu.
• Encrusted.
• Farfel.
• Fricassee.
• Fritter.
• Gnocchi.
• Meuniere.
• Pan gravy.
• Raspings.
• Roux.
• Scallopini.
• Soy or teriyaki sauce.
• Tempura.
• Veloute.

If you’re having trouble navigating a gluten-free diet, seek out a dietitian in your area who can help you identify healthy gluten-free foods, develop meal plans and make sure all your nutritional needs are being met.

Top Foods To Avoid On a Gluten Free Diet

Our blog post will explain why gluten is so bad for those with celiac disease. For those just getting started on a gluten-free diet, the task can be very daunting. Identifying what to and what not to avoid is where most people get stuck or frustrated. Below we have put together a video and a list of some of the most common foods that will get you into trouble while following a gluten-free diet…

1. Grains

Grains are the number one food to avoid with gluten allergy. As part of the gluten-free “Golden Rule”, grains should be avoided to prevent reactions to gluten. The most common items are bread, pasta, cereals, muffins, bagels, cookies, and cakes. But there are many more food items on this shortlist that commonly contain grains – gravies, croutons, bread crumbs, biscuits, rolls, pita, batter-fried foods, noodles, tortillas, ice cream cones, bran, wheat germ, dumplings, pancake mixes, pies, pumpernickel and rye breads, cornbread, vermicelli, doughnuts, buns, pretzels, spaghetti, waffles, and pastries. Many companies have started making gluten-free versions of these products. Problem is – they are not TRUE gluten-free products and cause major problems for people with gluten intolerance. Other grains like corn and rice are commonly used as alternative safe substitutes despite the research showing their detriment. For more on this, you can view our comprehensive page on food terms to avoid while eating a gluten-free diet.

2. Condiments and Seasonings

Many common condiments and seasonings are foods to avoid with gluten intolerance. Because many contain gluten and cause problems for those who are gluten-intolerant. The following foods should be eliminated from the diet unless they plainly state on the label that they are gluten-free: Worcestershire sauce, MSG, modified food starch, malt products, bouillon, barley malt, and soy sauce. Also, be aware that many gravies and salad dressings are thickened with gluten-containing flours and grains.

3. Alcoholic Beverages

Most forms of alcohol are made from grains. At the top of the list are beer and malted beverages like wine coolers. It’s recommended that you proceed cautiously with any of the grain-based alcohols such as whiskey, certain vodkas, and gin. Many claim that these are OK because they are distilled, but clinically, patients continue to have reactions to grain-based alcoholic beverages. Additionally, alcohol slows the healing process and can contribute to other health problems. If you are going gluten-free because you are sick, drinking alcohol will not serve as beneficial to aid in your recovery. It is best to stop drinking alcohol altogether when you are gluten intolerant.

4. Processed Meats

Processed meat products are unhealthy. The most common contain high levels of cancer-causing preservatives. There is some question as to whether meats coming from grain-fed animals create problems with gluten-intolerant individuals. Processed meats including cold cuts, liverwurst, hot dogs, sausages, bologna, pepperoni, salami, and pate are high in gluten because various grains are used in their manufacture.

5. Sweets and Treats

Being on a gluten-free diet includes eliminating sweets and treats that may be made with flours and other substances containing gluten. Foods to avoid include all products made with malt, all chocolate and chocolate candy containing malt, ice cream, candies containing cereal extract, sherbets, commercial cake frosting, and root beer. Check labels, read the ingredients.

6. Miscellaneous

Many items that people get gluten exposure from are less obvious. Pet food, make -up, shampoos, and skin lotions are some common examples. For more comprehensive information on hidden gluten and cross-contamination, we recommend reading and watching this <<<

Beware of Cross Contamination

During product manufacturing, a variety of gluten-free products come into contact with products such as grains containing gluten. This is where cross-contamination may occur. This is common in factories that process both regular and gluten-free products and use the same machines for both. This process can cause major problems for people with gluten intolerance. The other place cross-contamination can occur is in the kitchen. It occurs most commonly when preparing meals and sharing the same kitchen tools and surfaces.

A recent study found that more than 40% of processed foods labeled gluten-free still had enough gluten to cause damage to those with gluten intolerance issues. Use extreme care and have a backup cutting board that is only used for preparing gluten-free items to avoid cross-contamination. On that same note, use extreme caution if eating out. Many restaurants will not have measures in place to prevent the cross-contamination of the food they are serving you.

This post is meant to be a helpful guide on what is gluten-free and on foods that need to be avoided. Don’t hesitate to ask us any questions about being gluten-free.

90,000 Gluten Test

Daniil Davydov

medical journalist

Author’s profile

There is no single laboratory test for gluten sensitivity. There are several disorders associated with the consumption of plant proteins.

To confirm the diagnosis, each case needs its own set of laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures.

People without unexplained problems with digestion or well-being do not need to take “gluten” tests in principle.If there are problems, you need to start not with tests, but with a visit to a gastroenterologist.

See your doctor

Our articles are written with a passion for evidence-based medicine. We refer to reputable sources and go for comments from reputable doctors. But remember: the responsibility for your health lies with you and your doctor. We do not write prescriptions, we make recommendations. It is up to you to rely on our point of view or not.

What disorders are associated with the use of cereals

Gluten, aka gluten, is a complex mixture of several plant proteins, mainly gluten and prolamins.These proteins are needed by cereals such as wheat, barley and rye for germination and flowering.

Why does a plant need gluten – Plant Cell magazine

Gluten-related disorders do exist: they are celiac disease, non-celiac gluten intolerance and wheat allergy. Although all of these diseases are associated with the consumption of gluten grains, the mechanisms and consequences are different. In the case of celiac disease, only a complete rejection of gluten will help, and in the case of intolerances and allergies, it is often possible to exclude only certain foods from the menu.

Celiac disease, also known as celiac disease or T-cell autoimmune enteropathy. It affects approximately 1.4% of the world’s population. To understand why gluten is harming these people, you first need to understand how this set of plant proteins is digested in the body of healthy people.

How many people have celiac disease – “Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology”

All squirrels are somewhat similar to the Lego constructor. They are composed of pieces of the same composition – chemicals that scientists and doctors call amino acids.Proteins can be assembled from the same set of 20 amino acids that will have completely different properties: from collagen – the body’s building blocks – to antibodies that protect us from viruses and microbes. How this protein will be digested and absorbed depends on which amino acids prevail in the composition of the protein.

Plant storage proteins contain many amino acids glutamine and proline – this makes them resistant to complete degradation by human digestive enzymes.Digestive enzymes are able to cut gluten proteins only into large peptides: these are large pieces of protein of 10-33 amino acids that can be absorbed from the intestines into the blood.

What Happens to Gluten in the Human Gut – Journal of Molecular Metabolism

91.6% of the world’s population does not have any problems due to gluten proteins. But in some people, some of these proteins activate immune T cells, which mistake the harmless pieces of plant protein for microbes and attack them.As a result, a few hours or even days after eating a meal with gluten, a person may have stomach ache and diarrhea. This is because the T cells attacking gluten proteins damage healthy cells in the small intestine. As a result, inflammation develops in the intestines. Some people do not experience unpleasant symptoms at the onset of the disease, but if this process is not stopped, the intestinal villi, which are responsible for the absorption of food, may die.

As a result, a person has many health problems – from weakness, rash, anemia and vitamin D deficiency to intestinal lymphoma.This is celiac disease.

Whether a person will have problems with gluten peptides depends on heredity. Celiac disease affects only people who have a special set of genes: HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8. If this kit is not available, it is impossible to get sick.

But even if these genes are – and they are in about 30% of the world’s population – it is not at all a fact that a person will develop celiac disease. No one fully understands why this happens, but in reality, out of 30% of people with “celiac genes” only 3% get sick.

Most likely, in order for a person to get sick, in addition to a genetic predisposition, several factors must coincide: from intestinal infections and problems with microflora to taking certain medications. Judging by modern data, if these factors do not affect a person, or only some of them, the risk of developing the disease is reduced.

Gluten intolerance without celiac disease. Abroad, this disease is called non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or NCGS. 0.6-6% of the world’s population suffers.People with NCGS do not develop antibodies to gluten proteins, and they do not show intestinal damage on examination.

How Many People Have NCGS – Journal of Molecular Nutrition and Nutritional Research

What Happens to People with NCGS – Uptodate International Physician Textbook

Like people with celiac disease, NCGS patients complain of abdominal pain and bloating after eating gluten-free foods, which occurs after a few hours or days.

In 25-50% of people with NCGS, symptoms are associated with the gluten component of the protein gliadin.Indigestion is thought to be caused by the immune system of these people reacting to this substance. However, the exact reasons for the discomfort in this disease are still unknown.

Many people with NCGS find it easier to avoid gluten-free foods. At the same time, it is not clear whether they need to adhere to a gluten-free diet for their whole life or a couple of years will be enough. But it is already clear that a couple of months without rolls and cereals will not help: in 70% of patients, unpleasant symptoms persist even after a year on a gluten-free diet.It might be helpful for these people to only limit gluten rather than completely eliminate it, but we don’t know that either.

Other patients simply have a hard time digesting short-chain carbohydrates, or FODMAPs, which are also found in wheat and other grains. Because of this, they may experience cramping abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhea. But since problems with digesting cereals do not lead to a serious autoimmune reaction, these patients are sometimes classified into a different group – people with irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS.

These people do not need a strict gluten-free diet – usually only avoiding foods that cause unpleasant symptoms is sufficient. The range of foods that can be helpful for IBS should be discussed with the doctor: different patients respond to different foods.

In celiac disease, gluten peptides activate immune T cells that cause intestinal inflammation. In case of allergy, wheat proteins activate immune B-cells, which create antibodies – IgE to wheat proteins. IgE – tags by which immune cells quickly recognize wheat proteins.When they enter the body again, the immune system uses histamine, a substance that causes allergy symptoms, as a second line of defense.

In the classic form of allergy, as soon as a person with an allergy eats a product that included grain, after a few minutes he has characteristic symptoms: eyes redden, nose clogs up, skin starts to itch.

With a very severe classic allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, there is shortness of breath, swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat, and abdominal pain.Dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea may occur.

For delayed-type allergies, symptoms appear after about two hours and most often involve the stomach and intestines. Usually it is nausea or vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

What to do? 08/13/20

What should I do if I suspect I have an allergy?

A person with a wheat allergy should avoid any foods containing this grain. But he has no problems with the tolerance of gluten from other sources – that is, he can, for example, rye bread without the addition of wheat.

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Who makes sense to take tests for diseases related to gluten sensitivity

Gastrointestinal symptoms. This is pain or bloating, chronic or persistent diarrhea or constipation.

Extraintestinal symptoms. These are dermatitis, fatigue, recurring headaches, persistent stomatitis, underdevelopment of tooth enamel, premature osteoporosis, impaired sensitivity of the hands or feet, clumsy movements, problems with conceiving or carrying a pregnancy.And extraintestinal symptoms include iron deficiency anemia, a deficiency of folic acid or vitamin B12, which cannot be explained by other causes.

People without symptoms do not need to be tested. Perhaps parents and children of people with celiac disease, but without discomfort, it also makes sense to get tested for this disease. However, there is not enough data to recommend these people to get tested as well. If you have a close relative with celiac disease, but do not have any unpleasant symptoms, consult a gastroenterologist before getting tested.Maybe in your case no examinations are needed.

How are diseases related to gluten diagnosed

In order to understand whether a person has a gluten-related disorder and to distinguish them from each other, the patient will have to donate blood several times. The first group of tests helps to understand whether a person has celiac disease, the second – gluten intolerance without celiac disease, and the third – wheat allergy.

How Gluten Disorders Are Diagnosed – Laboratory Technician Bulletin PDF 130 KB

Celiac disease. The examination starts with two analyzes. They must be taken before giving up gluten products, otherwise the test will be negative:

1. Assay for antibodies to deaminated gliadin peptides, or DGP. If there are antibodies, then the immune system really considers gluten to be its enemy.
2. Assay for antibodies to tissue transglutaminase. Transglutaminase is an enzyme that accelerates the formation of bonds between proteins rich in glutamine and lysine. Gliadin is 40% glutamine, so transglutaminase actively interacts with it.If a person has celiac disease, antibodies to the enzyme-gliadin complex can also be produced.

As a rule, the doctor prescribes both tests at once: this increases the reliability of testing. But sometimes, if celiac disease is suspected, a comprehensive analysis is prescribed, which includes the determination of IgA antibodies to tissue transglutaminase and total IgA in serum. IgA antibodies protect mucous membranes from microbes, preventing them from invading tissues. If IgA is low, this may also hint at celiac disease.

If tests are positive, it suggests celiac disease. In the future, to confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may refer the patient to a biopsy of the small intestine. In a biopsy, a sample of the intestinal mucosa is taken from the patient and examined under a microscope. If the mucous membrane is inflamed, the person has celiac disease and needs a strict gluten-free diet.

Prices of tests for celiac disease in Moscow

Assay for antibodies to deaminated gliadin peptides, or DGP

Comprehensive analysis for the determination of IgA to tissue transglutaminase and total IgA in serum

Assay for antibodies to tissue transglutaminase, or tTG

If the result is negative, you will have to pass the analysis from the next section.

Non-Celiac Gluten Intolerance, or NCGS. At this stage, a test for IgG antibodies to gliadin, or AGA, is performed. It also needs to be taken before giving up gluten products.

Gliadin is a protein in gluten. If antibodies are formed to it, this suggests that the person has NCGS. You should consult with your doctor to determine if you need to completely cut gluten. Unlike celiac patients, people with NCGS who continue to consume gluten-free foods are not at risk of developing intestinal inflammation.

To reduce unpleasant symptoms, it is usually sufficient to either reduce the use of gluten products, or to give up some of them. For example, you can skip porridge and wheat bread, but season your food with soy sauce, which sometimes has a little gluten added, and spoil yourself with a cake from time to time.

Price for analysis for the diagnosis of NCGS in Moscow – for IgG antibodies to gliadin, or AGA, – from 990 R.

If the result is negative, you will have to pass the analysis from the next section.

Wheat allergy. At this stage, a test for allergen-specific IgE of wheat is carried out, it costs from 1025 R. IgE – antibodies that are produced against wheat proteins. If they are, then the person has an allergy, which can spread to other cereals. In this situation, you need to contact an allergist who will explain what other tests you need to take and what to do next.

Price for an analysis for the diagnosis of wheat allergy in Moscow – for allergen-specific wheat IgE – from 1025 R.

If all three studies are negative, then either the person is free of gluten sensitivity, or you need to continue to look for the cause of the problem with the gastroenterologist.

Even if all tests are negative, there is still a chance that the patient has irritable bowel syndrome. Reliable tests have not yet been developed for this disease, so doctors make a diagnosis based on the patient’s symptoms and well-being.

Should healthy people switch to gluten-free food

There are not so many people who need to give up wheat and other gluten-containing products – a maximum of 8.4%.The rest are free from gluten problems, so they have no objective reason to give up gluten-rich foods. This will not improve your health in any way and will not help prevent future illnesses.

Why it doesn’t make sense for healthy people to switch to a gluten-free diet – Harvard Medical School Bulletin

Attitude of patients with gluten intolerance towards healthy people

90 120 91.6% 90 121

Healthy people

91.6%

Patients with gluten intolerance without celiac disease

6%

Patients with celiac disease

1.4%

Patients with wheat allergy

1%

Many foods high in gluten, such as wheat, are rich not only in gluten, but also in proteins, fats, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, B vitamins, iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium, sodium, copper and selenium.And without gluten, baked goods are not soft and fluffy. Considering that a gluten-free diet is not beneficial, it is completely incomprehensible why you should give up healthy and tasty food.

Wheat Contribution to Human Diet and Health – Food and Energy Conservation Magazine

Gluten-free diet is not the best choice for a person without a medical diagnosis – Nutrition and Metabolism Journal

Also, gluten-free baked goods have their drawbacks. It has to be made from gluten-free grains like corn.Corn flour contains more fat and carbohydrates than wheat flour, while being poorer in protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. The energy value of corn bread is lower than that of wheat bread, but at the same time it costs more.

It’s not just ads that try to justify the price by highlighting the health benefits of gluten-free foods. The problem is, baking delicious bread and making delicious gluten-free pasta is very difficult.

In addition, in food production, gluten is often added to initially free from gluten products: this helps to preserve texture, retain moisture and aroma.If you get rid of gluten, those same foods will go bad faster. To justify the cost of making products with a shorter shelf life, manufacturing companies willy-nilly will have to make them more expensive.

To get rid of gluten, manufacturers have to complicate and increase the cost of the recipe. In general, it makes sense to buy gluten-free food only for those people who cannot do without it.

Regular bread. Price: 52 R Gluten-free bread is almost six times more expensive.Price: 215 RUB

Bottom Line

1. Tests that indicate gluten sensitivity disorders are expensive. Ordinary people without intestinal or extraintestinal symptoms, which may indicate such problems, do not need them.
2. If you have symptoms, you should consult a doctor before taking tests. Perhaps this will help avoid unnecessary expensive examinations.
3. A gluten-free diet does not benefit healthy people and is expensive, so there is no need to stick to it.A strict gluten-free diet is only beneficial for celiac patients. People with gluten intolerances, celiac disease and cereal allergies should discuss their diet with a doctor: it may be enough to cut out some foods or simply cut back on gluten-containing cereals.

The best diet for celiac disease

The only way to “cure” celiac disease is by following a strict gluten-free diet throughout your life. This will lead to the clinical and functional normalization of the condition, as well as the restoration of intestinal lesions.

The Gluten Free Celiac Diet is based on the elimination of any food that contains wheat, spelled, barley, rye and oats. Typically, these cereals are used to make products such as flour, bread, pasta or baked goods.

What is celiac disease?

Gluten causes an inflammatory reaction, which in turn damages the intestines.

Celiac disease, or gluten intolerance, is a chronic disease of the digestive system of immune origin. It is characterized by a persistent 90,025 intolerance to a protein called gluten which is found in some grains such as wheat, oats, barley or rye.

When a celiac patient consumes food containing gluten, the lining of the small intestine is damaged, which reduces its ability to absorb nutrients. Without proper treatment, people with this disorder face malnutrition (nutritional deficiencies) and various comorbidities.

However, 90,025 not all people with celiac disease pay attention to anxiety symptoms (they may not be pronounced). Therefore, the disease can go unnoticed for a long time.

See also: Gluten-free foods: Should you include them in your diet?

Gluten-free diet for celiac disease

“For every case of celiac disease diagnosed, there are five to eight more to be diagnosed,” estimates Juan Ignacio Serrano of Asociación de Celíacos y Sensibles al Gluten (Association of Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity).And if you add people who have voluntarily decided to give up gluten, it’s no surprise that 90,025 gluten-free diets have become quite popular in today’s society.

Gone are the days when we were unable to enjoy certain dishes, had some difficulty choosing in restaurants and found few gluten-free products (though tasteless and often overpriced).

“Eating a gluten-free diet is synonymous with leading a healthy lifestyle.Because celiac patients 90,025 pay more attention to labels than anyone else, avoid processed foods and try to consume farm products, ”explains Serrano.

Besides buying gluten-free bread and pasta, there are many other tricks and guidelines for celiac disease. For example, here are some tips for gluten-free cooking:

1. Rely on new types of flour

Various gluten-free flours can now be found.

Who will miss wheat when 90 025 there is quinoa, oatmeal or buckwheat? Now there is a “boom” of new types of flour: made from rice, almonds, soybeans, tapioca, chickpeas, buckwheat.

There are also flours from the so-called superfoods such as quinoa, caniva or cassava. Isn’t the flour fashion the best news for celiac patients? Diet for celiac disease will never be boring again.

2. Primary ingredients must also be gluten free

Fresh foods such as meat and fish or fruits and vegetables are gluten-free.

Eating fresh foods that are originally gluten-free, such as meat, fish, eggs, and fruits and vegetables, is a must for celiac disease.

3. Make your own sauces and doughs

When making bechamel sauce or to thicken any other sauce, it is ideal to use sifted corn flour (to prevent clumping). If you’re looking for breading, you can use mashed potatoes, ground almonds, or ground cornflakes.

4. Replace beer with wine

Unlike beer, wine contains no gluten.

Beer, alcoholic or not, contains gluten in one way or another. The good news is that wine, vermouth and other spirits are free of this wheat protein. Thus, stronger alcoholic drinks, even those made from grains, are gluten-free.

In these drinks, the distillation process removes any trace of gluten. And for those unwilling to give up beer, there are gluten-free options available, made with other grains.

Interesting: Red wine in small quantities is useful: 8 reasons

5. Do not eat convenience foods

Consumption of convenience foods and other processed foods should be avoided in principle. This carries a potential risk because gluten was most likely used as a supplement. Even if all the ingredients seem to be perfectly acceptable.

And despite the fact that the law requires producers to indicate the type of flour, starches and semolina, there are “workarounds”.If, despite the risks involved, you still decide to consume such products, pay attention to the labels and carefully read the composition.

6. Change wood to other materials

Wood is not recommended in the kitchen: neither in cutting boards, nor in ladles, nor in knives (wooden handle, for example). This material is very porous and may contain gluten particles. Better to use metal, plastic, silicone or any other kitchen utensils.

Finally, remember that the Celiac Disease Association is here to help you. If you have any questions or problems, feel free to contact. Celiac disease can be controlled by avoiding certain foods and living a healthy lifestyle.

Gluten Intolerance: Symptoms and Treatment

Gluten intolerance is an abnormal physiological response of the human body caused by impaired absorption of this protein.Read more ”

90,000 Everything You Wanted to Know About Gluten Intolerance

What is gluten and its allergy – celiac disease, how often this intolerance occurs among people and how it manifests itself, is a gluten-free diet for everyone else and how marketers speculate on this topic – all this was told to Afisha Daily by a flavorist and chemical technologist Sergey Proteins.

What is gluten?

Gluten is a vegetable protein found in wheat, barley and rye, the most popular cereals in the world. This is a special storage protein, the plant synthesizes it in order to accumulate nutrition for its shoots. It is poorly digested by most species on the planet, which allows the plant to preserve it for itself. In the vast majority of people, it is digested well and does not cause negative effects.

People love gluten for its functional properties: thanks to this protein, the dough becomes elastic, for which it got its second name – “gluten”. Bread, rolls, muffins, cakes, cookies, cereals, pizza, pasta – all of these products contain gluten. In the food industry, gluten is a permitted food ingredient, it is used to correct the quality of flour (which is determined by the gluten content and on which the quality of finished bakery and confectionery products depends), and also as a functional ingredient in a number of products.The latter use, however, in connection with the developing mythology, is gradually fading away.

US Gluten Free Fashion

Restaurant reviewers in the United States have given the gluten-free diet fashion its name: “gluten-free mainstream” – when it comes to the fact that even people who can afford to eat a crispy slice of bread deliberately deny themselves without intolerance. Since 2012, sales of gluten-free products in the United States have grown by 17.3% to reach $ 10.5 billion in 2013 and $ 15.6 billion in 2016.According to the Restaurant Association of America, 72% of consumers are more likely to go to restaurants for “wholesome menu” options. With all this, in the world only about 1% of people who suffer from gluten intolerance.

US Census data show that Americans eat less bread every year. Per capita wheat consumption fell by 10% between 2000 and 2011. For this reason, many restaurateurs refuse the free bread basket and include bread on the menu as a complete dish.In Russia, the fashion for a gluten-free diet is just starting to gain momentum.

Gluten intolerance happens, but rarely

Gluten intolerance, which is called celiac disease in medicine, is congenital in nature. The disease is diagnosed at an early age: the child begins to eat bread for the first time, and in the event of an illness, various bad reactions occur to him, such as severe abdominal pain, general weakness and anemia. Gluten intolerance is present, according to various sources, in 0.5-1% of the population, that is, every hundredth to two hundredth people really suffer from celiac disease.Nevertheless, in different countries, up to 10-20% of the population may think that they have this intolerance. The modern world is so good and comfortable that people begin to invent sores for themselves and this gives rise to a self-sustaining myth. People think gluten is bad. Manufacturers produce gluten-free products, labeled with special badges and sold in special sections of stores. As a result, more people start to think that gluten is something bad, and the circle closes.

Gluten intolerance is a congenital autoimmune disease

If you have eaten bread for ten years and have not noticed any negative effects, then you should calm down – you do not have celiac disease. To you, it’s just a regular protein that is digested like any other protein. You cannot get celiac disease in life because it is a congenital condition. It makes no sense for you to look for gluten-free products, you just spend extra money and time on it, lose quality and taste, and gain nothing.But if you have celiac disease, then you almost certainly already know about it and know what foods you should avoid and how to control your diet. If you doubt it anxiously, then it is better not to guess and grope for a diet, but to go and get tested. Gluten is an allergy.

Unlike lactose and its intolerance by the body, gluten intolerance has the form of an allergy, or rather an autoimmune disease. In simple terms, this is an inflammatory reaction: the immune system identifies gluten protein as a foreign protein, the body releases antibodies that begin to attack the body itself.Which leads to inflammation in the intestines and interferes with its normal functioning.

Topic details

Gluten, licorice and real restaurant trends

Gluten, licorice and real restaurant trends

A gluten-free diet is not dietary

Gluten-free products are not dietary products, but medicinal products. Many gluten-free foods (including bread) may contain more calories than normal foods.I’m not talking about the taste – gluten-free bread options, due to the absence of gluten, will not and cannot be airy and soft.

Speculation – Marking “Gluten Free” Where Gluten Couldn’t Be

In general, there is a lot of dishonesty and trickery in this topic. So in “gluten-free” oatmeal or buckwheat porridge, by definition, there is no gluten, there are different proteins. Gluten is wheat, rye and barley. Therefore, if you come across gluten-free oatmeal in the store, be careful – this is speculation.There is also a gluten-free sausage – also from the category of nonsense. Normally, sausage should not contain gluten, but be made from meat. If it is used as a moisture-binding agent and a structurant, then it is included in the composition; a separate indication of gluten-freeness is simply not required.

Calculated for the ignorance of the consumer are statements about the gluten-freeness of certain types of vodka or beer – these products do not contain protein, despite the fact that they are made from grain.But in general, the presence of this kind of products says a lot about our time. Just think about it, people drink vodka, and they make sure that it is gluten-free.

Topic details

Rehabilitation of buns: what you need to know about gluten and yeast

Bun Rehabilitation: What You Need to Know About Gluten & Yeast

90,000 Genetic test and gluten intolerance

Recently, the gluten-free diet has become a new trend – it is promoted by the stars, more and more gluten-free products are appearing on store shelves and in restaurants.

Today we will tell you why this is connected, is gluten really so scary and whether it is worth giving up bread, pasta and croissants forever.

What is gluten

Gluten is a group of plant proteins that are found in some cereals such as wheat, rye and barley. It is gluten that gives the dough its elastic and airy texture, which is why it is often used in the food industry, especially bakery.

Gluten contains two types of protein: gliadin and glutenin.Gliadin triggers intolerance, or celiac disease – the immune system’s violent response to gluten. Below we will talk about which foods contain gluten, and about diseases associated with intolerance and susceptibility to it.

What foods contain gluten

Photo by Jude Infantini / Unsplash

Cereals

Gluten is found in most cereals used to make bread, breakfast cereals, and even beer and whiskey:

Oats do not contain gliadin, but some people with celiac disease are sensitive to this cereal.This is due to the fact that oats contain the protein avenin, to which a small percentage of people, including those with celiac disease, are intolerant.

The British celiac community points out that even traces of gluten can lead to unpleasant symptoms. If oats are grown nearby or processed in the same enterprise with grains such as wheat, barley, rye, it can cause reactions in people with celiac disease.

Photo by Markus Winkler / Unsplash

Semi-finished products

Gluten gives elasticity to the dough and acts as a thickener.Because of these properties, it is often used for the production of semi-finished products.

Foods that may contain gluten:

• Beer
• Soy sauce
• Stock cubes
• Salami and meat products
• Malt vinegar
• Prepared soups

Confectionery

Confectionery

Gluten and related diseases

Gluten intolerance (celiac disease) is an allergic reaction that is difficult to miss.The immune system reacts to gluten when it enters the body, leading to inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.

In celiac disease, foods with even small amounts of gliadin can cause diarrhea, bloating, fatigue, constipation, nausea and vomiting. In this case, a gluten-free diet is the main treatment. Today it is not difficult to comply with it – shops and restaurants offer many options for gluten-free products and dishes.

Celiac disease – occurs in only 1% of the world’s population.

Gluten ataxia is a rare neurological disorder in people with a genetic predisposition. In ataxia, the immune system reacts to the gliadin protein and activates the production of antibodies that attack the brain. As a result, neurological disorders develop, such as problems with coordination of movements.

If you have symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, or sudden weight loss, see your doctor. Such symptoms can be the cause of inflammation and gastrointestinal diseases.

Some scientists suggest that gluten consumption in people without celiac disease can cause metabolic and cardiovascular disorders and increase the risk of death from all causes. As a result, the American Nutrition Society analyzed data from nearly 160,000 people to understand the role of gluten in their health.

Scientists have found that limiting the amount of gluten in the diet of people without celiac disease does not provide health and longevity benefits.But statistics have shown that for people with coronary heart disease, consuming gluten can increase the risk of death. More research is needed to test this theory.

Genetic predisposition to celiac disease

Several genes are responsible for the immune response to gluten. In the Atlas Genetic Test, we analyze dozens of gene variants that are associated with a predisposition to celiac disease.

Information about the predisposition to intolerance to certain nutrients can be found in your Personal Account in the Nutrition tab.

Non-celiac gluten sensitivity

Gluten-free foods are becoming more common on the market, and restaurant menus are full of foods labeled “gluten-free.” The theory that a gluten-free diet benefits the body is becoming more and more popular, but there is no evidence for this.

There are people who experience celiac disease symptoms from eating foods with gluten. When wheat is abandoned, the symptoms become less pronounced, but the diagnosis of celiac disease does not confirm.This phenomenon is called gluten sensitivity without celiac disease.

It is still not known how much this is connected with the use of gluten. The scientific community is not yet identifying gluten sensitivity as a separate disease, as more research is needed in this area. But this does not prevent many from diagnosing themselves “gluten intolerance without celiac disease.”

Symptoms of gluten intolerance without celiac disease

• Bloating
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Confusion
• Anxiety attacks
• Headaches
• Fatigue

9048 These are common causes of fatigue

9048 diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome.

Scientists believe non-celiac gluten intolerance can be caused by fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS). This is a type of complex carbohydrate found in wheat, and when the gut microbiota is imbalanced (dysbiosis), it can cause digestive problems.

Studies have shown that a weakened protective barrier in the intestines can also cause digestive problems in some cereals. The microbiota plays an important role in maintaining the integrity of the barrier.

Keep in mind that non-celiac gluten intolerance symptoms may become more severe over time due to high consumption of fast food, processed foods, refined sugar and exposure to stress.

Why a gluten-free diet is dangerous

As we already wrote, gluten gives the dough a pleasant elastic texture and is also used as a thickener. To make beautiful and delicious gluten-free baked goods, manufacturers have to add more sugar and thickeners.

With a gluten-free diet, almost all grains are excluded from the diet. This reduces both dietary diversity and the amount of fiber and minerals that are found in cereals.

Extensive research supported by WHO helped determine the rate of fiber intake: at least 25 grams per day.

Don’t just give up gluten. Gluten-free foods, while popular, often contain more fat and sugar, less folate and iron, and are more expensive than regular pasta or bread. First, pay attention to whether you have symptoms after consuming wheat products. A food diary can help with this.

Genetic test will help assess the tendency to gluten intolerance, as well as lactose. He will also show a predisposition to a certain level of vitamins and minerals, the metabolism of caffeine and alcohol. You can view the entire list of signs on the website.

• U Volta et al., Non-celiac gluten sensitivity: questions still to be answered despite increasing awareness, 2013
• G Casavella et al., Non celiac gluten sensitivity and diagnostic challenges, 2018
• K Verbeke, Nonceliac Gluten Sensitivity: What Is the Culprit ?, 2018
• M Hadjivassiliou et al., Gluten ataxia, 2008
• The Lancet, 2019
• Harvard Medical School, Ditch the Gluten, Improve Your Health ?,
  2015
• Benjamin Lebwohl et al, Long term gluten consumption in adults without celiac disease and risk of coronary heart disease: prospective cohort study
• Inken Behrendt, Gluten Intake and All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality: Prospective Findings from the UK Biobank, 2020

90,000 Gluten-free diet: what is the essence and benefits?

Many celebrities follow a gluten-free diet, not necessarily because of gluten intolerance, but because they find such restriction beneficial to their health.About 1.6 million people in the United States follow a gluten-free diet, although they have not been diagnosed with celiac disease, a disease characterized by severe gluten intolerance. However, is such a diet useful for a person who does not suffer from this pathology?

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and triticale (a hybrid of wheat and rye). It may also be present in some cosmetic products such as lip balm. In some people, this protein can cause the development of the disease.Overall, about 18 million people in the United States have some form of gluten intolerance, which causes symptoms such as bloating and gas, diarrhea, fatigue, headache and itching, and skin rashes. That said, an average of 1 in 133 people in the United States, or 1% of the population, suffers from celiac disease, a more serious form of gluten intolerance. However, this protein triggers an immune response that affects the lining of the small intestine. This results in the body being unable to efficiently absorb nutrients, which can lead to anemia, stunted growth and weight gain.Celiac patients should avoid eating all foods that contain gluten, even in the smallest quantities. These include bread, beer, sweets, cereals, cakes and pies, potatoes, pasta, ready-made meat dishes, etc.

However, according to numerous nutritionist data, people who do not suffer from gluten intolerance do not need to follow a gluten-free diet, since it does not bring any harm or benefit to the body. That being said, some nutritionists note that following a gluten-free diet without celiac disease can actually lead to inadequate intake of the nutrients needed to maintain a healthy, balanced diet.For example, according to the Mayo Clinic, USA, following a gluten-free diet can lead to a decrease in the level of iron, calcium, fiber, folate, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin in the body. Another factor discouraging this diet is the fact that many processed foods that are gluten-free contain extra fats, more carbohydrates, and more calories than gluten-free foods, which can contribute to weight gain.

In turn, Rafe Bundy, nutritionist and representative of the Association for Nutrition, USA, argues that following a gluten-free diet does not interfere with getting essential nutrients.There are many people in the world whose diets are low in gluten. A good example is most of Asia, where rice is the staple food, not wheat. Therefore, it is quite possible to follow a healthy gluten-free diet using standard dietary guidelines.

Thus, scientists emphasize that the existing data on the pros and cons of a gluten-free diet among people without celiac disease requires additional large-scale research in the future.

Based on materials from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com

90,000 Choosing gluten-free foods – 4fresh blog

Gluten Free Diet

The word “diet” acts on many like a spell, but this is incorrect in principle. Many foods that do not contain gluten are higher in calories, which means that you will not be able to lose weight by consuming them. Some of them may contain several times more fat than similar gluten-containing foods.

A complete rejection of natural gluten threatens a deficiency of iron, calcium, folic acid.Therefore, it is not recommended to eliminate gluten from the diet without a medical indication. But you can give up muffins, pasta and beer that contain gluten – that is, control the amount of gluten, and not completely delete it from your menu.

Where is gluten contained?

Primarily, gluten is found in 90,606 wheat, rye, oats and barley. Gluten is found in all baked goods, pasta, breakfast cereals and cereals.

Gluten is widely used by manufacturers of ketchup, mayonnaise and various sauces, gluten is found in yoghurts, ice cream and sweets. Almost all convenience foods, crab sticks, chips, bouillon cubes contain gluten. Even many medicines and cosmetics are made with added gluten.

Some manufacturers may disguise gluten as “hydrolyzed protein” or “modified starch.” Or use table vinegar, caramel color or barley malt, which also contain gluten, in the production.

As you can see, the list turned out to be quite serious. And if your diet is prescribed by a doctor, and not a tribute to fashion, then you should know exactly what foods contain gluten.

And now it seems that people with gluten intolerance have nothing to eat at all! Of course it is not.

Modern bio-producers of organic food have developed a huge variety of delicious gluten-free products. These include gluten-free flour, gluten-free cereals, and even gluten-free candy.So there is plenty to choose from!

Gluten-free cereals

Grain-based meals should make up almost half of our diet. And if we are talking about a gluten-free diet, then you need to get to know more about those cereals that do not contain gluten:

Groats	Description
Buckwheat	It does not contain gluten, but it contains many useful microelements.In addition, buckwheat helps control blood sugar levels and helps cleanse the body of toxins.
Rice	It also contains a large number of useful elements, helps to strengthen the immune system, and normalizes metabolic processes in the body.
Amaranth	Amaranth is rich in proteins and in its composition is most similar to the source of “ideal protein”.Another strong point of amaranth is the presence of squalene, and in large quantities. It is a natural antioxidant and immune stimulant.
Quinoa	Another protein-rich culture is a friend of vegans and vegetarians. Quinoa saturates the body well with useful elements and gives a feeling of fullness for a long time.
Millet	It is a protein-rich cereal. It perfectly saturates and comes to the aid of the digestive tract – it cleanses, normalizes peristalsis, speeds up metabolism and removes harmful impurities from the body.
Corn	Corn contains a large amount of vitamins and nutrients, especially potassium and iron. You can cook many delicious dishes with corn – from soups to desserts.

All of these grains can be added to the diet just like that, as a nutritious side dish or base for morning porridge. There are also many gluten-free products based on them – for example, buckwheat bulgur, ready-made rice mixes for lunch, sweet amaranth breakfast balls and other interesting novelties.

Remember that for a nutritious diet, our diet should contain not only cereals, but also legumes and seeds: lentils, beans, chickpeas, flax seeds, chia, hemp and others. Alternating them with each other, you will be able to create a complete diet rich in proteins and vitamins without any damage to your health.

Flour gluten free

Do you think that gluten-free will now have to give up baked goods and bread? No matter how it is. It turns out that there are many varieties of flour that are gluten-free and safe for those with gluten intolerances.And how many delicious things you can cook, mmm! 🙂

Type of flour	Description
Buckwheat	A source of fiber and complex carbohydrates. To make delicious buckwheat pancakes, knead the buckwheat dough with kefir and let it stand for a couple of hours in the refrigerator.
Corn	Cornmeal is ideal for breading and can also be used to make polenta, a traditional Italian porridge.
Coconut	It is the perfect flour for making delicate baked goods such as muffins, cookies and even sweets. Coconut flour absorbs water well, so to cook it you need to take three times less than usual – saving 🙂
Linen	Flaxseed flour is the champion in Omega-3 and plant protein content. You can make delicious flaxseed porridge or pancakes from it in a couple of minutes.Flaxseed flour is also used as a substitute for eggs in baked goods.
Chickpea	This flour is a real storehouse of protein. It can be used to make a variety of vegetarian treats – hummus, falafel, chickpea patties, and more.
Amarantovaya	It would also be nice to make friends with the plant-based diet with this flour. By the way, amaranth flour is very useful for high cholesterol.It can be added to sauces as a thickener, or in delicious gluten-free pancakes.
Almond	Almond flour is ideal for making delicious treats such as cookies, cakes, and small macarons. The main thing is not to eat it whole before baking 🙂
Sunflower	Sunflower meal is a good source of protein.It is very gentle and helps to strengthen the cartilage tissue. If you are serious about sports, then such a product will be very useful for you. Sunflower flour can be added to cereals and muffins, smoothies and green salads.
Hemp	Hemp flour is a friend of vegetarians and athletes. It contains a large amount of vegetable protein, iron and chlorophyll (a plant analogue of hemoglobin). It helps the digestive tract and improves metabolism.Hemp flour is best added to green smoothies, cereals, or sauces.
Pumpkin	Contains a large amount of useful elements and vitamins. The use of pumpkin flour will have a good effect on the appearance – the condition of the skin, hair and nails. Pumpkin flour adds fluffiness to baked goods, gives them a beautiful yellow hue and keeps them fresh for longer.
Rice	Brown rice flour has a good effect on the digestive tract and cleanses the body of accumulated impurities.Rice flour-based pastries are surprisingly tender: cheese cakes, cookies and pies.
Sesame	Sesame flour is a rich source of calcium. The easiest way to incorporate it into your diet is to add it to smoothies or sprinkle on salads.
Lentil	This type of flour is ideal for cooking vegetable cutlets. Flour has good stickiness: on its basis, you can cook traditional lentil cutlets, carrot, mushroom, onion and others.
From black cumin seeds	Flour from black cumin seeds has a good effect on the digestive tract and removes accumulated impurities from the body. Thanks to its rich vitamin composition, it improves the condition of the skin and hair. This flour has a pleasant fresh taste. It can be added to dough when baking bread, or mixed into smoothies.
Peanut	Peanut flour is a source of protein and fiber.It helps the circulatory system and improves skin condition. Peanut flour is recommended to be added to smoothies and used in sweet homemade baked goods.
Cedar	It is a source of easily digestible vegetable protein. On the basis of cedar flour, you can make delicate cedar milk in no time.

Any flour on this list will work great for homemade gluten-free recipes.

Gluten-free products in our store

And if you want to pamper yourself with something tasty, without reading every time into the composition with a magnifying glass? Is it possible? Of course! We’ve prepared a list of gluten-free brands – just have fun and choose:

• Eat healthy. The line of this brand includes the traditional delicacies to which we are so accustomed. The only difference is that they are gluten free. The assortment includes pasta based on amaranth flour, sweet balls for a quick breakfast, healthy snacks – amaranth chips and croutons and other products.
• Smart Sweets. This brand is a real find for those who have given up sweets and gluten-containing products. But at the same time, you would not mind pampering yourself with something sweet 🙂 The assortment of the brand includes sweets, marmalade, gluten-free bars and cookies. Everything is tasty, but healthy!
• Breads Dr. Korner. Among these famous crispbreads, you can also find gluten-free crispbreads. Try delicious combinations – rice cakes with ginger, corn cakes with sea salt, cakes with Provencal herbs, buckwheat and others. Please note that product description is gluten free.
• The famous Bite bars. They contain only healthy dried fruits, nuts, seeds and spices, and certainly no gluten-containing products. For every occasion in life, the Bite collection has its own bar – during work and school rush jobs, to maintain immunity in the cold winter, just like that, for mood and many others.

So, giving up gluten doesn’t get in the way of enjoying all the joys in life!

Gluten Free Breakfast

Probably, breakfast is the biggest worry when switching to gluten-free food – how can I really be left without porridge? Without your favorite granolas? Do you need to cook something special? It will probably take a lot of time! But no – the manufacturers have taken care of this too.

Lovers of healthy and tasty granolas will love the Granola.lab buckwheat breakfast. This is a granola based on green buckwheat, fresh nuts, seeds and spices.

Buckwheat flakes from the Lifestyle brand will become a healthy alternative to store-bought flakes. They contain only sprouted buckwheat grain.

And green buckwheat flakes “Clever Mom” ​​will be an excellent start to the day for students and schoolchildren.

90,000 Celiac disease, gluten sensitivity or wheat protein allergy?

There are three concepts associated with gluten intolerance, which are often confused, and only a doctor can make a correct diagnosis by evaluating all the symptoms:

1.Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease caused by gluten intolerance. Gluten or gluten is a protein that is found in wheat, rye and barley and even in small amounts causes an inadequate immune response in celiac patients, as a result of which inflammation occurs in the small intestine – the mucosal villi are damaged and the absorption of nutrients is impaired in the body. The only cure is following a strict gluten-free diet throughout your life.

2. Sensitivity to gluten is not celiac disease, it is sensitivity to foods that contain gluten. Symptoms are very similar to those of celiac disease, including bloating, abdominal pain, skin rashes, and fatigue. However, tests for celiac disease and wheat protein allergy show negative results, including no damage to the villi in the gastrointestinal tract, and the person does not have the corresponding genes responsible for celiac disease. If you follow a gluten-free diet, under the supervision of a doctor, your general health will improve in the near future.

3. Wheat protein allergy – an allergic reaction directly to wheat protein, which can manifest itself in the gastrointestinal tract with symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea or other allergic manifestations such as urticaria, allergic rhinitis , asthma attacks or even anaphylactic shock. People with this diagnosis should not eat foods containing wheat, but they can eat barley and rye if they do not have an allergic reaction to these grains.

In turn in the case of celiac disease or sensitivity to gluten it is very important to completely eliminate from the consumption of gluten (gluten), which contains not only wheat, but also rye and barley. Wheat prolamine is gliadin, rye is sekalin, barley is hordein, and oat prolamine is avenin, which is not harmful to celiac patients unless oatmeal is used that is marked gluten free, which eliminates the risk of cross contamination.

A gluten-free or low-gluten diet means that you should not eat foods such as breads, pies, cakes, cookies, pizzas, sandwiches, pasta, couscous, as they are all made from wheat or rye. Beer is not allowed as it contains barley malt. There is also a risk that even sausages and rolls contain gluten. It seems that no food can be eaten without health risks.

This requires a rethinking of your habits and adherence to a strict diet!

It should be understood that:

1. In this case, only a gluten-free diet is the only treatment, and gluten should be avoided throughout one’s life.
2. It is necessary to completely stop eating foods such as wheat, barley, rye, as well as all products made from these cereals (flour, pasta (pasta), semolina, bran, couscous, wheat and barley drinks, etc.) etc.). Some people also need to avoid eating foods that contain oats.
3. Be very careful when eating out. It is safer to cook at home, it eliminates the risk of food containing gluten.