Did you know that nearly one out of every 100 people in the United States suffers from a wheat intolerance called Celiac Disease? Celiac sufferers need to follow a restricted diet to help them stay healthy, and that means strictly avoiding a processing protein called gluten. These tips will explain gluten intolerance and share some details about identifying gluten-free food choices.

Gluten and Celiac Disease
Wheat intolerance becomes a serious problem when it’s tied to a medical condition called Celiac Disease. This digestive disorder is caused by consumption of a protein called gluten, a binder chemical found in starchy foods. When a person with Celiac Disease eats gluten, the protein triggers an immune reaction in the small intestines which may result in abdominal pain, bloating, weakness, diarrhea and weight loss.

Celiac Disease is more than just a stomachache, however. Every time a person with the disease eats gluten, the surface of the small intestines becomes damaged, making it difficult for the body to absorb nutrients. That’s why people with Celiac Disease run the risk of malnutrition. Left untreated, Celiac Disease also increases a person’s risk of developing gastrointestinal cancer by an alarming 40 to 100 times.

The gluten-free diet
Celiac Disease is treated by following a strict gluten-free diet. By eating this special diet and avoiding wheat products, people who suffer from the disease can alleviate their symptoms and live healthy lives.

A gluten-free diet is one that strictly avoids the protein gluten, which is found in oats, barley, and rye. As a general rule, any food that is made with flour or cooked with a wheat-based product should be avoided. To follow this special diet, one should avoid foods such as:

• Pasta made of wheat
• Beer
• Crackers made with wheat
• Malt vinegar, gravies and sauces
• Processed or imitation meats
• Soups
• Baked goods like cookies, cakes, and bread

So what can you eat when you’re on a gluten-free diet? There are plenty of grains and starches that are allowed on a wheat-free diet. These include rice, quinoa, and corn, among others. Other gluten-free foods include:

• Fresh meats, fish, and poultry (as long as they are not breaded or battered and have not been marinated in sauces containing gluten)
• Fruits and vegetables
• Potatoes
• Most dairy products
• Wine and many distilled liquors

Finding gluten-free foods
It may seem like a gluten-free diet is rather restrictive. While it may be more challenging for a person following this special diet to navigate a restaurant menu, for instance, it’s fairly easy to eat tasty meals thanks to the wide availability of gluten-free products. You can find gluten-free substitutes for everything from pasta to bread, beer, and brownies. If you cannot find these products in your supermarket, contact your local Celiac support group or search the Web for support. Be aware that restaurants, too, are beginning to include gluten-free dining choices on their menus.

Going gluten free for better health
It’s not just Celiac sufferers who can benefit from eating a gluten-free diet. Many people suffer from a food allergy to wheat that makes them intolerant of gluten without having full-blown Celiac disease. Some people even choose to eat gluten-free because it just makes them feel healthier. Whatever your reason for following a gluten-free diet, it’s the best idea to consult with a dietitian to make sure you’re getting the nutrition you need as you follow a gluten-free diet.