Change for the Better with a Gluten Free Diet
What is a gluten free diet?
A gluten free diet is one that contains no gluten products. Gluten is a type of protein that are found in wheat. If you need to adhere to a nutritional program that is free from all gluten this means that any wheat, rye and barley have to be eliminated from your diet. Some physicians even advise the removal of oats and oat products and this same advice is seconded by the Celiac Society. You will find that some doctors will allow their patients to eat some oat products even though they are on a gluten freediet, but this is only on a case by case basis.
Who needs a gluten free diet?
Individuals diagnosed with celiac disease should be prescribed a gluten free diet. For maximum health a gluten free diet should be followed by those people who find that they have sensitivity to wheat or gluten. A number of individuals with GI complaints, allergies and skin rashes have opted to treat these health related problems with a gluten free eating regimen. Although some people feel that this type of dietary program promotes a healthier lifestyle in general, it is a personal choice for most.
Some individuals even try to eliminate gluten for a matter of weeks once or twice a year to cleanse their systems, but for those who have been diagnosed with celiac disease a gluten free dietary plan is mandatory and not a momentary whim.
What are the benefits of a gluten free diet?
The benefits of this nutritional diet vary according to the individuals involved. Many people find that allergies, skin rashes and GI upsets are greatly diminished (or completely eliminated) after they have followed a gluten free program for 4-6 weeks.
What is the relation between gluten and celiac disease?
Gliadin is a substance in gluten that destroys the intestinal surface in susceptible individuals. The destruction of this surface lining results in symptoms such as cramping, bloating, diarrhea and malnutrition. People with celiac disease are able to protecttheir intestinal system with a gluten free eating plan because they eliminate the “gliadin” from their meals.
What foods can be eaten while following a gluten free diet?
Some of the foods that are allowed on a gluten free diet program include: Cereals/Flours-buckwheat; rice and rice bran; rice flour; soya bran; potato flour; soya flour; corn; maize; arrowroot, tapioca and sago. Dairy-soya; eggs; cream; butter; cheese; curds and milk. Patients must be cautious in their selections but can find some yogurt varieties that are gluten free. Beverages- tea; coffee; fruit drinks; cocoa and some alcoholic products. Any fruits and vegetables as well as most nuts/seeds are also allowed on a gluten free eating program. Jams, jellies, marmalades, honey, molasses and sugar are on the gluten free list. Many spices and seasonings are also included in the gluten free lifestyle. Individuals can flavor their meals with salt, vinegar,pepper and a wide variety of other herbs and spices.
Today consumers are happy to discover that a number of new gluten free products are making it onto supermarket shelves. These products can be identified by the description on the label and there is also a Gluten Free symbol that is prominently displayed onthe packaging. Crispbreads, flours, breads, cakes and pastas are becoming more readily available at mainstream groceries and health food stores.
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