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If you suffer from celiac disease or have an allergy to wheat, eating a gluten-free diet could be the answer to your troubles. Gluten-free diets exclude all foods that contain gluten. Read on for more information on how to eat a gluten-free diet.
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Introduction
- Gluten is a protein found in many bread products, including wheat, rye or barley. It is estimated at up to two million people in the U.S. are gluten-intolerant; these people suffer from a digestive disease known as celiac disease. Eating a gluten-free diet is a must for them.
Step 1: What Foods Contain Gluten?
- Gluten is found in foods and products made from wheat, rye or barley and other related grains. Examples of these foods may include most:
- Pastas
- Grains
- Cereals
- Processed foods, including:
- Potato chips
- Cold cuts
- Candy
- French fries
- Matzo
- Soy sauce
- Salad dressings
- Beer
- Some of these products are now made gluten-free.
Step 2: What Can You Eat?
- While a gluten-free diet may seem restrictive, it really isn't. According to WebMD and the American Dietetic Association, there are many things you can eat, including:
Step 3: Adjusting to a Gluten-Free Diet
- If adjusting to a gluten-free diet seems overwhelming, you may want to meet with a dietitian or a nutritionist. Both can help you plan meals and recipes that don't contain gluten. Reading labels can be tricky; gluten is used in a variety of products, including:
- Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP)
- Vegetable gum
- Modified food starch
- Having a professional go over your options and help you understand how to look for hidden gluten can help you make the change to eating gluten-free.
Conclusion
- A gluten-free diet can be beneficial for anyone with a wheat allergy. For those who suffer from celiac disease, an intolerance to gluten, avoidance of the protein is a must. If you wish to begin a gluten-free diet, consider meeting with a dietitian to help you learn which foods you should eat and which you should avoid.
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