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.

The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before using the information presented here.

• 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.

• Gluten is found in foods and products made from wheat, rye or barley and other related grains. Examples of these foods may include most:

1. Pastas
2. Grains
3. Cereals
4. Processed foods, including:
   1. Potato chips
   2. Cold cuts
   3. Candy
   4. French fries
   5. Matzo
   6. Soy sauce
   7. Salad dressings
   8. Beer

• Some of these products are now made gluten-free.

(Creative Commons photo by Whatsername?)

• 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:

1. Meats
2. Fish
3. Fruits
4. Vegetables
5. Rice
6. Popcorn
7. Cornmeal
8. Breads, pasta and cereals made with:
   1. Corn
   2. Rice
   3. Potatoes
   4. Soy
   5. Flax

• 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:

1. Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP)
2. Vegetable gum
3. 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.

• 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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• Introduction
• Step 1: What Foods Contain Gluten?
• Step 2: What Can You Eat?
• Step 3: Adjusting to a Gluten-Free Diet
• Conclusion