Celiac Diease: The Gluten Free Food Diet

Celiac Diease: The Gluten Free Food Diet By : Mark Etinger  In the past decade or so, we've seen a lot of discussion about gluten free food and heard the term "celiac disease" tossed around quite a bit. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease. When one with the disease ingests food that contains gluten, there is a toxic reaction that causes damage to the small intestines and the food cannot be properly absorbed. The villi, tiny hair-like projections that absorb nutrients, become damaged when gluten is eaten. Then the damaged villi will not be able to absorb other nutrients that your body needs. Celiac disease affects both children and adults and there is no cure. What is gluten? Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and triticale. When eating foods with gluten, not only will you damage your intestines, you will feel physical symptoms as well, such as, abdominal cramping, bloating, chronic diarrhea or constipation, anemia, and unexplained weight loss. Since there is no cure or medication, the only way to avoid these symptoms is to eat gluten free food. The diet may seem strict, but even a small amount of gluten can make you sick. First and foremost, you need to avoid foods that contain wheat, rye, and barley which are bagels, bread, pasta, pizza, and crackers. Even if you see these foods packaged as "wheat free," that does not mean it is gluten free. Initially you should also avoid oats. Oats can cause symptoms in some, but many people can eat moderate amounts of oats without discomfort. After initial diagnosis, avoid or limit milk products as well. They can aggravate your already damaged small intestines. Allow about 2 to 6 months for your small intestines to heal and slowly introduce yourself back into milk products. You must also avoid all types of beer because they too contain gluten. It's important to speak with a dietician after your diagnosis because gluten free shopping can sometimes be difficult and it's a very big adjustment to what you're normally used to. When shopping, the most important thing to do is simply read the labels of your food. Learn about ingredients that are just code names for gluten. With a growing number of people diagnosed with celiac disease, finding gluten free products isn't as difficult as it once was. Specialty stores sell versions of all your favorite foods, like gluten free pasta, bread, cakes, and more. Celiac disease doesn't have to be a debilitating and bland disease to live with. You can have your gluten free cake and eat it too and enjoy a normal life.

Author Resource:- Gluten Free Palace is your online shop for a wide variety of gluten free foods including gluten free recipes, gift baskets and other gluten free snacks.

Article From Article Biblotek