Gluten is a protein that is found in wheat, rye and barley.
They are used as binders in many foods. Many medications, lip balms and vitamin supplements may also contain gluten.
Common symptoms of a gluten intolerance may be diarrhoea, cramping, flatulence, constipation, anaemia, bloating. Celiac disease is an allergy to gluten caused by an autoimmune disease. Celiac disease can have the same symptoms as an intolerance however, more severe. A percentage of people with celiac disease may develop a rash called dermatitis herpetiformis. This itchy rash can present on your elbows, buttocks and knees.
It is imperative that you avoid gluten at all costs if you have been diagnosed with celiac disease. To find out whether you have celiac disease, a simple blood test that looks for certain proteins in the blood, can be performed. If the blood test results are positive for celiac, your doctor may want to confirm this with an endoscopic biopsy. This means taking a small sample from the small intestine.
Which Foods are Gluten Free?
Quinoa is a grain that has actually been around for a long time, but is now showing its nutritious face on all the supermarket shelves and in the corner cafes. It is gluten free, highly nutritious and high in protein. Some pastas are made with quinoa as well as being ground into a flour.
It is important to remember that you cannot tell if a particular food is gluten free, unless it is a fruit or vegetables, just be looking at it. It is important to always check the labels. Always remember, when in doubt, don’t eat.
Fruits and vegetables are naturally gluten free, so be sure to fill your shopping trolley with as much as you desire. Most frozen convenience meals, snack foods and breakfast cereals contain gluten. In most supermarkets, there is an aisle dedicated to gluten free foods.
Remember, the only way to live a symptom free life from gluten intolerances or celiac disease is to avoid gluten altogether. Talk to your dietitian or nutritionist about eating a healthy gluten free diet.
Originally published on Sep 24, 2014
