Gluten Free Foods to Avoid

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, certain grains and barley. However, not all foods in these groups contain gluten. Rice, oats, corn and soy beans are examples of grains that do not contain gluten. Gluten is added to foods, like bread, because gluten gives it a chewy texture and helps prevent the gases in the dough from escaping. This helps the bread rise before it is baked. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Reasons for Gluten Free

Gluten free foods are recommended to people who have celiac disease, wheat allergies, or autism. Research suggests that gluten can increase the effect of, or even cause, autism. Celiac disease patients have significant gastric and immune system problems because of the way they digest gluten products. Sufferers of these ailments who eat foods containing gluten can damage the villi, or small fingerlike membranes in the small intestines. It is considered an autoimmune disease.

Effects

People with gluten sensitivity often have other health problems such as malnutrition, anemia and type 1 diabetes because they avoid foods containing gluten. They don't know what to substitute for those foods they take out of their diet. Changing your diet does not have to be a huge undertaking. Visit with your physician or a dietician and select a variety of gluten-free foods.

Gluten Free Diet

Creating a diverse diet will ensure that you do not get burnt out on a few particular foods. A number of products are manufactured exclusively without gluten. These items include breads, cereal, crackers and pasta made from corn, rice, potato, soy or flax. Also, cornmeal buckwheat and fresh fruits, vegetables and milk are naturally gluten free.

Foods to Avoid

People on a gluten-free diet should avoid any foods that are processed such as oatmeal, tortillas, salad dressing, sandwich meats, processed dairy like cheese and yogurt and flavored potato chips. Reading labels is important when you're trying to avoid gluten. Foods containing ingredients such as bran, rye, wheat or malt should not be consumed. Look for items that say gluten free on the label.

Eating Out

When you eat out, ask how your food is prepared. You can find a listing of gluten free restaurants from a link in the Resources section. You must remain vigilant, however, and ensure you inquire about the specific dishes that are gluten free and ask how they are cooked and in what type of sauce.