What Is A Gluten Free Diet?

Learn what is a gluten free diet and when it makes sense to follow such a diet plan. People generally find a gluten free diet difficult to maintain due to the limited food variety. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies sometimes occur as most gluten free diets provide low amounts of fiber, calcium, iron and B vitamins.

What is Gluten? Gluten is a protein present in wheat, barley and other grains. Many foods people typically consider non-grain products such as processed meats and alcoholic beverages contain gluten as fillers or binders. Cross-contamination may also occur during processing, packaging or preparation. Non-food products including lip balms, toothpaste and some vitamins contain gluten as well.

Allowed Foods. Those following a gluten free diet still eat a variety of foods. Safe grain food choices include rice, soy, corn, potato and bean flours, cornmeal and hominy. Fruits, vegetables and most dairy products are also gluten free. Fresh meats are safe so long as they have not been battered, marinated or breaded. Distilled liquor can be included as well.

Use. Doctors generally prescribe a gluten free diet as a treatment for celiac disease. Celiac disease is a digestive ailment in which gluten causes the immune system to attack the small intestine. This breaks down the intestinal surface and results in an inability to absorb vitamins and nutrients. Some parents try a gluten-free diet to treat autistic children, but valid scientific studies remain limited and show little to no effect on autistic symptoms.

Warning. Do not follow a gluten free diet without the supervision of a physician to monitor your nutritional intake. Those on gluten free diets must be aware of all possible sources in their diet and lifestyle and work closely with their doctor to eliminate all sources of gluten. In the case of celiac disease, even trace amounts of gluten cause further intestinal damage and sometimes, digestive upset.