It can also find its way into some foods that should be considered safe.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
Why Eat Gluten-Free?
Celiac disease symptoms happen when you are exposed to gluten.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
This causes the immune system to attack the small intestine.
It’s important to get a formalceliac diagnosisif you have concerns.
Healthcare providers recommend that peoplenotstart eating gluten-free before being tested for celiac disease.
That’s because you oughta be consuming gluten forceliac disease testingto be accurate.
Know, too, that celiac disease is often misdiagnosed.
If you are not confident in your provider’s assessment, consider seeking a second opinion.
These uses are not proven, however.
Gluten-Containing Foods
Any food that contains wheat, barley, or rye contains gluten.
A hybrid of wheat and rye, calledtriticale, also is a gluten source.
This broad category offoods high in glutenincludes:
Avoiding gluten doesn’t stop there, though.
Gluten is an ingredient in many processed food products.
In certain soups, gluten grains act as thickeners.
Barley malt is often used as a sweetener in candy and cookies.
In beer and some forms of liquor, gluten grains are fermented to make alcoholic brews.
But gluten can hide under aliases on product labels.
And unless you know what they are, they can be easy to miss.
Oats are another gluten-free grain that have an increased potential for cross-contamination.
Some people are more sensitive to traces of gluten and must be extra careful.
Gluten can also be found in personal care products like toothpaste and cosmetics, as well as medications.
Many companies use bold labeling that has a symbol or states “gluten-free.”
This makes it easier for people to identify products without looking at the ingredients.
Some manufacturers opt to have their products certified gluten-free by an independent organization like NSF International.
They may contain a seal of certification from that group.
The growing demand for gluten-free products means they can be found in many mainstream grocery stores.
Foods to Choose
There’s actually quite a long list of reliably safe gluten-free foods.
One way to approach the gluten-free diet is to stick to whole foods.
You will need to look for dishes labeled gluten-free or closely question your server.
There are ways to make the process of going gluten-free easier.
It also may add salt, fat, and sugar.
This can be a concern for anyone, but especially people with conditions likediabetesor heart disease.
You may find it beneficial to consult with a dietitian.
They can also help you craft meal plans.
This is pretty common after gluten exposure.
This also helps to reduce the risk of developing a related health condition.
A Word From Verywell
Starting a gluten-free diet may seem intimidating, but it has its benefits.
This may lead tobetter healthoutcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gluten is a group of seed proteins found in certain cereal grains.
There is no scientific support for other uses, and the diet can pose some nutrition challenges.
Gluten is hidden in many products, especially packaged and processed foods.
Always read product labels and learn the different terms used to describe wheat.
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