What is Wrong with Gluten?

The protein parts of grains like barley, rye, wheat, etc. is called Gluten.

Some people suffer injuries to the lining of their small intestine when it comes in contact with gluten. This is a disease called celiac disease. This disease, also known as gluten sensitive enteropathy, can be the cause of weight loss, gas, diarrhea, bloating or abdominal cramps. People affected by this may also suffer from mineral or vitamin deficiencies. By completely removing gluten from the diet of the affected person, their lining can heal.

If people with severe cases of celiac disease are not treated quickly, intestinal problems may occur which include malabsorbtion of fat, calcium, iron and other vitamins. It may take many months of supplemental vitamins and minerals before the intestinal problem can heal.

Some people also suffer from dermatitis herpetiform, which is a skin disorder caused by the intolerance of gluten.

It is very difficult to completely remove gluten from your diet, because almost all foods use grains in their preparation. Even by looking at the ingredients it is still difficult to tell of gluten is in the food, meaning you can easily consume it without knowing. This is what makes it so hard to come up with a Gluten Free Diet.

But, by staying on gluten free diets, celiac disease patients can improve their condition greatly. People with celiac's disease should regularly have their diet checked with a dietitian. Many gluten free foods, such as cereals, also lack other vital nutrients, so it is important to get these nutrients elsewhere, whether it be through other foods or supplements.

A celiac disease patient's diet should not contain these grains; rye, wheat and barley. Corn, rice, soybeans, potato, tapioca can be eaten.

Unless made from soy or corn, be careful of foods with labels that include the terms Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP), and Vegetable Protein, because grain is likely used in their processing.

These foods are acceptable:
• Flour or Cereal products made from corn flour, pure rice flour, soy flour or potato flour
• Soy Sauce or Soy Sauce Solids which are known not to contain wheat
• Carob bean gum, cellulose gum, locust bean gum, gum arabic,
• Malt or Malt Flavoring derived from corn
• Modified Starch or Modified Food Starch made from corn, potato, arrowroot, or maize

Be wary of foods with labels containing these words:
• flavoring
• emulsifier
• stabilizer
• starch
• hydrolyzed plant protein

Please consult a dietitian before creating your own diet.