Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the small intestine, and it is triggered by eating gluten-rich foods. Gluten is a kind of protein, typically present in wheat, barley, rye and their by-products. The immune system's response to gluten results in damage to the small intestine lining, leading to gastrointestinal symptoms and nutritional deficiencies. Though, there’s no cure for celiac disease, a strict gluten-free diet when followed lets the system heal naturally.
If a person suffering from celiac disease consumes even little amounts of gluten, it can continue damage to the intestine, even if symptoms are absent.
Delve into this article to get an overview of foods to add and avoid controlling celiac disease.
Also Read: Celiac Disease: Symptoms, Causes And Treatment
What Is the Celiac Disease Diet?
All individuals diagnosed with celiac disease must follow the celiac disease diet, where gluten must be avoided. When a person with celiac disease eats gluten, it causes an autoimmune response in their system that damages the lining of the small intestine. As a result, the small intestine cannot function well and impedes the absorption of nutrients from food resulting in symptoms such as diarrhoea, weight loss, and malnutrition. It also causes digestive problems and malnutrition, mainly when iron, calcium, and vitamin D are not properly assimilated. If not properly handled, celiac disease can cause long-term conditions like neurological disorders and osteoporosis and also trigger thyroid disorder.
The best way to avert this damage is to strictly adhere to a gluten-free celiac disease diet. This means avoiding all foods and beverages that contain wheat, barley, rye, and any of their derivatives.
Also Read: Gluten-Free Diet A Beginner’s Guide: For All Your FAQs, Answers Inside
Dietary Guidelines To Follow:
Foods To Include
A celiac disease diet isn’t as restricted as one may think. Here is a list of prepared foods and naturally gluten-free products that can be added to your meal regimen which forms the basis of a healthy celiac diet.
- Meat
- Poultry
- Eggs
- Seafood
- Beans & lentils
- Nuts
- Fruits
- Vegetables
There are some wholesome naturally gluten-free foods available, you can use these to substitute wheat, barley and rye, these include:
Animal Proteins: Beef, chicken, dairy products, eggs, seafood, and poultry
Fats and oils: Coconut oil, olives, oils, avocado oil, solid fats, and butter.
Fruits and vegetables: In all forms -fresh, frozen, dried or canned can be taken in plenty.
Gluten-free cereals and pseudocereals: Amaranth, buckwheat, corn, millet, quinoa, rice, sorghum, teff, and wild rice.
Herbs and spices: Fresh and dried herbs and spices are gluten-free.
Legumes: Beans, lentils, peanuts, peas, and soy.
Nuts and seeds: Almonds, cashews, chia, flaxseeds, pecans, pine nuts, and walnuts.
There is a broad spectrum of specially formulated products including gluten-free bread, cereals, flours, crackers, pasta and baked goods.
Foods To Avoid
Though the list may be huge and include some of your favourite foods, fret not you may have other gluten-free counterparts:
- Beer
- Bread, cakes, and cookies
- Pancakes, waffles, biscuits,
- Cereal and granola
- Food colouring
- Noodles
- Pasta
- Salad dressings
- Sauces and gravies
- Soups
Wheat, barley, and rye can appear in several forms and types, all of which contain gluten as well. Ensure to read food product labels before use.
Wheat and different varieties of wheat products include:
- Durum
- Semolina
- Spelt
- Rye
- Barley
- Triticale (a hybrid of wheat and rye)
- Malted barley flour
- Malted milk
- Malt extract
- Malt syrup
- Malt flavouring
- Malt vinegar
- Brewer's yeast
- Wheat Starch
What Are The Benefits Of A Celiac Diet?
Some of the claimed benefits of following the Celiac diet include:
- Eases the symptoms of the disease
- Averts the damage to the small intestinal lining
- Promotes absorption of nutrients
- Supports fertility and reproductive health
- Averts the risk of developing osteoporosis and strengthens bones
Can I Have Oats?
Despite the nutritional benefits and variety oats confer in celiac meal plans, they are usually cultivated near wheat, barley, and rye. This increases the chances of cross-contamination. Hence, it is important to read the food label to check if the oats are gluten-free.
Can I Have Casein?
Individuals with celiac disease may be concerned about adding casein, a protein found in milk, butter, and cheese. If you have a casein allergy, it is crucial to exclude it from your diet. However, if you do not have a casein allergy, there might be no need to be concerned about its inclusion in your diet.
Conclusion
It's crucial for people with celiac disease to be vigilant about reading food labels, being aware of cross-contamination, and communicating their dietary restrictions when eating out or attending social events. Following a strict gluten-free diet will help manage the symptoms and promote the healing of the intestine in people suffering from celiac disease. If you suspect you have celiac disease, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and guidance on managing the condition through diet.
