A Gluten Free Diet – 10 Points
of Interest

1. Gluten is found in certain grains: Wheat, rye, oats, barley, triticale, and kamut. Grains which are free of gluten include amaranth (not a true cereal grain), buckwheat (not a true cereal grain), corn, millet, oats* (high risk of gluten cross contamination), rice, quinoa (not a true cereal grain), sorghum, teff, wild rice.

2. *Oat products may be tolerated by some people and some medical practitioners say they may be a part of a gluten free diet. However, there is controversy and studies are limited and incomplete.

3. Some people have a hereditary intolerance to gluten which may lead to celiac disease (also called sprue), a chronic digestive disorder. When someone with celiac disease consumes gluten, the body launches an immune-system attack, and damage is caused to the small intestine. Malnutrition results from the inability of the body to absorb nutrients. There can be diarrhea, associated food allergies, and dermatitis herpetiformis (a skin rash).

4. Read the labels on prepared foods, because there are hidden sources of gluten, such as hydrolyzed vegetable protein, textured vegetable protein (TVP) (check with the manufacturer; some are okay), hydrolyzed plant protein, malt, modified food starch, some soy sauces, grain vinegars, binders, fillers, and “natural flavorings.”

5. People who need to follow this diet should chew their food thoroughly to improve the digestion of nutrients.

6. When someone develops celiac disease, lactose intolerance may also occur. So, in addition to eliminating gluten-containing foods, eliminate dairy products as well.

7. Because nutrient absorption is impaired, there will be malabsorption of the B vitamins and the fat-soluble vitamins. A person with celiac disease may want to take a good whole-food-based nutritional supplement. Since gluten is found in many dietary supplements, it is important to carefully read the labels and take supplements that are hypoallergenic, wheat-free and yeast-free.

8. The definition of “gluten free” varies from country to country. In the United States, it may not be listed on certain foods because the US Food and Drug Administration has classified gluten as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe). Many products that are labeled gluten free have been found to be contaminated with gluten, such as chicken bouillon, corn cereal, and caramel ice cream topping.

9. Followers of a gluten free diet must also be aware that over-the-counter or prescription medications and vitamins may contain gluten. Also, cosmetics such as lipstick, lip balms and lip gloss may also contain it.

10. There is controversy surrounding a connection between autism and gluten ingestion. A search of the Internet reveals a lot of information and websites devoted to this topic. Here’s a link to a group that bills itself as The Official GFCF (Gluten Free Casein Free) Diet Support Group Website; Dietary Intervention Treatment for Autistic Spectrum Disorders: http://www.gfcfdiet.com/ (a new window will open).

People suffering from celiac disease have found relief and healing by eliminating gluten from their diets. It certainly takes some work and study, which may feel overwhelming at first, but the results will speak for themselves.

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