It seems as if you can’t go anywhere today without encountering the words “gluten-free.” Every grocery store, restaurant, food package and friend seems to be boasting about all the gluten-free possibilities that exist. This latest food trend may be everywhere, but before you think of jumping on the GF bandwagon, I urge you to read on.
What does ‘gluten-free’ mean?
Gluten is the protein we find in certain grains, including wheat, rye and barley. Following a gluten-free diet means eliminating all foods that contain gluten. This also includes foods that were processed in a facility that also processes wheat, in order to avoid any cross-contamination.
What foods do I need to avoid?
When following a gluten-free diet, it’s important to eliminate all food products that contain any wheat, rye or barley. That sounds easy enough, but these flours are in most of the foods we eat, and are hidden in foods that you may not expect. Unless explicitly labeled “gluten-free,” the following are some examples of foods that are typically eliminated on a gluten-free diet:
• Bread, breadcrumbs, croutons
• Cereals
• Semolina
• Durum wheat
• Pasta
• Graham flour
• Crackers and many seasoned chips
• Cookies, muffins and many other baked goods
• Many candies
• Spelt
• Triticale (a cross between wheat and rye)
• Flour tortillas
• Oats (they are often processed in a facility that also processes wheat)
• Deli meats or “processed” meat products, such as hot dogs
• Gravies, sauces, stews, seasoning packets (often contain wheat products)
• Beer
Who should follow a gluten-free diet?
People with certain conditions, such as Celiac disease, are allergic to gluten or have an intolerance to gluten. For these people, gluten causes an inflammation of their intestines, and the best treatment is a gluten-free diet. Even the smallest amount of gluten can cause inflammation in these patients, so strict adherence to the diet is needed (no cheating!).
Unfortunately, gluten-free has become misinterpreted as a “healthy” diet for normal people without medical necessity. Although you can eat healthy on a gluten-free diet, the simple act of eliminating gluten does not make you healthier or give you any added health benefits. In fact, many of these whole grains (such as wheat) are part of a healthy diet and should not be excluded. If you believe you may have Celiac disease, speak with your doctor immediately. Your doctor can work with you and refer you to a dietitian who can help you modify your diet to be truly gluten-free.
Are there apps that can help with a GF lifestyle?
As always, for the tech-savvy (and for those that need to be gluten-free), here are some apps that can assist you with your GF lifestyle:
• Is That Gluten Free? Eating Out ($3.99)
• Glutenology – Gluten Free Guide (Free)
• Gluten-Free Lifestyle for Dummies ($2.99)
Good luck, and if you have any questions, feel free to comment.
To find an excellent doctor who is right for you, please call our Physician Referral Service at 866.804.1007.
Trackbacks/Pingbacks