Foods Without Gluten – A Simple Guide to a Gluten-Free Diet
If you cannot tolerate gluten in your diet because you are allergic to it or you are suffering from celiac disease, you can actually find healthy foods without gluten that you can enjoy. Of course, aside from knowing what foods have gluten and should be avoided, you may want to find out what are the safe foods you can eat.
Celiac disease is a disease of the digestive system where the villi of the intestines are damaged and absorption of nutrients from the food is made impossible. With this, the sufferer becomes malnourished even if how much food one would eat. People who have this disease do not tolerate gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye, as this can damage the villi and will hinder proper absorption of nutrients.
If you are looking for foods without gluten to start your gluten-free diet, start first with foods not having wheat, rye and barley, so you may want to stay away from bread, bread rolls, cookies, biscuits, cakes, as well as those gravies, soups and sauces that use wheat as thickener.
Foods without gluten that can be safely included in your diet can include fresh meat and fish, vegetables and fruits, herbs, fried fruits, honey, cheese, fruit juice. You can also drink beer but those that are gluten-free. Corn tacos or tortillas are also safe. Popcorn is also free from gluten but you have to check however for any coatings that may contain gluten.
Although in some countries labeling foods with 'gluten-free' is mandated, it is also important that you check the product a little further. It may not contain gluten in its ingredients but make sure the preparation of the food does not contain any gluten like the fillers and binders and the preparation is not contaminated with gluten. To help you with this, you may need to research further on the specific brands or foods that is safe for those suffering celiac disease or get help from a nutritionist or dietician to guide you. Finding foods without gluten is also beneficial for those who are allergic to it.
It is also wise to check the labels of foods before buying them. It can be tricky that foods that you may think are free from wheat or gluten may actually have an ingredient that contain this protein, thus it is important to read labels and be aware on where you can find gluten.
Keep in mind that gluten may be 'hidden' in some foods such as luncheon meats having fillers that may contain gluten. Soups that may contain flour, meat and fish pastes that may contain flour as thickeners, and in some brands of chocolates.
Gluten is not just limited to foods. You can also find them in beverages and drinks, thus also try to check and avoid beverages especially those with malt. You can also find this protein in cosmetics such as lipsticks, lip gloss, lip balms and may be present in some toothpastes as well.
Start with these lists of foods without gluten but find more detailed guide to a healthier and nutritious food that you can include in your diet.
Help I Am Allergic To Gluten
If you have Gluten Allergy then you suffer from Allergies Type 1, also called Contact Allergies. The Greeks first described this disease in the 2nd Century AD and they called it Koiliakos Disease which means suffering in the bowls. Today the disease is called Coeliac Disease, which is derived from the Greek word Koiliakos.
Coeliac Disease and being allergic to Gluten are similar allergies but not exactly the same. Coeliac disease is a hereditary allergy to gluten that caused damage to the intestinal lining of the small intestine. Gluten allergy does not damage the small intestines but cause many of the same symptoms as Coeliac disease.
Gluten contains a protein that is found in most grains such as wheat, rye, barley, and to a lesser extent oats. When the grains are ground into flower the gluten is what gives the final baked products its strength and elasticity. Without gluten bread is heavy and dense. Depending on the type of grain being tested, different quantities of the gluten protein are found in different grains.
Allergic to gluten symptoms include abdominal cramps, vomiting, irritable bowel, weight loss, diarrhea, constipation. Blood tests can be used to determine if you have an allergy to gluten or if it is possible that you have Coeliac disease. A biopsy of the small intestine is the only way to successfully diagnose Coeliac disease.
Once a confirmed diagnosis is made for a gluten allergy or for celiac disease then the patient must change to a glutted free diet. For the Celica disease suffers, this gluten free diet is for life. There is no cure for celiac disease. Why the immune system attacks the gluten proteins is not known and more testing is required.
Avoidance of gluten-containing foods is the only effective treatment for people who are allergic. Avoidance can be very difficult because gluten protein is often hidden in other foods. Read the label of every food products that comes into your home.
Avoid any food products that have Wheat, Bran, Bread Crumbs, Cereal Extract, Natural Flavoring, Starch, Vegetable Gum, Soy Sauce, Gluten, or Enriched Flower on the label until you know if that particular item will give you an allergy reaction.
For those who are allergic to gluten, following a gluten free diet allows them to take control of their bodies and their life again. The quality of life will be greatly improved with the removal of the allergy symptoms and the health benefits of having the small intestines operating properly.
Always consult your doctor before using this information.
This Article is nutritional in nature and is not to be construed as medical advice.
What is a Gluten Free Weight Loss Diet?
The gluten free weight loss diet started out as a kind of recommended diet for those with celiac disease. However, due to the onset of diet fads, the gluten free weight loss diet became recognized even those who are not diagnosed with the disease. A lot of people are self-diagnosing just so they can buy gluten-free products and start losing weight. Remember that a lack of understanding of diets can lead to complications and side effects that may even lead to more weight gain so before jumping into the bandwagon of the gluten free weight loss diet, make sure that you are properly informed on what it can do for you.
The person with celiac disease
Gluten is a protein component that can be found on barley, oats, triticale, wheat, and grains. A person with celiac disease has a small intestine that is sensitive to gluten. In fact, even small portions of gluten can cause them harm. There are no known causes for the disease but it is believed that there are environmental and genetic factors involved. There is still no cure but it can be managed with a gluten-free diet. If left untreated, it can lead to a variety of disorders like osteoporosis, malnutrition, and infertility.
What the diet can do
The gluten free weight loss diet contributes to the recovery of the small intestine as well as in aiding in the absorption of important nutrients. With this diet, you avoid all types of food that have rye, barley gluten, and wheat. Examples of foods we love to eat but contain gluten are breads, pizza, pasta, malted breakfast cereals, bagels, and crackers. Oats are also avoided and you have the option whether to avoid or limit your intake of milk. Beer products, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages are also avoided.
What you can eat
With a gluten free weight loss diet, you can still eat any of the following food products since they naturally do not have gluten:
1. Fresh, dried, canned, or frozen fruits and vegetables as long as they do not have thickening ingredients and additives that have gluten.
2. Starches and flours made from rice, soybeans, tapioca, corn, and buckwheat.
3. Dairy products like cheese. However, avoid these products at the beginning of your treatment for celiac disease.
4. Eggs
5. Alcoholic beverages like wine and liquor like brandy, whiskey, ciders, and liquers.
6. Unprocessed meat products
7. Frozen or canned meat products, provided that they do not have any sauce.
8. Cereal products made from corn, lentil flour, rice bran, amaranth, lentil flour, psyllium, and polenta.
9. Rice crackers, rice crispies, corn tortillas, taco shells made from corn.
10. Gluten-free pasta, bean or rice vermicelli, buckwheat noodles, and rice noodles.
11. Condiments like tomato paste, jam, honey, cocoa, vinegar, honey, tahini, and some salad dressings and sauces.
12. Snacks like plain corn chips, plain chocolate, and popcorn.
13. Drinks like coffee, tea, mineral water, and spirits.
A few precautions
Be careful when buying foods that are labelled as "wheat-free" because it does not necessarily mean that they are gluten-free. When buying food, read the ingredients on the labels and be aware of the kinds of hidden gluten like those that can be found in different food additives and medications. Also, be aware that there are products that have "modified food starch" written on their labels because they may contain gluten.
Do not self-diagnose
Never self-diagnose that you have celiac disease. Before going on a gluten free weight loss diet, make sure to check with your doctor first. Only your doctor can give you the right diagnosis by showing that your bowel lining is damaged through endoscopy, blood tests, or by performing a biopsy on your bowel. More importantly, it is advised that you do not go on a gluten free weight loss diet before going to the doctor for a real diagnosis.
Stuff to remember
The gluten free diet may seem a little overwhelming at first. However, with enough knowledge, information and support, you can incorporate the diet into your lifestyle without any problems. Having celiac disease does not mean you have to stop eating majority of your favorite foods because despite several restrictions, you can still enjoy a variety of foods included in the diet. Furthermore, if you need more information on celiac disease and gluten free diets, you can consult a gastroenterologist, your doctor, or a credited/licensed dietitian or nutritionist.
Can You Eat Fast Food on a Gluten Free Diet?
Can you eat fast food while on a gluten free diet? This is a question many people have when trying to decide what they can and cannot eat safely. While obvious things such as hamburgers may no longer be on the menu, there are still things you can eat at different fast food places. Knowing what you can and can't eat while out and about can be very helpful if you didn't bring your own snacks or are traveling.
Here are some tips on deciding what you can eat in a fast food setting:
Consider the Kitchen: Restaurants prepare many different foods, often all within the same area. It's important to think about how foods may be made or handled that could potentially cause problems regarding cross contact with foods that may have gluten containing ingredients. For example, Subway restaurants prepare everything on a line, and knifes, gloves, and serving utensils are likely to touch the bread and result in crumbs all through everything. Other restaurants however may be safer, keeping things such as fruits and veggies far away from bread products.
Look for Restaurants the Offer Gluten Free Menus: Many restaurants have made special accommodations for those who are on a diet without wheat and have specially marked foods. For example, Hardies has a special menu for those who cannot eat various things due to allergies.
Visit Websites: When planning a trip, consider checking out different restaurants and see what they may offer. Some companies are very proactive and have all the foods you can safely eat listed to help you decide what may be suitable.
Always Tell the Person About Your Intolerance: When you are ordering your meal, it is very important to tell the person taking your order about your intolerance to reduce cross contact risks. Don't assume they will know what "gluten" means, but instead tell them you allergic to wheat and anything that contains or touches wheat, and they should be able to make special accommodations for you.
If in Doubt, Go Somewhere Else: If you are going out to eat and not sure if you can eat somewhere without being sick, it is better to be safe than sorry. Often times if one choice is not suitable you can find a better alternative with more things you can choose from.
Just because you are on a special diet, it doesn't mean you have to avoid fast food chains or eating out. With a little bit of planning and research, you'll be able to know where you can grab a quick bite to eat without worrying about your health or safety.
What is O Positive Blood Type Diet? Tips to Choose O Positive (O +Ve) Synergized Diet
Human body deals with nutrients according to blood type. So it's beneficial to choose your diet according to the blood group. O positive blood group people have strong stomach acid and respective enzymes. Thus they are able to metabolize almost everything.
Following diets are mainly responsible for weight gain in most O type people. So these should be avoided.
-Diary products
- Wheat and wheat products: Wheat contains gluten that interferes with insulin resulting slower metabolic rate
- Beans and legumes: These contain lectins that are deposited in the muscle tissue
- Cabbage, cauliflower, and mustard: These can inhibit thyroid problems reducing metabolic rate
Following foods are recommended for these people:
-They should eat lots of fruits of alkaline nature, such as plums, berries etc.
-O type people have low clotting capacity. So it is advisable to eat vegetables rich in vitamin K
-They should stick to high protein, low carb diet
These people are commonly prone to the following diseases:
-Hypothyroidism
-Stomach Ulcer
-Blood clotting problem
O was the first blood group to be identified. It takes us to our hunter-gatherer ancestors. They used to depend on high-protein meat based diet. This holds also true today. It is advisable for these people to involve themselves in various physical activities.
There are negative views about this theory. It is claimed to be pseudo-science. Most nutrient experts and doctors do not agree with Mr. D'Adamo, the proposer of blood type diet. It prevents people from consuming many important nutrients needed for good health.
Selecting an Autism Diet A Review of Popular Approaches
Art therapy may be an ideal way to develop social skills, but an autism diet may also be another form of effective treatment. Art therapy is a form of expressive therapy, and like expressive therapy, when it comes to food control, there is more than one type of diet that can be used to treat autism.
Many health practitioners believe that an autism diet may be beneficial treatment. The reason is because most autistics have distorted immune response which causes their body to respond abnormally to certain types of food, viruses and toxins. Furthermore, it is not uncommon for many autistics to suffer from gastrointestinal inflammation and other intestinal disorders. It is thought that these intestinal problems might decrease the body's ability to absorb specific essential nutrients. Thus, by following a diet and other alternative treatment methods, certain abilities and overall health may be improved in an autistic individual.
The following are 4 autism diets you may want to consider -
Gluten and Casein Free Diet
Gluten and Casein are both proteins found in many foods which some autistics have a hard time digesting. Gluten occurs in wheat, oat and rye products, while casein is found in human milk, cow milk and many other dairy products. Both of these proteins are also in the ingredients of many medications.
Research has discovered that abnormally high level of specific peptides related to gluten and casein have been found in the urine of autistic children. This could mean that these proteins are not being effectively broken down into amino acids, and this over-absorption of peptide can actually affect brain function. Thus, by removing gluten and casein from the autism diet, this will prevent further gastrointestinal and neurological damage from occurring.
Yeast- Free Diet
Some research is based on the belief that some autistics have high levels of candida albicans (a type of yeast that occurs naturally in the body) in their intestinal tract. A candida overgrowth in the intestines can cause "leaky gut" syndrome, a condition that causes tiny holes in the intestinal tract. The yeast grows fast and releases toxins in the bloodstream which has the potential to affect brain functioning.
In fact, aside from causing stomach distress, it is thought by some that a candida overgrowth can cause a number of behavioural difficulties such as fatigue, confusion and hyperactivity.
Candida can be controlled naturally through an anti-candida (yeast) diet or with essential oils. In short, an anti-yeast diet involves cutting out all natural and artificial sugars, caffeine, most diary products, preservatives and, of course, yeast products (I.E. bread).
Specific Carbohydrate Diet
This is a science based autism diet, and it involves the cessation of ingesting specific carbohydrates (sugars and starches) that have been found to cause problems within the digestive tract. In addition, carbohydrates are small enough that they can slip by the surface of the small intestine into the blood stream, and can cause abnormal brain function.
This diet limits the amount of carbohydrates ingested and slowly adds them back once the intestinal tract has had time to heal.
Body Ecology Diet (BED)
This particular diet used to treat autism was originally created to treat systemic fungal infections typically caused by Candida overgrowth. It has been used to treat the inflammatory bowel diseases ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, as well as a number of autoimmune diseases and AIDS. Like the other autism diets, the BED works to heal the gastrointestinal system and prevent future infections.
The BED diet involves eliminating gluten and casein from the diet as well as drastically limiting bad fats, carbohydrates and sugars.
It is best to talk to your child's health care provider to find out which autism diet would be the best course of treatment. It is also important to have your doctor monitor your child's condition while on a diet treatment. This way you can ask any questions or concerns you may have about the autism diets, and to ensure your child is receiving the sufficient nutrients his/her body requires.
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