Gluten-Free Diet for Celiac Disease Patients

Living with celiac disease can be difficult, but it is not impossible. One of the most important things you can do to manage your celiac disease is to follow a gluten-free diet. This means avoiding all foods that contain gluten, which can be tricky since gluten is found in many common foods. In this article, we will provide some tips for following a healthy gluten-free diet. We will also discuss the importance of working with a gastroenterologist to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your specific needs.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat and some other grains. When we digest food, there are enzymes that break down the protein in food but it doesn't completely break down gluten. During the process, the undigested gluten then moves to the small intestine. Most people can

tolerate the undigested gluten with no problems. But for some people, it can cause a severe reaction with harsh symptoms and complications, especially for those who have celiac disease.

Celiac disease is a serious condition that can cause a wide range of unpleasant symptoms, such as digestive issues, fatigue and skin rashes. When you have celiac disease, gluten can damage the lining of your small intestine and make it difficult for your body to absorb nutrients. Therefore you can become malnourished no matter the amount of food you eat. Even a tiny amount of gluten can cause symptoms. Complications of celiac disease include anemia, seizures, joint pain, thinning bones and cancer.

To successfully manage celiac disease, lifestyle changes may need to be made, and adopt a gluten-free diet. This means eliminating all foods that contain gluten, such as wheat, barley, rye, and spelt. It can be challenging to avoid this common ingredient. While there is no cure for celiac disease, adhering to a gluten-free diet is the best way to manage your symptoms and prevent further complications.

However, several tips can help you stay on track and ensure that your diet is both healthy and satisfying.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when following a gluten-free diet is to be mindful of hidden sources of gluten. This includes reading food labels carefully and avoiding processed foods, as these often contain gluten. Be on the lookout for other terms for hidden gluten in food labels such as einkorn, emmer, spelt, kamut, wheat starch, wheat bran, wheat germ, cracked wheat, and hydrolyzed wheat protein. Also avoid emulsifiers, dextrin, mono- and di-glycerides, seasonings, and caramel colors because they can contain gluten. Some foods that you may not suspect have gluten include beer, candy, gravy, soups, soy sauce, salad dressing, sauces and potato chips. 

Another important tip is to choose a variety of healthy gluten-free foods. This can include fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins like fish or chicken and whole grains like quinoa or brown rice. Many grocery stores and restaurants now have gluten-free options. When dining out, if you're unsure if something is gluten-free, ask the chef or server or ask if there is a gluten-free option. When preparing food at home, use separate cooking items and utensils (cutting boards, mixing spoons and spatulas) for gluten and gluten-free meals. 

Also, ask your pharmacist if the medications you are taking have wheat or any wheat products. Gluten is commonly used as an additive in a variety of products, spanning from lipstick to medication. Several natural remedies, vitamins, supplements and probiotics include gluten too.

Be mindful of your portion sizes since gluten-free foods are often higher in calories than other wheat-based options. You can easily overeat and consume more calories than you should without even noticing. To avoid eating too much, try using smaller dishes and eating healthier snacks like nuts or fresh fruit instead of unhealthy processed foods.

To ensure that you are getting the nutrients you need, it is also important to work with a gastroenterologist. A gastroenterologist is a doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the digestive system. This expert can help you create a personalized treatment plan that meets your specific needs, and can guide proper nutrition and other celiac disease management strategies.

If you need help managing your symptoms or have other digestive health concerns, make an appointment with a board-certified gastroenterologist near you in the Chesapeake, Va or Virginia Beach, Va area.