Gluten Free Diet – Is it For You?

According to Mayo Clinic, a gluten-free diet is a diet that excludes the protein gluten. Gluten is found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye.

A gluten-free diet is used to treat celiac disease. Gluten causes inflammation in the small intestines of people with celiac disease. Eating a gluten-free diet helps people with celiac disease control their signs and symptoms and prevent complications.

Initially, following a gluten-free diet may be frustrating. But with time, patience and creativity, you’ll find there are many foods that you can eat and enjoy while observing a gluten-free diet.

You may want to check out these discounted books from Amazon:
– The G-Free Diet: A Gluten-Free Survival Guide

– Gluten-Free Diet: A Comprehensive Resource Guide- Expanded and Revised Edition

– Gluten Free Every Day Cookbook: More than 100 Easy and Delicious Recipes from the Gluten-Free Chef

Allowed foods
There are still many basic foods allowed in a gluten-free diet. With all foods, check to see that each is labeled gluten free or call the manufacturer to double-check.

Grains and starches allowed in a gluten-free diet include:

Amaranth
Arrowroot
Buckwheat
Corn
Cornmeal
Gluten-free flours (rice, soy, corn, potato, bean)
Hominy grits
Polenta
Pure corn tortillas
Quinoa
Rice
Tapioca

Check the label when buying amaranth, buckwheat and quinoa. These can be contaminated with gluten during processing.

Other gluten-free foods include:

Fresh meats, fish and poultry (not breaded, batter-coated or marinated)
Fruits
Most dairy products
Potatoes
Rice
Vegetables
Wine and distilled liquors, ciders and spirits