Gluten Allergy Diet

People who are sensitive to gluten, a protein present in grains, manifest medical symptoms after having foods that contain gluten. Such a case is called gluten allergy or gluten sensitivity. It runs in families and is considered as an autoimmune disease. Gluten is a combination protein type (gliadin and glutenin) found in some cereals. Gluten allergy is usually asymptomatic and some people do not even know that they have allergic to gluten.

When manifested, symptoms of gluten allergy mimic that of celiac disease. Noticeable signs of gluten intolerance are symptoms that affect skin condition, breathing difficulties, digestive problems, increased fatigue, mouth ulcer, irritability and weight loss amongst others. Since these medical conditions are similar to other disease, it is very difficult to identify gluten allergy. Treatment for gluten intolerance involves following gluten allergy diet strictly. Let's delve more on gluten-free food list and healthy foods for people having gluten intolerance condition.

Tips for Planning Gluten Allergy Meal

Whether you are looking for gluten intolerance diet or gluten sensitivity diet, it refers to the same thing, i.e., a diet plan free of food items that contain gluten. In case of people who are diagnosed with wheat gluten sensitivity, their body responds abnormally to gluten and other proteins found in wheat, such as globulin and albumin. For them, relying on wheat gluten allergy diet is a must in order to avoid discomfort symptoms.

Foods to Avoid
Identifying the foods that contain gluten is the first step for planning gluten-free foods diet. The chief sources of gluten in diet are wheat, oats, barley and rye. So, avoid homemade food recipes and products that contain any of these cereals. While many people can tolerate oats, some cannot. The same is with dairy products. In case of adverse effects after having any of these foods, it is best to avoid them. List of foods that are to be excluded in gluten allergy diet include:

• Breaded foods
• Cereal flour and its products
• Regular starches (excluding cornstarch)
• Modified food starches
• Creamed foods
• Wheat pasta
• Bulgur wheat
• Udon noodles
• Regular cornbread
• Flour tortillas
• Cereal based emulsifier and stabilizer
• Cereal based food flavorings
• Malt and its flavoring
• Vegetable gum
• Textured vegetable protein
• Hydrolyzed vegetable protein
• Meat balls and sauces
• Regular soup thickenings
• Worcestershire sauce

Healthy Food Options
While trying out gluten allergy recipes and recipes for gluten-free desserts, one should not be under the impression that the food options are limited. There are lots of food items that are free of gluten, and enriched with healthy nutrients. One thing to be noted is to include various food items, so that the diet plan is a balanced one with all the essential nutrients required for the body. Some healthy foods that are free of gluten are listed below:

• Millets
• Rice and rice flour
• Whole or grounded buckwheat
• Whole quinoa and quinoa meal
• Arrowroot and arrowroot flour
• Tapioca flour
• Corn, cornmeal and cornstarch
• Corn tortillas
• Bread of alternative flours (not of wheat, barley and rye)
• Buttermilk
• Yogurt, butter and cheese
• Leafy vegetables
• Potatoes
• Beans
• Vegetable salads
• Fresh and dried fruits
• Fruit juices
• Cocoa
• Eggs and other poultry items
• Grilled and roasted fish
• Broiled and grilled meat

As per medical data, gluten intolerance symptoms are relatively common in children as well as adults. People who have witnessed frequent incidences of gastrointestinal discomfort are at a higher risk of having this food allergy than others. About 2.5 percent children and more than 3 percent adults with digestive problems are diagnosed with gluten sensitivity. Following a gluten allergy diet will definitely help in leading a cheerful life without the onset of discomfort symptoms.