2 of 15

Write now Article Tools

The food sections of magazines and newspapers frequently contain articles espousing the health benefits of whole grains and cereals. That may be sound advice for some people, but for 1 in 7 Americans with gluten intolerance, eating whole grains leads to serious illness.

Gluten intolerance refers to a wide-range of genetically inherited syndromes that impair the body's ability to digest or process gluten, the sticky storage protein found in wheat, barley, rye and some oats. When gluten-intolerant people consume gluten, an abnormal inflammatory response occurs. The body attacks itself, causing repeated damage, chronic symptoms and, if left untreated, life-threatening illnesses.

Many people consider the terms "gluten intolerance" and "celiac disease" synonymous. That isn't true. Celiac disease is just one form of gluten intolerance that damages the lining of the small intestine and impairs the body's ability to absorb nutrients. Research studies show that many other forms of gluten intolerance exist. The symptoms look like Celiac disease; the damage is just as dangerous, but different body systems are affected.

Adherence to a gluten-free diet is the only known treatment for gluten intolerance. Gluten intolerant people can't heal in the presence of even miniscule amounts of gluten. Crumbs from a toaster or flour in the air can cause an autoimmune reaction and damage to the body.

A gluten-free diet is not easy. It requires a dramatic change in lifestyle and food choices. Thousands of familiar products contain gluten. Learning to read product labels is essential. Words like hydrolyzed corn, soy, or vegetable protein, soy sauce, malt, and food starch indicate gluten's presence. Click here for a broader list of gluten-containing ingredients.

Gluten-free products often successfully replace standard products. For example, brown rice tortillas taste similar to wheat tortillas. Some gluten-free cake mixes taste better than standard cake mixes. The increasing availability of gluten-free products makes gluten-free living an adjustment rather than a deprivation.

Following are guidelines for shopping at the supermarket.

DAIRY

Most milk products are gluten free. Sour cream, chocolate milk, non-dairy creamers, cheese products, and yogurt may include forms of gluten.

PROTEIN

100% meat, seafood, poultry, peanut butter, eggs, dried beans or peas, pork are gluten-free. Processed meats often contain gluten: meat patties, canned meat, sausages, hot dogs, cold cuts, stew, chili and the like.

BREADS AND GRAINS

Cornmeal, hominy, gluten-free noodles, corn or rice tortillas, and quinoa are gluten free. Gluten-free breads are widely available.

FATS AND OILS

Pure butter, vegetable oil, shortening, and lard are gluten free. Check margarine, salad dressings, non-dairy creamers, and mayonnaise for gluten.

FRUIT & VEGETABLES

All 100% fruit and vegetables are gluten free. Processed versions may contain gluten.

SNACKS AND DESSERTS

Brown and white sugar, gelatin, jelly, jam, honey, molasses, pure cocoa, carob, and plain popcorn are gluten free. Processed custards, puddings, ice cream, candy, chocolate, gum cocoa, and bagged snacks may contain gluten.

BEVERAGES

Plain tea, some sodas, 100% fruit juice, wines, and coffee are gluten free. Malt containing drinks, beer, ale, gin, whiskey, and rye contain gluten.

SOUPS

Commercially prepared soups, broths, soup mixes, and bouillon cubes may contain gluten.

CONDIMENTS AND SEASONINGS

Gluten-free soy sauce, distilled white vinegar, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs are gluten free. Other products may contain gluten.

A gluten-free diet isn't for everybody. It's a life-saving treatment for people diagnosed with gluten intolerance. Though there's no known cure for gluten intolerance, a gluten-free diet halts further damage, alleviates painful symptoms, and in most cases restores health. We often hear that "food is medicine." For gluten intolerant people, it literally is.

Learn more about this author, ByeNow.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Should you go gluten-free??
We want to hear your view. Write now!