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Celiac disease: Eating a gluten-free diet
IntroductionCeliac disease is a problem some people have with foods that contain gluten. Gluten is a kind of protein found in foods like bread, crackers, and pasta. When a person with celiac disease eats gluten, the body's natural defense system (immune system) attacks the gluten and damages the small intestine. Symptoms of celiac disease can include gas, bloating, diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, weakness, and vomiting. Stools may be bulky, loose, and more frequent. The damage to the intestine also makes it hard for your body to absorb vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. This can lead to anemia or osteoporosis or both. This information can help you learn more about how to eat so you can manage your symptoms, prevent long-term problems, and still get the nutrition you need. Key points
If you have questions about following a gluten-free eating plan for celiac disease, talk to your doctor or dietitian. Return to topic: What foods contain gluten?Gluten is found in wheat, rye, and barley. Common foods that contain gluten include:
Some foods are labeled wheat-free, but this does not mean that they are gluten-free. For example, some food labels list hydrolyzed vegetable protein. This sounds harmless, but this protein is often made from wheat and can contain a lot of gluten. Test Your Knowledge Continue to Why should you follow an eating plan for celiac disease?By following a gluten-free eating plan:
After you go on a gluten-free diet, symptoms such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea usually bother you less or go away within 2 or 3 weeks. Also, your body begins to absorb nutrients normally, and the small intestine gradually heals. If celiac disease goes untreated, you are more likely to get iron deficiency anemia, folic acid deficiency anemia, osteoporosis, and other problems. Test Your Knowledge Continue to How to eat when you have celiac diseaseDo not eat any foods that contain gluten. These include bagels, bread, crackers, malted breakfast cereals, pasta, and pizza. Avoid all beer products, both with and without alcohol, including lagers, ales, and stouts. Carefully read food labels. Look for wheat or wheat products added to foods such as ice cream, salad dressing, candy, canned and frozen soups and vegetables, and other processed foods. When you eat out, look for restaurants that serve gluten-free food. You might ask if the chef is familiar with cooking without any gluten. Also look for grocery stores that sell gluten-free pizza and other foods. The Internet can be another source of information on gluten-free foods. On a gluten-free eating plan, you can still have:
Eating a gluten-free diet is not easy. But if you take your time to read labels and ask questions, you can stay on a gluten-free eating plan. Test Your Knowledge Continue to Where to go from hereIf you have questions about this information, take it with you when you visit your doctor. You may want to mark areas or make notes in the margins where you have questions. Many communities have celiac disease support groups that are local branches of national organizations. It can help to join such groups. Other members of the group can help teach you which foods are gluten-free, share recipes and meal ideas, and help you learn what foods to avoid. If you would like more information on celiac disease, the following resources are available: Organizations
Return to Credits
True This answer is incorrect. While some foods are labeled wheat-free, this does not mean that they are gluten-free. It is important for people with celiac disease to avoid eating any foods that contain gluten. Even the smallest amount of gluten can cause symptoms in some people. False This answer is correct. While some foods are labeled wheat-free, this does not mean that they are gluten-free. It is important for people with celiac disease to avoid eating any foods that contain gluten. Even the smallest amount of gluten can cause symptoms in some people. True This answer is correct. People who have celiac disease must be on a gluten-free eating plan. If the disease is left untreated, more severe problems can start. False This answer is incorrect. People who have celiac disease must be on a gluten-free eating plan. If the disease is left untreated, more severe problems can start. True This answer is incorrect. On a gluten-free eating plan, avoid all beer products, both with and without alcohol, including lagers, ales, and stouts. You can still have certain alcohol drinks, including wine, liquor (including whiskey and brandy), liqueurs, and ciders. False This answer is correct. On a gluten-free eating plan, avoid all beer products, both with and without alcohol, including lagers, ales, and stouts. You can still have certain alcohol drinks, including wine, liquor (including whiskey and brandy), liqueurs, and ciders. True This answer is correct. Some people with celiac disease need to avoid cow's milk and milk products when they first begin treatment. Most people can slowly add dairy foods back into their diet as the intestine heals. But they will still need to avoid all foods with gluten. False This answer is incorrect. Some people with celiac disease need to avoid cow's milk and milk products when they first begin treatment. Most people can slowly add dairy foods back into their diet as the intestine heals. But they will still need to avoid all foods with gluten.
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