Imagine having to scrutinize every single label for ingredients that may contain hidden gluten, a protein found in wheat and related grains-especially over the holidays! For more than 1.5 million Americans with celiac disease, though, avoiding gluten is critical.
When people with celiac disease eat foods containing gluten, their immune systems respond by treating this substance like a foreign invader and damaging the lining of the small intestine. While there's no known cure for this autoimmune disease, you can control it by eating a gluten-free diet.
Reading labels carefully is crucial. Watch for hidden sources of gluten, such as hydrolyzed vegetable protein, textured vegetable protein, and hydrolyzed plant protein. Also avoid malt, modified food starch, grain vinegars, some soy sauces, plus binders and fillers found in many foods and even medications and seasonings. Oats seem to be in question-some sources say eating oats doesn't cause problems, while others recommend avoiding oats. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine what's best for you. And be sure to visit your favorite natural products store for a growing selection of gluten-free breads, cookies, soups, spices, and more.
What Can I Eat?
Not Allowed
All forms of wheat including
Allowed
 | Making the switch to gluten-free cooking can be time consuming--you'll need to read more food labels than you ever have before. But if you stick with whole foods and put together a library of gluten-free cookbooks and recipes, your new culinary lifestyle will soon become second nature. |
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