Celiac disease - nutritional considerations
Definition of Celiac disease - nutritional considerations
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder passed down through families. When a person with celiac disease eats or drinks anything containing gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, or sometimes oats (including medications), the immune system responds by damaging the lining of the intestinal tract. This damage affects the body's ability to absorb nutrients.
For specific information about the disease (including symptoms and treatment), seeceliac disease.
A gluten-free diet, when followed carefully, helps prevent symptoms of the disease.
Alternative Names for Celiac disease - nutritional considerations
Gluten-free diet; Gluten sensitive enteropathy - diet; Celiac sprue - diet
Function
Food Sources
Staples of the gluten-free diet include:
- Cereals made without wheat or barley malt
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat
- Milk-based items
- Potatoes, rice, corn, beans
- Specialty foods (such as pasta, bread, pancakes, and pastries) made with alternative grains (rice, tapioca, potato, or corn flours and starches)
You can buy these products through local and national food companies, or you can make them from scratch using alternative flours and grains.
The gluten-free diet involves removing all foods, drinks, and medications made from gluten. This means all items made with all-purpose, white, or wheat flour are prohibited. Obvious sources of gluten include:
- Bagels
- Bread and breaded foods
- Buns
- Cakes
- Cookies
- Crackers
- Gravy
- Most cereals
- Most convenience foods
- Most soups
- Pancakes
- Pasta
- Pie
- Pizza
- Stuffing
Less obvious foods that must be eliminated include:
- Beer
- Certain candies
- Certain salad dressings
- Communion host
- Croutons
- Marinades
- Sauces such as teriyaki and soy
There is a risk of cross-contamination. Items that are naturally gluten-free may become contaminated if they are made on the same production line as, or moved together in the same setting with, foods containing gluten.
Restaurant eating and social gatherings pose another, but manageable, challenge. Calling ahead and special planning become important measures. Label reading becomes a frequent, essential task due to the widespread use of wheat and barley in foods.
Despite its challenges, maintaining a healthy, balanced diet is possible with education and planning.
Side Effects
Recommendations
Once you have been diagnosed with celiac disease, it is very important that you talk to a registered dietitian who specializes in celiac disease and the gluten-free diet.
Joining a local support group is also recommended. Support groups can help people with celiac disease share practical advice on ingredients, baking, and ways to cope with this life-altering, lifelong disease.
See also: Celiac disease support group
Your doctor might prescribe a multivitamin and mineral or individual nutrient supplement to correct or prevent a deficiency.
References for Celiac disease - nutritional considerations
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission
(www.urac.org). URAC's
accreditation
program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and
accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information
and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s
editorial policy,
editorial process, and
privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of
Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (
www.HONcode.ch.)
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or
treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and
treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are
provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.
©1997-2010 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly
prohibited.
Sign Up for Free Newsletters
Ask Your Doctor the RIGHT Questions!
the most from your doctor visit.
Emailed right to you!
Explore Original Articles About...
Get the MOST from QualityHealth
- Stories
- Videos
- Top Searches
- 1. Diabetes and Insomnia
- 2. Finding the Right Rheumatologist
- 3. The 5 Best Core Exercises
- 4. Could Rye Be Better than Whole Grain?
- 5. 4 Unusual Allergies
- 6. The Benefits of Sexercise
- 7. OJ for Heart Health?
- 8. Overweight? Blame Your Kitchen
- 9. The Truth about Teeth Whiteners
- 10. 6 Sex Mistakes Women Make





