You hear a growing number of celebrities many of your friends going on a gluten-free diet. If you are thinking about trying this diet, here are a few things you need to know. First, what is gluten? Gluten is a category of storage proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye. The gluten proteins are found in the mature seed of cereal grasses, which is what we call the “grain.” Second, what harm does gluten cause? Well, gluten is the cause of the chronic digestive disorder, celiac disease, which is a gluten allergy that causes inflammation damage to the lining of the small intestine. If you experience constant stomach cramps, diarrhea, and bloating then you may be suffering from gluten sensitivity. As always, consult your doctor to be sure.
Foods to avoid in a gluten-free diet
- All wheat-based flours and ingredients
- Pasta
- Bread
- Flour Tortillas
- Cakes
- Muffins
- Crackers
- Beer
- Gravy
- Dressings
Foods that are gluten free
- Unprocessed beans, seeds and nuts
- Meats, fish and poultry
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Most dairy products
- Corn and cornmeal
- Millet
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Soy
