A Gluten-Free Diet is a diet completely free of gluten. Gluten is a protein found in most grains (specifically those that include rye, barley, or wheat). A Gluten-Free diet is required for sufferers of Celiac disease - a disease that affects the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food.
It is possible to eat a well-balanced diet without gluten. Plain meat, fish, rice, fruits, and vegetables do not contain gluten, so people with celiac disease can eat as much of these foods as they like.
Instead of wheat flour, people can use potato, rice, soy, or bean flour. Or, they can buy gluten-free bread, pasta, and other products from special food companies.
However, like many specialized diets, social situations can be very difficult. All food ingredients should be read carefully to ensure the food does not contain gluten.
A complete diet plan can be found on the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) here.
Gluten intolerance group of North America
Celiac Disease Foundation
October 7th, 2008
My daughter went on a gluten-free diet. It was amazing. First she maintained her weight and her body shrunk in size. She went from a size 12 to a size 8. After three months she started losing weight. It is very difficult to eat out but many chains now offer a “gluten-free” menu.
November 20th, 2008
I am looking for diet that gluten and weat free…..
Help!!!!!!
January 2nd, 2009
Coeliac UK is a brilliant site, for people in the UK, they have a book you can order with lists of all the food you can eat inside.