Celiac disease is both a digestive disease and an immune disorder. When a person with celiac disease eats a food that contains gluten – which is a protein found in certain grains – the antibodies created by the condition attack when the gluten reaches your small intestine.
This response eventually damages the lining of the small intestine. This can lead to malabsorption of important nutrients, fatigue, bloating, anemia, and diarrhea. The malabsorption of nutrients can cause malnutrition, because the person with celiac disease is not getting the proper nutrients they need. Malnutrition can cause vomiting, weight loss, and more.
The only way to manage celiac disease is to completely avoid all foods that have even the slightest trace of gluten. Many people with celiac only know about the “regular” foods that have gluten, such as wheat. But there are many more foods that contain gluten which must also be avoided.
What Foods Have Gluten?
Many foods have gluten in them simply because they were processed in a plant or unit that also processes foods with gluten. Foods that do not naturally have gluten include rice and corn.
Foods that have gluten in them, which must be avoided by those with celiac disease, are:
- Wheat
- Rye
- Triticale (wheat + rye)
- Barley
- Oats
Ingredients that have gluten are:
- Enriched flour
- Graham flour
- Self-rising flour
- Semolina
- Farina
- Durum
- Spelt
- Emmer
- Kamut
- Einkorn
Many foods are made with gluten-containing ingredients, so they should be avoided by those with celiac disease. These foods include:
- Bread
- Cake
- Pie
- Candy
- Cereal
- Wafers
- Cookies
- Gravy
- French fries
- Malt
- Beer
- Ale
- Porter
- Stout
- Pasta
- Processed meat
- Rice mixes
- Seasoned snacks
- Soup mixes
- Sauce
- Salad dressing
It may seem difficult to avoid eating all of these, but keep in mind the damage to your digestive system they cause – and remember that it is not worth it. There are always alternatives. Enjoy some unprocessed peanuts, cashews, or sunflower seeds.
How to Eat a Non-Gluten Diet
The best way to enjoy food if you have celiac disease is to eat the foods you love that are actually beneficial for you, including the following non-processed foods:
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Beans
- Eggs
- Meats
- Low-fat dairy (without harmful ingredients added)
- Fruits
- Vegetables
Can Children Get Celiac Disease?
Yes. When celiac disease occurs in children, it requires a lot of attention because they are more likely to have or develop issues related to malabsorption of nutrients. This can cause secondary problems, such as the failure to grow properly, damage to tooth enamel, weight loss, delayed onset of puberty, neurological conditions like ADHD, learning disabilities, seizures, and a short stature due to poor nutrition.
If celiac disease is left untreated, it can cause additional symptoms such as a weakening of the bones due to a lack of absorption of calcium and vitamin D. This causes osteomalacia (inadequate mineralization of the bones) or osteoporosis (reduced bone density).
Gastroenterology in Austin
If you have celiac disease, you must avoid eating any foods that contain any traces of gluten. If you have digestive issues or gastrointestinal problems, contact our friendly team at Austin Gastroenterology today.
Call one of our many locations in and around Austin, or request an appointment online. Let us help you overcome celiac disease and any other chronic digestive issue you may have.
