Celiac Disease Diet: Expert explains how to go Gluten-free safely

Celiac Disease is a genetic auto immune disease that damages your small intestine and keeps it from absorbing nutrients from food. The villi in small intestine absorbs the nutrients into blood stream explains Prachi Shah a Clinical Nutritionist. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley (‘jou’). When you eat gluten, the immune system damages the villi and thus hampers the absorption. This causes digestive issues and malnourishment, especially when iron, calcium, and vitamin D aren’t being absorbed.

Consequences of consumes gluten for those who are intolerant

If a gluten intolerant person consumes gluten you might see signs like constipation, diarrhoea, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, joint/muscle pain.  Some people feel tired, have sore joints, or even get a rash. This skin rash, called dermatitis herpetiformis, causes itchy bumps and blisters. There are a lot of other complications of this disorder that might lead to iron deficiency anemia, seizures, joint pain, thinning bones, and cancer. So, going gluten free is the only solution when you have been detected with celiac disease.

Tips to go gluten free

You can still manage to eat healthy and balanced food by including variety of fruits, vegetables, dairy products and gluten free food items. Remember moderation is the key! Keep a check on your medicines or supplements. You can ask the health care provider if there are any traces of gluten in the product.

Living a gluten free life might not be easy but you can still make it smooth by learning about the food items safe for you. Nowadays lot of gluten free options are readily available at stores. Many restaurants now have separate gluten free menu which you can opt for.

Lastly, create an awareness regarding foods that contain gluten and foods that don’t among your family and friends so that they can understand your condition better.  

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