Gluten-Free and coeliac disease

Gluten is a protein found in the endosperm of some cereals, such as wheat, rye and barley. Gluten creates the elasticity when kneading dough and the chewiness of wheat-based baked products, such as bread. Individuals with coeliac disease can not eat gluten and must follow a gluten free diet, but these days many people are choosing to switch to a gluten free diet for other health reasons such as increased energy and weight loss.

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disease of the small intestines that occurs due to a reaction to gluten which causes an inflammatory response. This reaction is often very painful and uncomfortable and may interfere with the absorption of some nutrients. Unfortunately there is no treatment for coeliac disease but to simply remove gluten from the diet. Gluten free products are excellent food alternatives for individuals suffering from coeliac disease.

A gluten free diet is not the same as a wheat free diet because it is the complete avoidance of all products containing gluten.

Foods that contain gluten include:

L      Wheat

L      Oats

L      Barley

L      Rye

L      Malt

L      Spelt

L      Triticale

L      Kamut

Commercial foods to look out for that may contain gluten include:

û       Cereals, mueslis and bars that contain wheat, oats, barley or rye

û       Breads, rolls, wraps and flour tortillas

û       Pizza bases, pastas, lasagna sheets, gnocchi and noodles

û       Sweet and savoury biscuits made from wheat, oats, barley or rye

û       Cakes, pastries, pies, batters, pancakes, breadcrumbs

û       Check your corn flour and rice flours etc for the addition of other flours

û       Commercially bottled sauces and dressings such as mayonnaise and salad dressing may contain wheat or malt derivatives

û       Dips that may contain thickeners or seasoning

û       Sweets and lollies may contain wheat or malt derivatives

û       Stocks, both cubed and liquid may contain wheat derivatives

û       Seasonings such as chicken salt and those found in potato chips, corn chips or crackers may contain wheat derivatives

û       Toppings, custards, custard powders, puddings and some icing sugar mixtures

û       Processed meats such as salamis and sausages often have flour added to them

û       Beer or any alcohol that is made from malt or other gluten-containing foods

û       Remember to always check your medications as they can sometimes contain gluten

Foods that are safe to eat on a gluten-free diet include:

J      Any unprocessed meats, fish and eggs

J      All fresh fruit and vegetables

J      Legumes, nuts and seeds

J      Natural milk*, cheese and yogurt

J      Gluten-free breads and cereals

J      Gluten-free pasta and noodles

J      Gluten-free cakes, muffins, pancakes, biscuits and crackers

J      Rice, rice noodles, corn or maize and polenta

J      Sauces, seasonings and dips made from fresh gluten-free ingredients

healthyU are dedicated to making gluten free life as easy as possible by supplying an incredible range of gluten free products so that incorporating gluten free into your life is as easy as possible. All these products can all be purchased in the healthyU store or on our online store. They include;

·         Gluten-free cereals such as muesli, puffed grains, rice porridge, polenta porridge and amaranth

·         Gluten free breads and loaves

·         Delicious flourless cake mixes

·         Gluten free biscuits and cookies

·         Snacks and treats such as licorice and carob rice cake bites

·         Lotus arrowroot – gluten free thickening agent

·         Vegetable stock

·         Sauces and condiments

·         Corn chips

·         Pastas, noodles and lasagna sheets

·         Pizza/pastry mix

·         Amazing buckwheat pancake mixture

·         Gluten free plain/self-raising flour

·         Breadless breadcrumbs

 NB. Please note that any person beginning a strict gluten-free diet is strongly advised to do so under the guidance of a dietitian who can give you advice about your individual needs.

*Some practitioners will advise patients with coeliac disease to go on a lactose-free diet initially if there is inflammation in the gut. Some dairy products will not be appropriate for consumption in that time.