Gluten-Free Foods: All You Need To Know
Gluten-Free Foods: All You Need to Know About This Diet
A gluten-free diet isn’t a new fad or a marketing ploy to make people buy fancy-sounding food off the shelves. Gluten is a serious health hazard for many people, including people with Celiac disease which is known to damage the lining of our intestines and cause symptoms such as diarrhea and stomach pain. If detected, your dietician or doctor will almost certainly prescribe a diet of gluten-free foods to heal the system and prevent further damage.
What is Gluten?
For the uninitiated, gluten is a protein that is commonly found in ingredients like wheat, rye, and barley. While pure oats are naturally gluten-free and suitable for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, they can become contaminated with gluten during processing. The presence of gluten in food gives it a distinctive texture that makes it a favorite of most bakers. Bread, biscuits, cereals, cakes, pasta, etc. are some of the most common food items which contain gluten.
Although most people have no major issues with gluten, emerging studies show that gluten may have a damaging effect on the stomach lining in a broader range of individuals, including people who aren’t diagnosed with gluten sensitivity or Celiac disease. Such people may experience symptoms similar to Celiac disease, like bloating, stomach issues, and fatigue. Latest studies also say that long-term gluten intake may lead to inflammation and digestive issues in people who aren’t gluten-sensitive, which is caused by a condition commonly known as "leaky gut" (intestinal permeability).
What Foods Can I Eat That Are Gluten-Free?
There’s good news! Gluten is not essential in our diet and can easily be replaced. There are plenty of gluten-free food options to choose from even if you’re diagnosed with gluten sensitivity.
Common gluten-free food items include:
- dairy products
- vegetables
- Fruits
- potatoes
- meat
- fish
- rice
Moreover, you can go on enjoying your favorite pasta or noodles made with gluten-free flour such as rice flour or almond flour. If you love baked food, there are gluten-free alternatives like gluten-free oat flour, or coconut flour that can replace traditional wheat flour.
Where to Buy Gluten Free Products
Most supermarkets and online stores sell gluten-free food like bread, pasta, pizza bases, etc. If you’re confused, just ask your dietician to suggest foods for a gluten-free diet.
A few words of caution; always check the labels carefully before deciding if it’s really gluten-free as gluten thresholds for gluten-free certification vary with each country or certifying agency. Look for certifications like the Gluten-Free Certification Program (GFCP) which is endorsed by the Canadian Celiac Association, and Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) developed by the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) which have strict gluten thresholds and testing standards.
Processed foods often include additives that may contain gluten, like modified food starch or soy sauce. Gluten is also found in some medicines and other non-food products. You should also watch out for cross-contamination which happens when gluten-free food is stored, cooked, or served in utensils that may have previously contained food with gluten, oats being a common food that gets contaminated in this way.
Find the Best Gluten-Free Foods at Healthy Planet
If you’re wondering, “where can I find gluten-free food near me?” look no further! Healthy planet offers a wide variety of gluten-free options, from pantry staples, to fresh ingredients. All carefully selected to meet your dietary needs. Visit our store or explore our online selection to discover delicious, nutritious gluten-free foods that fit your lifestyle.
