Living with Celiac disease is a learning process.
It is common knowledge to avoid any foods containing gluten (wheat, barley or rye). However, there are the other foods to contend with where it is not so clear-cut whether or not you should avoid them.
This article will discuss some of those foods.
Possible foods to avoid…
Oats
Oats were considered unsafe for a long time for all those suffering from celiac disease.
- Oats are now considered safe for most, but not all celiacs.
- The protein fraction in oats is avenin.
- Avenin causes a reaction which is very similar to the reaction from gluten in a small amount of celiacs.
Cross contamination is the bigger issue.
Oats can become contaminated in the field, in transport or in the factory. The best approach is to purchase certified gluten-free oats. Introducing oats into the diet should be done in small amounts after the diet has been totally clean for a long period of time in order to gauge any reaction.
Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is a great source of nutrition. It can be juiced and is found in supplements and green powders.
- Wheatgrass is the immature leafy part of the grain.
- The grass is harvested after the seeds have sprouted but before the wheatberry appears.
- Gluten is located in the wheatberry, therefore some consider wheatgrass to be safe.
- Timing is essential and any mistakes present a risk.
What about harvesting?
Contamination is a huge concern; is the process so safe and efficient that no particles of grain are harvested along with the grass?
It seems like a much better idea to find nutrition in other places.
Buckwheat
Buckwheat is:
- not a grain
- not a member of the wheat family
- a fruit seed
As long as it is not contaminated buckwheat is totally safe for celiacs.
Lactose
Many gluten-free foods are also lactose free.
Why is this?
Should lactose be avoided?
- Lactose is the sugar in milk.
- Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest lactose, due to an insufficient supply of the enzyme lactase.
- Lactase is manufactured in the small villi of the epithelial cells in the small intestine.
- When that surface is compromised by gluten in the diet those enzymes are lost.
Unless there are other causes, a clean diet over time will heal the villi and replenish the enzymes.
Making healthy choices…
Even with the limitations of a gluten-free diet there are still a lot of safe, healthy choices available. Only eat foods which you feel certain are safe.
Would you like more information regarding Celiac disease?
Please feel free to contact me by phone or email. As a Nutritionist in Florida I can help you with tips, advice and food counseling.
Simply click the link for my contact information.