Planning a Gluten Free Diet
If you are suffering from symptoms of gluten intolerance, or you have been diagnosed with celiac disease and know that there is damage to your intestines, then maintaining a gluten free diet is critical to your health and well-being.
Eating gluten free is a big lifestyle change, and truly requires planning, patience and consistency. Here are a few tips to help you plan your new lifestyle and diet.
- Remember first and foremost to stay away from any ingredients derived from cereals that contain gluten including wheat, barley, rye, and tricale. For some people this also includes oats, so take time to figure out whether or not oats are safe for you.
- Remember that there are important nutrients that you get from these grains, and in order to prevent vitamin or mineral deficiencies, you must determine what foods you will substitute in order to get these essential nutrients.
- It is recommended that people with gluten intolerance consume significant quantities of fish or fish oils, as they provide excellent nutritional supplements to the body.
- Supplements including multi-vitamins and mineral supplements are also necessary when on a gluten free diet. If taking prescription medications however, you must be very careful that the supplements do not interfere with these drugs. Also be sure that your medications do not contain anything that may be harmful to you. You should explain to your doctor that you are gluten intolerant to avoid being prescribed something harmful.
- Not all grains or carbohydrates are outlawed in a gluten free diet. You can still consume rice and corn, and baked goods made from gluten free flour. You may find it easiest to start baking your own bread to ensure that its gluten free.
Planning a whole new diet is not an easy task, but there are several excellent guides available to help you plan your gluten-free diet, as well as audio-classes, and recipe books. With a little perseverance and the help of such resources, you will be feeling the benefits of a life without gluten in no time.
