Celiac Healing Diet

Celiac disease is a digestive disorder that occurs in the small intestine. Foods containing wheat, barley and rye damage the surface of the small intestine because of an autoimmune response. The damage causes pain and an inability for the body to absorb certain nutrients from these foods. Celiac disease is not curable, but a gluten-free diet can treat symptoms.

Foods to Avoid

Avoid foods containing the protein gluten. Gluten is found in all types of wheat, flour and matzo meal. Eliminate from your diet foods such as breads, crackers, pasta, cakes, pies, sauces, gravies and cereals. Grains may also be contained in food additives such as food starch or malt flavoring. Read food labels even on products purchased frequently as manufacturers can change food ingredients at any time. Call the manufacturer if you are unsure whether their product contains gluten or not. Some food items that are more difficult to determine gluten content for are instant cocoa, packaged rice mixes, sausage and canned soup.

Gluten-Free Foods

Be creative and you should be able to find many foods and meals you can fix that are gluten-free. Foods that are safe to eat are dairy products, beef, fish and poultry that are not breaded or in sauce, vegetables, fruits, rice, corn and potatoes. Buy gluten-free flours such as potato, corn, rice or soy flours to use in baking. Gluten-free breads, pastas and bakery goods are becoming more easily available. Do not assume that wheat-free means gluten-free. Call the manufacturer to make sure.

Lifestyle Changes

Cook with tapioca, potato or corn starch instead of flour as a thickening agent. Bake with corn, rice or soy flours for baked products. Buy a gluten-free cookbook to help identify gluten-containing foods and what foods to substitute in their place.

Find a local or online support group for celiac disease sufferers. You can discuss and share recipes and how you cope with the disorder. Call restaurants to see if they serve gluten-free foods and make sure they do not cross-contaminate with foods that contain gluten. Cross-contamination occurs when foods containing gluten come in contact with gluten-free foods, such as bread touching meat. Cross-contamination can also occur at home, such as crumbs from a toaster coming in contact with gluten-free foods.

Your doctor can put you in touch with a dietitian who can develop a diet plan and recipes to help you with celiac disease.