Wheat-Free Diet Guidelines

Wheat allergy are one of the most common food allergies. The quandary is that almost every food at stores and in restaurants contains wheat. This is mainly because most commercial products today are made from multigrain sources. Sensitivities to wheat can vary from mild to severe. While those sensitive to wheat may face many obstacles in their dietary habits, there are guidelines that exist for substitution.

Onset

Allergies to wheat can occur during childhood or later in life. Though it is hard to pinpoint the exact origin of a wheat allergy, it usually occurs in people with a compromised or weakened immune system. What is known about wheat allergy sufferers is that their digestive system has a sensitivity to the gluten proteins contained in wheat. And when they do eat wheat, they can suffer from numerous symptoms ranging from mild to more severe.

Symptoms

Wheat allergy symptoms can be uncomfortable but are usually not life-threatening. People with wheat allergies can suffer from dizziness, gastritis, nasal congestion, shortness of breath, nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, itching in the scrotum area, skin flushing or rashes and even vomiting. One or more of these symptoms can last for months and even years before the wheat allergy is detected.

Wheat allergy symptoms can be very similar to those of other common food allergens such as milk, yeast or soy. If a person is suffering from any of these aforementioned symptoms for longer than a few weeks, they should consult a physician. The physician can probably diagnose the problem and recommend a good allergist.

Food to Avoid

Most cereals, breads, pastries, muffins, pancakes, pizza, cakes, cookies, crackers, ice cream, ice cream cones, sherbet, noodles, cream soups, beer, ale, root beer, packaged foods, breading and pretzels, along with many other foods, contain wheat. That is why wheat allergies are one of the most difficult allergies to cope with. Entire diets need to be revamped in order to avoid some of the uncomfortable symptoms. This can take a lot of time and effort.

If a person with a wheat allergy eats out at a restaurant, they need to stay away from croutons and breads. They must also ask the waiter or waitress what type of marinade is being used for their steak or chicken. The ingredients often contain wheat or other glutens that the wheat allergy sufferer may not be able to eat.

Substitutions

There are many guidelines for people with wheat allergies. The main one is that they stay away from the foods that contain wheat. There are many charts that show which foods that wheat allergy sufferers can eat; and what they cannot eat. An allergist can provide this information after a person tests positive for the allergy.

Instead of breads containing wheat, rice breads or spelt can be substituted; or many people with wheat allergies cut breads out of their diet completely. Instead they fill up on rice, oats, potatoes and other grains such as millet. There are many grains that most people are unaware of that are sold at health food stores. Gluten-free pizza recipes are out there, too.

Most people with wheat allergies do not have problems with meat, rice, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, corn, oats, most nuts and fresh vegetables. And there are many snacks available that use rice or oats instead of wheat. These items can be found at health food stores or even chain grocery stores. Most grocery stores have a health food aisle.

Treatment

If a wheat allergy is suspected, most allergists will do tests on the patient to determine if there are any other food allergies present. Once this is determined, the patient will be given certain dietary restrictions as well as information on foods they can eat.

Some allergists suggest rotation diets for wheat allergy patients. The patient eats different types of wheat-free foods for three days then eats wheat on the 4th day. No two foods from certain groups can be repeated either until the 4th day. The rotation diet has been known to help some people overcome wheat allergies.

Sublingual drops can also be used to assuage symptoms from wheat. There are times that avoiding wheat is nearly impossible. If a wheat sufferer is out at a company luncheon, for example, and has no other option, the drops, which neutralize the effects of the wheat, can be used to mitigate the symptoms.