What Does Gluten-Free Mean?

For some people, a gluten-free diet is a medical necessity, while for others it’s a dietary choice made for reasons such as improved overall health and wellbeing. Either way, it’s important to understand what a gluten-free diet entails, and how it works for those following one. In this article, we’ll take a look at what it means to eat gluten-free.

What Is Gluten?

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley, and most foods made with these grains contain gluten. As a result, many traditional food items such as bread and pasta are off-limits for those on a gluten-free diet. Some gluten-free alternatives are available, such as wheat-free bread and pasta. These products are made with gluten-free grains such as rice, quinoa, and buckwheat, which do not contain gluten.

What Is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes an adverse reaction when gluten is consumed. For those with this condition, the body’s natural reaction to gluten is to attack the lining of the small intestine, resulting in damage that can lead to a variety of symptoms including abdominal pain, fatigue, and diarrhea.

Following a strict gluten-free diet is the only way to manage celiac disease and the only way to stop the damage to the small intestine. Even a small amount of gluten can cause a reaction, so it’s essential for those with celiac disease to read labels carefully to ensure that all foods are gluten-free.

Living Gluten-Free

Adopting a gluten-free diet can feel overwhelming at first, as many of the snacks and baking mixes traditionally used contain gluten. However, with a bit of knowledge and preparation, it is possible to make gluten-free meals that are just as delicious as the gluten-laden versions.

In many cases, gluten-free is just a matter of substituting a gluten-free grain for the traditional wheat-based grain. For example, using gluten-free pasta instead of wheat-based pasta. While it may take a bit of experimentation to find the right brands and ingredients, it is possible to make delicious and nutritious gluten-free meals.

At first glance, gluten-free can appear confusing, but with a bit of research, you can make meal planning and preparing gluten-free meals a breeze. With education and a bit of effort, adopting and following a gluten-free diet can be simpler than you might think.