Gluten Free Diet

A gluten free diet has been recommended for those who suffer from celiac disease; gluten is the protein compounds found in wheat, barley, rye and other such grains. Those who suffer from celiac disease have a condition where the small intestine cannot tolerate gluten and the gluten starts to injure the lining of the small intestine, which could result in weight loss, diarrhea, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, bloating, abdominal cramps to name a few. Patients who suffer from celiac disease should religiously adhere to a gluten free diet, which gives a chance to the intestine lining to heal it self.

However there are downsides to following gluten free diet as well, prebiotics are essentially good bacteria that usually thrives in the gut, they suppress bad bacteria and allow the good ones to multiply.  The dilemma that arises in a gluten free diet is that over 80 % of the prebiotic requirements are supplied through wheat and wheat based products by the majority of North Americans.  Prebiotics are plant based fibers; these fibers have olignofuctose as well as inulin, both of which are essential for the good bacteria in the colon to thrive.

Thereby those who are on a gluten free diet are deprived of the main source of prebiotic bacteria which they must avoid by abstaining on wheat, rye and such grain food. Thus those who are on a gluten free diet should supplement this loss by including fruits, vegetables, and food that contain prebiotic sources such as onions, garlic, asparagus, artichokes, bananas, chicory root, dandelion, as well as in dairy products such as whole, and skim milk , butter milk, whipping cream, cheese and its variants such as cheddar, Swiss , Edam and Parmesan.  Other food that can be added to prebiotics include pure meat without any additives such corn meal etc, peanut butter, eggs, dried beans and peas.  Certain breads and grains can be used by those who follow a gluten free diet such as wild rice, rice, breads made from corn, soybean, tapioca, buckwheat, arrowroot and millet should be used by those who are on a gluten free diet on a regular basis.

On the bright side almost all vegetables and fruits, be it fresh, frozen, canned or dried along with yams and sweet potatoes do not contain gluten and can be freely consumed by those who are on a gluten free diet. Therefore ample of food choices are available for those who are on a gluten free diet.