Many people follow a gluten free diet to eliminate symptoms of gluten intolerance or Celiac disease, which is a genetic disease where the body cannot process wheat, spelt, barley, rye and oats.

People who suffer from Celiac disease, and are not yet diagnosed will develop flattened villi in the intestines, due to the damage that these foods cause in the stomach. Symptoms can include diarrhea, malnutrition and weight loss. Other Celiac sufferers may only have mild symptoms and be unaware they have the disease.

Gluten Free Diet

Some children with certain disorders such as autism, sensory processing disorder and ADHD can benefit greatly from a gluten free diet. These children react to gluteomorphine, which is a by-product of gluten containing foods. When these foods are removed, the children improve greatly.

Celiacs and other people who are presumed gluten intolerant must avoid any food that contains regular wheat or wheat flours, rye breads and crackers, and any food containing spelt or barley. Beer that is made with barley and hops must also be avoided. Oats are sometimes processed on the same equipment with wheat products and can be considered dangerous for Celiacs due to cross-contamination, however, some oats that are labelled as gluten-free and not processed on the same equipment as wheat are safe. There is scientific debate about whether oats are safe for celiacs or not. Some celiacs seem to tolerate the oats while others do not.

Food does not have to be boring or tasteless just because you follow a gluten-free diet. In fact, most gluten free foods and recipes can be just as delicious as gluten-containing foods. Most people cannot tell the difference between gluten free cake and traditional cake.

Rice cakes can be an inexpensive alternative to toast. They are crispy and can be spread with jelly, apple butter or peanut butter as a snack or light breakfast. Corn tortillas replace flour tortillas for mexican dishes. Breads, bagels and muffins made with tapioca flour, rice flour or millet are delicious, and an excellent alternative to gluten-containing breads. Gluten free pasta, such as Tinkyada brand, taste just like regular pasta made with wheat durum and is an excellent alternative for all Italian dishes containing pasta.

Many Celiacs and gluten intolerant people still enioy cookies, brownies and fudge. Fudge recipes made with marshmallow or confectioner’s sugar are safe to eat. Flourless brownies or peanut butter cookies can be softer and more delicious than those containing flour. There is a surprisingly long list of cereals, many of which are kids’ favorites that can be consumed by those following a gluten-free diet. Pizza crust can also be made with brown rice flour and chicken tenders can be coated with Rice Chex cereal or puffed millet that has been crushed and mixed with seasonings for a crunchy coating that tastes delicious.