Life With A Gluten Allergy

Gluten is a protein that is found in barley, rye, andOngoing monitoring from a doctor or dietician may also
wheat and is included in everyday foods such asprove to be successful in managing a gluten allergy;
cakes, breads, cereals, pastas and biscuits. Somethese professionals can help recommend substitutions
condiments such as mustard, mayonnaise, maltfor the foods containing gluten. Also, the doctor may
vinegar, as well as alcoholic beverages such as beerbe able to prescribe certain gluten-free food products,
and whiskey, also contain gluten. Gluten may also beor even a steroid prescription to help manage the
found in certain restaurant food or snack foods suchallergy symptoms if eliminating gluten from the diet is
as chips, cooking oils, soups or sauces. Living with anot successful in alleviating them altogether.
gluten allergy can be a difficult journey and requiresBecause many fibrous foods are eliminated from the
discipline and knowledge about the ingredientsdiet of an individual experiencing a gluten allergy,
contained in popular food products.laxatives or fiber supplements may need to be added
Individuals are usually diagnosed with a gluten allergyto the diet in order to avoid constipation. Also, vitamin
during early childhood. On occasion, cases of a glutenand mineral supplements may also need to be added
allergy can be diagnosed during adulthood or evento the diet due to the decrease in iron and calcium
during the late stages of life. When an individual isconsumption.
diagnosed with a gluten allergy, it is referred to asA diet rich in healthy fruits and vegetables and an
Coeliac disease; it has been reported that one in 200assortment of gluten-free products can help the
to 250 people are diagnosed with Coeliac disease.individual lead a normal lifestyle, but these products can
When gluten is introduced into the body, the smallalso be expensive. Those who suffer from a gluten
intestine begins to break down, which can causeallergy may be able to obtain a doctor's prescription
symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue,for certain gluten-free products and take a tax
and weight loss.deduction at the end of the year.
In severe cases of gluten allergy, individuals mayAlthough there is no cure for a gluten allergy, a
develop issues with the reproductive system, nervousgluten-free diet can help eliminate severe reactions
system and blood. Coeliac disease may also lead towithin the body. Shopping at health food stores or
diabetes, liver disease, osteoporosis, or bowel cancer.grocery stores that offer gluten-free products can help
The best treatment to avoid ongoing symptoms is toto alleviate the feelings of deprivation associated with
eliminate any food products containing gluten from themissing some favorite foods. Armed with knowledge
diet. Once gluten is removed from the diet, the smallabout food labels and ingredients, sufferers can take
intestine and the bowel are able to heal, whichcontrol over their gluten allergy and live a healthy life.
eliminates symptoms of the gluten allergy.