Celiac Disease

Relieve symptoms, heal bowel and ensure adequate nutrients; lifelong gluten free diet only treatment

Recommended For

Celiac disease, Food allergies, Gluten allergy, Gluten free.

Diet Goals

Avoid nutrient deficiencies, heal bowel

  • Gluten free foods less than 20 ppm gluten
  • Avoid nutrient deficiencies without grain
  • Lactose free diet if temporarily lactose intolerant
65% of American adults think gluten-free foods are healthier or help with weight loss but this diet is only indicated for gluten intolerance.

Food Recommendations

Foods to Eat

Fish 2 x week: Salmon, bass, cod, crab, scallops, shrimp
Fruits, Vegetables: Berries, avocado, leafy greens, carrots
Veggies, Leafy greens: Lettuce, kale, spinach, romaine, arugula
Dairy: Milk, most yogurts & cheeses are naturally gluten free
Gluten free oils: Canola, sunflower, olive, vegetable oil
Gluten free foods: Labeled gluten free, rice crackers, popcorn

Foods to Avoid

Baked goods: Cakes, cookies, muffins, pizza, pastries
Hidden wheat sources: Soy, BBQ, ketchup, gravy mix, salad dressing, marinades
Gluten products: Wheat, spelt, farro, graham, barley, rye, triticale
Whole grains: Wheat bread or pasta, oatmeal, popcorn
Gluten free meds: Check diarrhea, constipation, heartburn meds
Barley foods: Beer, brewers yeast, milkshakes, food coloring, soup

Diet Rules

Additional Information

Research

Gluten free diet can improve symptoms within 2 weeks; antibodies may return to normal levels within 6-12 months.
People with celiac disease who don't follow gluten free diet have 2 x greater risk of heart disease and 4 x greater risk of bowel cancer; healthy diets help reduce risks.
Once gluten is eliminated from diet, small intestine should heal completely in 3-6 mo.; even small amounts damage the bowel, reduces ability to absorb nutrients.

Caveats

Only treatment for celiac disease is lifelong gluten free diet.
Avoid wheat, rye, barley (caution cross contamination - oats can be contaminated with gluten; check label).
Check for gluten in vitamins, toothpaste, supplements, hair, skin, lip products.
Long-term complications of celiac: Bone loss, lactose intolerance, dental defects, anemia, osteoporosis, fertility problems, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, some cancers.