How Can I Manage Gluten Intolerance?

Do you avoid all products that contain wheat, rye, barley and oats (e.g. bread, pasta, beer)?

Do you avoid bakery products (e.g. pies, cakes, pastries)?

Do you avoid processed foods (e.g. French fries gravies, hot dogs and processed lunchmeats, soups, bouillon or soup mixes, vegetables in sauce)?

Do you read the list of ingredients on food labels carefully and avoid foods with dextrins, emulsifiers, stabilizers, corn starch, malt and modified wheat starch?

Do you check that the spices, thickeners and marinades you use do not contain gluten-containing additives?

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Do you drink enough fluids (about 8 glasses of water a day)?

Do you use activated charcoal, digestive enzymes, probiotics or supplements (e.g. omega-3 fatty acid supplements, L-glutamine supplements, collagen supplements)?

Based on your answers, there are several other ways that can help you manage gluten intolerance. A gluten-free diet is an effective way to control your body's allergic reaction to gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, oats and rye, but is also used as a stabilizer in processed food. You should avoid food such as bread, pasta, pizza, various cereals, bakery products and certain drinks. On the other hand, you can eat fruits and vegetables, fish, meat, rice and potatoes. Talk to your doctor about the list of food you should avoid and the easiest way to switch to a gluten-free diet.

Based on your answers, you know a lot about how to manage gluten intolerance. Be sure to read the list of ingredients on food labels, because gluten can be found as an emulsifier in various types of processed foods. Fortunately, there are various gluten-free alternatives for flour, grain and starch such as brown, white and wild rice, corn, quinoa, and soy flour. You should drink enough fluids to help you stay hydrated as well as improve digestion. In addition to water, you can drink herbal infusions such as mint, chamomile or ginger tea. Talk to your doctor about taking digestive enzymes, probiotics and omega-3 fatty acid supplements.