What Ingredients To Avoid With Gluten Allergy

More Strategies For A Gluten

Here are ideas to better make the transition to a gluten-free diet:

• These include cooking utensils, cutting boards, forks, knives, and spoons.

• When eating out, if youre not sure about the ingredients in a particular dish, ask the chef how the food was prepared. You can also ask whether a gluten-free menu is available. Most restaurants have a website where you can review the menu in advance.

• Ask your pharmacist if any of your medicines contain wheat or a wheat byproduct. Gluten is used as an additive in many products from medicines to lipstick. Manufacturers can provide a list of ingredients on request if they are not named on the product. Many herbals, vitamins, supplements, and probiotics contain gluten.

• Watch your portion sizes. Gluten-free foods may be safe and good for you, but they’re not calorie-free.

If you still feel symptoms on your gluten-free diet, double check that you’re not still consuming small amounts of gluten hidden in sauces, salad dressings, and canned soups or through additives, such as modified food starch, preservatives, and stabilizers made with wheat. Even some medicines can contain gluten. Tablets and capsules can be sources of gluten contamination. The risk of your medicines containing gluten is very small but, if you are concerned, you should discuss this with your healthcare provider.

How To Choose A Gluten

When shopping for a gluten-free ice cream product, the most important consideration is whether the product contains gluten.

While some ingredients, such as cake or cookie dough pieces, often indicate the presence of gluten, some brands use gluten-free flour in flavors that contain these mix-ins to make them safe for people who cant eat gluten.

Therefore, its important to check the ingredient label for gluten-containing ingredients such as wheat flour and barley malt syrup. Many brands will also include a note in the ingredients section that mentions whether the product contains common allergens such as gluten.

Keep in mind that even if gluten-containing ingredients arent present in the ice cream, there may be a risk of cross contamination if the ice cream was produced in a facility that handles gluten-containing products.

This is why people who have celiac disease and those who wish to completely avoid gluten should look for a gluten-free label.

All foods labeled gluten-free, free of gluten, no gluten, or without gluten must have less than 20 parts per million of gluten, according to rules set by the Food and Drug Administration .

Other factors to consider before purchasing a gluten-free ice cream include price, available flavors, and additional dietary needs and preferences. For example, some gluten-free ice creams are also dairy-free or vegan.

What Is Gluten Actually

Gluten is a natural protein that occurs mainly in wheat and other cereals. That is why gluten is found in many foods that contain some form of cereal and there are many of them. Cereals containing gluten include wheat, rye, spelt and barley.

Gluten is found so frequently in a wide variety of foods because it offers many beneficial physiological and technological properties. For example, gluten is responsible for flour and water combining to form a sticky dough. This is why gluten is also called gluten protein.

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How Much Gluten Is Safe

For people with celiac disease, research suggests that the usual threshold for gluten consumption 10 milligrams per day.

Having a diet with a gluten content of 20 parts per million should put most people below the 10 mg threshold. The amount of gluten in foods varies widely. Gluten-free products must contain fewer than 20 ppm of gluten, according to a Food and Drug Administration ruling.This means that to hit the 10 mg daily threshold, a person would have to eat 17 slices of gluten-free bread, if each slice contains 20 ppm. Or, for context, they could eat an amount of regular flour the size of a pens tip.

While the FDA have set guidelines about how much gluten many so-called gluten-free products can contain, there are no such rulings for alcoholic beverages or meat, poultry, or certain egg products, which are regulated differently.

As a result, anyone looking to limit their gluten intake needs to check labels carefully and consult staff at restaurants.

The following are some alternatives to products containing gluten:

• buckwheat, as groats or flour
• quinoa, as a grain or flour
• rice, as a grain or flour
• zucchini, carrot, or squash noodles

People on gluten-free diets may also enjoy dishes that do not resemble those containing gluten and are rich in vegetables, fruits, and beans, and pulses.

Sensitization: What Is It

It is referred to as sensitization when an allergic reaction occurs after repeated exposure to a potential allergen. First exposure to an unknown substance usually leads to the body not knowing what to do with it and basically just observing it. After subsequent exposures, it appears to recognize the substance, and if it considers it dangerous, it mounts an attack leading to a full-blown allergic reaction.

There are some instances in which sensitization occurs after a single small exposure, but it is more likely to occur after a single high dose or large surface area exposure or even after repeated exposures. This is why it is recommended to do a patch test every single time you intend to use a hair dye or relaxer.

Common symptoms of sensitization is a rash, scaly skin conditions, contact or atopic dermatitis, inflammation or even eczema.

So with all that said, here are the 4 most common ingredients that cause allergies.

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Where Do I Start

This was my biggest question and the one that caused me the most angst. Once I got started though, it became easier and almost second nature to cook within the parameters of these new food omissions. So, for starters, lets focus on gluten first. Over the next few months, I plan to post more on food allergies and intolerances, specifically gluten and dairy, so please stay tuned.

What Foods And Drinks Contain Gluten

Gluten occurs naturally in certain grains, including

• wheat and types of wheat, such as durum, emmer, semolina, and spelt
• barley, which may be found in malt, malt extract, malt vinegar, and brewers yeast
• triticale, a cross between wheat and rye

Gluten is found in foods that contain ingredients made from these grains, including baked goods, baking mixes, breads, cereals, and pastas. Drinks such as beer, lagers, ale, flavored liquors, and malt beverages may also contain gluten.

Many food ingredients and additivessuch as colorings, flavorings, starches, and thickenersare made from grains that contain gluten. These ingredients are added to many processed foods, including foods that are boxed, canned, frozen, packaged, or prepared. Therefore, gluten may be found in a variety of foods, including candy, condiments, hot dogs and sausages, ice cream, salad dressing, and soups.

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Q: What Should I Do If I Think Im Getting Glutened By My Medicine

A: Your first step should be to call your physician to let them know that youre experiencing symptoms. Do not stop taking prescription medicine without talking to your doctor first. There may be reasons aside from gluten exposure that you are experiencing symptoms, such as side effects of the prescribed medication. It is important to understand that some common side effects of medicines overlap with gluten exposure. Similarly, sugar alcohols in medications can cause significant stomach discomfort that could be easily confused with symptoms of gluten exposure. Beyond Celiac strongly recommends that you share your concerns and any symptoms with your doctor as soon as possible. Call the manufacturer to ask about the sources of their inactive ingredients as well as their production processes and any steps taken to prevent gluten exposure.

Several Processed Foods And Other Items

Many processed foods and other popular items may also harbor gluten. These include:

• meat substitutes, such as veggie burgers and hot dogs
• prepared lunch meats
• canned soups and soup mixes
• puddings and instant dessert mixes
• certain ice creams
• french fries and other fried foods

Summary

Foods that contain gluten include breads, pastas, crackers, baked goods, many grains, and several beverages and processed items.

Though it may seem as if most foods are off-limits when youre intolerant to gluten, many delicious and healthy foods are naturally gluten-free. Plus, quality gluten-free breads, pastas, and crackers are available in most grocery stores.

If youre gluten intolerant, you can enjoy the following foods.

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How Can I Tell If A Food Is Glutenfree

A product labeled gluten-free, no gluten or without gluten is the fastest and easiest way to spot a gluten-free product. Manufactures can use these terms if they comply with the FDA rule of gluten-free. However, the FDA is unable to check every single label and sometimes mistakes are made so check the ingredient list as well if there is a gluten-free claim on the label.

Another way to tell if a product contains gluten is to read the allergen statement on packaged foods. The FDA food allergen labeling law requires food companies to label all foods that have wheat or contain wheat products. The allergen statement is found at the end of the ingredient list on packaged foods if it says contains wheat, this means it has gluten and its unsafe.

The food labeling law does NOT apply to barley, rye, or oats. This means if the allergen statement does not include wheat, you need to continue reading through the ingredient list for the other sources of gluten described above. If you dont see any of those words in the ingredient list, then the food is most likely a safe food.

In the sample ingredient label below, the ingredients are circled in red and the allergen statement is circled in blue. This food, which contains whole grain wheat, is not safe.

There is also a symbol that may appear on packaging of gluten free

Signs Of Fructan Intolerance

Conditions like fructan and fructose intolerance are relatively common, but they can be difficult to recognize and manage. Breath tests are the most common tool used for diagnosis, which work by measuring the production of gases produced following the consumption of a small amount of fructans.

Properly identifying your symptoms can also aid in diagnosis. An intolerance to fructans can cause many symptoms, which may include:

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Foods That May Contain Gluten

These foods must be verified by reading the label or checking with the manufacturer/kitchen staff.

• Energy bars/granola bars some bars may contain wheat as an ingredient, and most use oats that are not gluten-free
• French fries be careful of batter containing wheat flour or cross-contact from fryers
• Potato chips some potato chip seasonings may contain malt vinegar or wheat starch
• Processed lunch meats
• Candy and candy bars
• Soup pay special attention to cream-based soups, which have flour as a thickener. Many soups also contain barley
• Multi-grain or artisan tortilla chips or tortillas that are not entirely corn-based may contain a wheat-based ingredient
• Salad dressings and marinades may contain malt vinegar, soy sauce, flour
• Starch or dextrin if found on a meat or poultry product could be from any grain, including wheat
• Brown rice syrup may be made with barley enzymes
• Meat substitutes made with seitan such as vegetarian burgers, vegetarian sausage, imitation bacon, imitation seafood
• Self-basting poultry

• Does Ranch Have Gluten?

There is more to going gluten-free than just cutting bread out of your diet. If you have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, you want to avoid all forms of gluten. Gluten is found in wheat, barley, rye and triticale, and many food additives are derived from these grains. Know what to look for on a food label to avoid these gluten-containing ingredients.

Lifestyle Changes To Cope With Celiac Disease

A gluten-free diet is the only treatment if youve been diagnosed with celiac disease. Youll have to avoid gluten for the rest of your life. Even the slightest amount will trigger an immune system reaction that can damage your small intestine. Eating a gluten-free diet requires a new approach to food. A gluten-free diet generally means not eating most grains, pasta, cereals, and processed foods. The reason is that they usually contain wheat, rye, and barley. Youll need to become an expert at reading ingredient lists on packages. Choose foods that dont contain gluten. You can still eat a well-balanced diet with many different foods, including meat, fish, rice, fruits, and vegetables, along with prepared foods that are marked gluten-free.

Gluten-free bread, pasta, and other products have long been available at organic food stores and other specialty food shops. Today, you can find gluten-free products in just about every grocery store. Gluten-free dishes are on menus at all kinds of restaurants.

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Database Search For Ingredient Source

One common excipient is starch. The most common type of starch used is from corn, however potato, tapioca, and wheat derived starches are also used. A recent search of medications listed on a National Library of Medicine database, managed in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, showed that there were 8,379 individual products or dosage forms that contained the word starch.

Searching specifically for the word corn reveals 6,518 records, potato reveals 2,934 records, tapioca reveals 17 records, while the word wheat reveals 11 records. The total adds up to more than the 8,379 records because many products have more than one starch contained within the product. This database is called MedlinePlus, and can be accessed here.

A second database maintained by the same government organization lists a total of 70,776 drug records however, not all of the records have been categorized allowing a full search of a drug product based on their ingredients. This database is called DailyMed, and can be accessed here. Both of these sites are extremely helpful in determining the potential for gluten contamination.

What Foods Are High In Gluten

Pastas, crackers, breads and seasonings are few common foods that include gluten.

And believe me it isnt easy to switch the diet. Because of its high nutritional value, many food manufacturing companies incorporate it into their products.

However, there are many more food items that are gluten-free. You can get the list over the web or search celiac online forum.

Now, let me list the foods to avoid with gluten allergy.

Top foods that you must avoid include grains, condiments and seasonings, processed meats, alcoholic beverages, sweets and treats. Apart from this, personal care products that include gluten may trigger allergic reaction, so check the ingredients before applying it over the skin.

• Cakes, pie crust and brownies

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When You Are Eating Out

• Always carry 2 epinephrine autoinjectors. Make sure you and those close to you know how to use it.
• Wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace with your allergy information.
• If you don’t have epinephrine autoinjectors, talk with your healthcare provider. Ask if you should carry them.
• In a restaurant, food may be cross-contaminated with wheat.
• Always read food labels. And always ask about ingredients at restaurants. Do this even if these are foods that you have eaten in the past.
• Don’t eat at buffets with wheat. This reduces your risk for cross-contaminated foods from shared utensils.

Can Help You Lose Weight

Its not unusual to lose weight once you start following a gluten-free diet.

The diet eliminates many high-calorie, processed foods and often replaces them with fruit, vegetables, and lean proteins.

Avoid processed gluten-free foods such as cakes, pastries, and snacks if youre trying to lose weight. They can quickly add a lot of calories to your diet.

Instead, focus on eating plenty of whole, unprocessed foods such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to reach and maintain a moderate weight while also meeting your nutritional needs.

Summary

A gluten-free diet can provide many health benefits, especially for those with celiac disease. It may help ease digestive symptoms, reduce chronic inflammation, boost energy, and promote weight loss.

Despite having a variety of health benefits, a gluten-free diet could also lead to certain side effects and has downsides to consider.

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Caution These Ingredients Contain Gluten Too

Consumers should look out for the following ingredients on the label and avoid any foods, supplements, or vitamins containing the following unless the label indicates they are from a non-gluten source:

• Hydrolyzed vegetable protein
• Vegetable starch or vegetable protein
• Gelatinized starch or pregelatinized starch
• Natural flavorings

How To Order When Youre Dining Out With Celiac Disease

Considering only a small amount of gluten can trigger symptoms, its important for anyone with celiac disease to be aware of the risk for cross-contamination when dining out. For instance, if youre ordering a gluten-free fried food, Dr. Bertiger recommends asking someone knowledgeable at the restaurant how they fry their food. If its fried in the same oil as gluten-containing foods, thats enough to cause a problem, he says. Many restaurants only have one fryer.

Additionally, experts at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommend calling the restaurant ahead of time to talk about your options. When youre ordering, stress to the server that you absolutely need to eat gluten-free. If youd like, you can explain why.

Also, ask detailed questions about ingredients and how food is prepared. This helps the staff understand that youre not eating gluten-free because youre following a trendy diet , but that its a matter of your health.

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