Celiac Diet Basics
Has a care provider diagnosed you with Celiac Disease? Learn the basics to make diet changes to improve your health, and seek support from a Registered Dietitian.
What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease estimated to affect 1 in 100 people worldwide, but only about 30% are properly diagnosed. The disease is hereditary, meaning that it runs in families. People with a first-degree relative with celiac disease (parent, child, sibling) have a 1 in 10 risk of developing celiac disease. It is a serious disease that leads to damage in the small intestine if gluten is ingested.
Celiac Diet Basics:
Getting a diagnosis of Celiac disease can feel overwhelming but let’s look at some of the basics. If you don’t know where to start just stick with fresh produce and protein. There’s no gluten in fresh fruits and vegetables so those are always a safe choice. Protein that is not breaded or marinated can be added in as well. And let’s not forget naturally gluten free grains like rice or quinoa. An example would be meat and veggie kebabs over a bed of rice. If you want to add your favorite seasoning or marinade just look for the certified Gluten-free label. If you don’t see the certified Gluten-free label you can check the ingredient list. Here is a link to a great resource that examples what to look for when checking for Gluten:
Gluten-free Diet Food for thought:
Just because a food is Gluten-free does NOT mean it’s healthy. Remember, a Gluten-free diet is for people that cannot tolerate Gluten, it’s not a weight loss diet. Marketing can fool consumers into thinking that Gluten-free foods are healthy but let’s remember that a Gluten-free cookie is equally as unhealthy as a regular cookie when consumed in excess. Reading labels can get tricky so use trusted resources to help you navigate your way down the aisles. There are apps that can help with label reading and apps like Find me Gluten Free that can help you find a restaurant in your area that serves gluten free options.
As always, feel free to call the office or message our care team in your patient portal if you feel you would benefit from meeting with our in house Dietitian.
- Nicole Moretta, MS, RD, CDN,
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist at Inspired Health Group