The Gluten-Free Diet is a diet that is considered essential for those with gluten intolerance (celiac disease) or gluten-induced skin sensitivity (dermatitis herpetiformis). The Gluten-Free Diet involves avoiding all food containing gluten.

Principle of the gluten free diet

Gluten is a mixture of proteins found in some cereals, such as wheat, rye and barley. In people with celiac disease, eating gluten products can cause diarrhea or constipation, abdominal pain, vitamin deficiencies, weight loss, headaches and chronic fatigue.

For people with gluten intolerance, eating gluten can cause damage to the small intestine. This damage can cause problems with malabsorption of nutrients and vitamins. People with long-term damage to the intestines can also have problems such as calcium deficiency.

In order to prevent further damage and to allow the body to heal, people with gluten intolerance are advised to avoid all foods containing gluten.

What are you allowed to eat on a gluten-free diet?

• Arrowroot;
• Buckwheat;
• Potato flour;
• Rice, rice bran and rice flour;
• Sago;
• Tapioca;
• Soya, soya bran and soya flour;
• Most dairy products;
• Fruit and vegetables;
• Most meat – such as poultry, red meat and seafood.

What is forbidden on a gluten free diet?

• Wheat – such as pasta and wholemeal bread;
• Barley and pearl barley;
• Rye;
• Semolina;
• Most sausages;
• Most processed and fried foods – including those using breadcrumbs or batter.

Pros and Cons of a gluten-free diet

The Gluten-Free Diet is essential for those with gluten intolerance. Gluten intolerance is not curable and the only way to prevent and reverse damage is to remove all forms of gluten from the diet.

The Gluten-Free Diet can be difficult at first, because it requires diligence from the user. You will have to check all food ingredients carefully -including sauces and condiments - to ensure it does not use products containing gluten.

The Gluten-Free Diet is quite strict, but with an open-minded approach you can still enjoy a wide-ranging, varied diet.

A person with gluten intolerance can live a normal, healthy life on the Gluten-Free Diet.

Daily and Weekly Plans for a gluten-free diet

There are no daily or weekly plans for the Gluten-Free Diet. The diet is intended to control celiac disease, not to lose weight.

Expected Weight Loss on a gluten-free diet

There are no reports on weight loss.

Gluten Free Diet Rating

Ease: 3/5 – Difficult at first due to restrictions.

Balance: 5/5 – Very well-balanced.

Maintenance: 5/5 – Once over the adjustment period, it can be easily maintained.

Overall: 5/5