Lifestyle and home remedies
By Mayo Clinic staffIf you've been diagnosed with celiac disease, you'll need to avoid all foods that contain gluten. Ask your doctor for a referral to a dietitian, who can help you plan a healthy gluten-free diet.
Here's an overview of foods that contain gluten and gluten-free foods that are safe to eat.
Always avoid
Avoid food and drinks containing:
- Barley
- Bulgur
- Durum
- Farina
- Graham flour
- Malt
- Rye
- Semolina
- Spelt (a form of wheat)
- Triticale
- Wheat
Read labels
Packaged foods should be avoided unless they're labeled as gluten-free or have no gluten-containing ingredients. In addition to cereals, pastas and baked goods — such as breads, cakes, pies and cookies — other packaged foods that may contain gluten include:
- Beer
- Candies
- Gravies
- Imitation meats or seafood
- Processed luncheon meats
- Salad dressings and sauces, including soy sauce
- Self-basting poultry
- Soups
Certain grains, such as oats, can be contaminated with wheat during growing and processing. It's not clear whether oats are harmful for most people with celiac disease, but doctors generally recommend avoiding oats unless they are specifically labeled gluten-free. Occasionally, even pure oats can be a problem for people with celiac disease.
Allowed foods
Many basic foods are allowed in a gluten-free diet, including:
- Fresh meats, fish and poultry that aren't breaded, batter-coated or marinated
- Fruits
- Most dairy products
- Potatoes
- Vegetables
- Wine and distilled liquors, ciders and spirits
Grains and starches allowed in a gluten-free diet include:
- Amaranth
- Arrowroot
- Buckwheat
- Corn
- Cornmeal
- Gluten-free flours (rice, soy, corn, potato, bean)
- Pure corn tortillas
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Tapioca
Fortunately for bread and pasta lovers with celiac disease, an increasing number of gluten-free products are available. If you can't find any at your local bakery or grocery store, check online. There are gluten-free substitutes for many gluten-containing foods.
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