Diseases and Conditions

Celiac disease

Lifestyle and home remedies

If 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.

Read labels

Avoid packaged foods unless they're labeled as gluten-free or have no gluten-containing ingredients, including emulsifiers and stabilizers that can contain gluten. In addition to cereals, pastas and baked goods, other packaged foods that can contain gluten include:

  • Beers, lagers, ales and malt vinegars
  • Candies
  • Gravies
  • Imitation meats or seafood
  • Processed luncheon meats
  • Rice mixes
  • Salad dressings and sauces, including soy sauce
  • Seasoned snack foods, such as tortilla and potato chips
  • Seitan
  • Self-basting poultry
  • Soups

Pure oats aren't harmful for most people with celiac disease, but oats can be contaminated by wheat during growing and processing. Ask your doctor if you can try eating small amounts of pure oat products.

Allowed foods

Many basic foods are allowed in a gluten-free diet, including:

  • Eggs
  • Fresh meats, fish and poultry that aren't breaded, batter-coated or marinated
  • Fruits
  • Lentils
  • Most dairy products, unless they make your symptoms worse
  • Nuts
  • Potatoes
  • Vegetables
  • Wine and distilled liquors, ciders and spirits

Grains and starches allowed in a gluten-free diet include:

  • Amaranth
  • Buckwheat
  • Corn
  • Cornmeal
  • Gluten-free flours (rice, soy, corn, potato, bean)
  • Pure corn tortillas
  • Quinoa
  • Rice
  • Tapioca
  • Wild rice

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