The origin of gluten intolerance is poorly understood. Certain genetic and environmental factors could be the cause. The eating habits of infants may also play a role in the development of gluten intolerance in adulthood.
Not easy to go overnight to a “no glu” diet when you have just been diagnosed as “intolerant“or that celiac disease has been detected. Focus on the rules to follow to avoid the complications caused by this food allergy.
Gluten intolerance: foods to watch out for
Many foods contain gluten. This is the case, for example, of certain cereals such as barley, wheat, rye, spelled, oats, kamut or bulgur, but also of all their derivatives: pasta, bread, semolina, flour, flakes, without forgetting beer.
But gluten is also hidden in many processed products. It is in fact used in the food industry to provide binder. It is therefore often found in prepared meals and other industrial foods, such as cookies, certain tomato sauces, yogurts or cheeses, bouillon cubes, etc. Certain medicines and other food supplements are also to be banned, their coating containing gluten.
When it comes to labels, beware of names such as malt, starch, hydrolyzed vegetable proteins, anti-caking agents, thickeners: it is often gluten!
And if you test your knowledge on the gluten-free diet?
What to replace gluten with?
If you are gluten intolerant, it is recommended that you adopt a simple diet, including fresh foods, as less processed as possible. It is therefore safe to consume fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry and fish, and most dairy products.
Replace barley, wheat, rye and other grains containing gluten with from rice, soy, millet, quinoa, corn, potatoes, chickpeas, chestnuts or lentils.
Discover here some tasty gluten-free recipes
Do not forget also that you can consume these cereals in the form of flour: practical for the preparation of your cakes and other small dishes! Unless you prefer almond or coconut powder? The corn flower, such as Maïzena, is also authorized: it is perfect for thickening your sauces in no time at all.
To replace your bread, also consider the bread machine. Practical, it will allow you to prepare your own breads by making them with gluten-free flour.
Finally, know that you can find many prepared meals guaranteed without gluten in organic stores.
Read also: How to choose your gluten-free pasta
