If you know someone who’s on a gluten-free diet or are just exploring the topic yourself you may be wondering if gluten free means entirely wheat free.

The answer is yes. Gluten is a protein that is found in wheat, rye and barley. So not only does gluten free mean wheat free but it means so much more for millions of people who are on a gluten-free diet.

A gluten-free diet is required when someone has celiac disease or a gluten intolerance. This means that their body cannot break down the gluten in foods other people eat on a daily basis. People who have been diagnosed with this intolerance or disease need to be put on a strict diet with absolutely no gluten (even trace amounts).

While it is important that someone on a gluten-free diet know exactly what they can and cannot eat it’s also important that awareness is created across the board. You may not be gluten-free yourself but you may know someone who is. If so, you should be proud of yourself for taking the opportunity to learn about and understand what gluten free means.

Gluten is found in many common foods. It is a great bonding agent so it works well in foods such as breads, pasta, crackers, cookies, sauces, spreads and more. Gluten is also used as a food additive that helps to flavour or thicken many foods. This is more of a hidden source of gluten as not everyone will realize that products like soy sauce or hot chocolate can also be made with gluten and therefor unsafe.

The key for someone on a gluten-free diet is to substitute the grain of wheat for other gluten-free ingredients. When cooking from scratch it is easier to keep food gluten free as one knows exactly what is going into it. However it’s not always possible and so there are specialty gluten-free foods available both through grocery shops and online specialty shops.

Most people who are on a gluten-free diet know very well what they can and can not eat. Children will possibly be less able to spot the potentially problem foods. They will likely need the assistance of an adult who is well-educated in all the possible sources of contamination.

Eating a gluten-free diet may sound overwhelming and difficult at first but it really doesn’t have to be a lifelong curse. The benefits of eating gluten free far outweigh the inconveniences. Knowing that the person with a gluten sensitivity is safe and healthy will be the greatest reward for all the extra effort.

Tags: gluten free, wheat free