Gluten-Free Diet? A Beginner's Guide + Food List

Gluten-free diets have grown in popularity over the past few years.

Now, more grocery shelves and restaurant menus offer gluten-free alternatives and designations.

Some stores even have specific aisles dedicated to gluten-free products.

With more gluten-free awareness happening, many people are wondering about how to eat a gluten-free diet and who should avoid gluten.

What Is a Gluten-Free Diet?

When following a gluten-free diet or GF diet for short, it’s important to avoid wheat, barley, rye, and oats as these contain protein, gluten.

The name “gluten” comes from the Latin word for “glue,” because it forms a sticky web-like structure.

This gives the bread a distinctive chewiness (1).

There have been many studies done on people with Celiac disease and a GF diet.

There are also people who suffer from gluten intolerances and sensitivities (2, 3).

If you have Celiac disease and consume gluten, you will experience acute gastrointestinal distress as well as other symptoms because your body cannot process gluten in any way.

For those with gluten intolerance or sensitivity, you may find your symptoms are more mild, such as bloating, gas, constipation, headaches, brain fog, or worsening of symptoms otherwise associated with an inflammatory condition (such as psoriasis).

How Does It Work?

When consuming a gluten-free diet, all gluten-containing products must be avoided.

Gluten is found in wheat, barley, and rye.

All products that use wheat, barley, or rye must be eliminated from the diet. Foods that feature rice, potato, or other starches are acceptable, and so are fruits, vegetables, and proteins.

Who Benefits From the Gluten-Free Diet?

The most common reason to eat gluten-free foods is a diagnosis of Celiac disease. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that impacts about 1% of the US population (4).

Left untreated, it can lead to damage to the gastrointestinal tract.

Treatment for Celiac disease includes completely avoiding gluten entirely and being careful about cross-contaminated products (3, 4).

People who suffer from non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten intolerance, or wheat allergies also avoid gluten.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder, in which the body does not produce gliadin, an enzyme needed to break down gluten properly.

Because of this, the body sees gluten as a “threat” that needs to be removed.

During this attempt to remove gluten from the body, damage often occurs to the intestines.

Over time, this can lead to nutrient deficiencies because the body does not have enough time to properly absorb nutrition from food, particularly in the small intestine.

Other issues include anemia and severe digestive problems (5).

When gluten is consumed, people with Celiac disease may experience sudden and sharp stomach pain, diarrhea, bloating, gas, constipation, abdominal discomfort and cramping, skin rashes, weight loss, anemia, fatigue, and depression (2).

Very rarely, gluten ataxia can occur, a condition where the body attacks its own immune system when gluten is eaten.

This condition is marked by impaired coordination and can seem as if a person is drunk or under the influence. If these symptoms occur, call your doctor.

Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity

In recent years, people have learned more about non-celiac gluten sensitivity.

These individuals do not meet the criteria for a celiac disease diagnosis or wheat allergy, but still, have symptoms when they consume gluten.

It is believed that non-celiac gluten sensitivity affects 0.5-13% of people (3, 6).

Symptoms can be similar to those experienced with celiac disease, such as stomach pain, bloating, gas, changes in bowel habits, fatigue, and skin rashes (3).

More research is needed to determine how many people have this sensitivity and what causes it. Nevertheless, some evidence shows that gluten sensitivity exists (7).

There are some inflammatory conditions that may improve when gluten is avoided, such as psoriasis or arthritis.

For example, it is believed that about one-quarter of psoriasis patients are also sensitive to gluten, and have anti-gliadin or anti-endomysial antibodies in their bodies.

These patients may notice that the symptoms associated with psoriasis improve when they consume a GF diet (8).

Others have noted an improvement in joint pain when eating foods that are naturally gluten-free, as this may be due to psoriatic or rheumatoid arthritis.

Health Benefits

If you have Celiac disease, eating GF foods will obviously improve your health by improving the uncomfortable symptoms associated with celiac disease.

It may also help the body absorb nutrients properly and lead to fewer deficiencies, anemia, and even weight gain.

Additionally, if you have a gluten intolerance or sensitivity, you will likely notice an improvement in symptoms when avoiding gluten.

Foods to Avoid: Gluten-Containing Foods

There are many foods that contain gluten from wheat, rye, or barley.

It is important to note that it is still possible to enjoy whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and proteins when adopting a gluten-free lifestyle.

One category to be mindful of are processed foods.

Sometimes these foods are clearly labeled gluten-free or GF, but sometimes they are not. It is important to read the ingredients and food labels when living gluten-free.

Gluten-Containing Grains:

Wheat (derivatives: wheat belly, durum, farina
Barley
Malt
Bulgur
Cross-contaminated oats (check the label to ensure the food is gluten-free)
Rye
Triticale
Couscous
Wheat flours
Farro

Wheat Products:

Pasta
Wheat flour
Bagels
Cookies
Cereals
Bread, unless labeled gluten-free
Cakes
Pies
Muffins
Crackers
Burger buns
Pizza
Hot dogs (buns)
Breading
Condiments, seasonings, dips, & sauces with gluten (read the label)
Seitan
Soy sauce
Snack foods
Gravies & sauces (may contain gluten as a thickening agent)
Salad dressings (may contain gluten thickener)
Malt flavoring
Food additives
Malt vinegar

Beverages:

beer
lagers
malt beverages
some wine coolers

Cross-Contaminated / Gluten-Containing Proteins:

sausages
salami
corned beef
seitan

Gluten-Free Food List and Substitutes

After reading over long lists of foods to avoid, many people are left wondering, “What’s gluten-free? What can I eat?”

There are many healthy foods that are naturally free of gluten. You can still enjoy all the major food groups.

Gluten-Free Grains and Grain Alternatives:

brown rice
white rice
Basmati rice
Jasmine rice
red rice
cassava
corn
quinoa
amaranth
buckwheat

GF Cereals:

Oats and oatmeal
Grits and cornmeal

*Note: These grains are naturally gluten-free but may be processed in a factory that handles other gluten-containing whole grains or products, so cross-contamination may occur.

If you are sensitive, look out for special labels designating they are free from gluten, like gluten-free oats.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are naturally GF foods.

Fruits:

All fresh fruit
Frozen fruit- check the label for any sauces or thickeners were added
Canned fruit – check the label for any sauces or thickeners were added
Fruit spreads – make sure to check the label

Vegetables:

All fresh vegetables including green beans, potatoes, and leafy greens.
Canned vegetables- check labels for any sauces or thickeners were added
Frozen vegetables- check labels for any sauces or thickeners were added

Protein Sources:

All fresh red meats: beef, pork, lamb
All fresh poultry: chicken, turkey
All fresh seafood
Eggs
Beans and legumes
Processed meats such as cold cuts – check labels for any sauces or thickeners were added
Canned meats and fish – check labels for any sauces or thickeners were added
Frozen meat or fish products – check labels for any sauces or thickeners were added

Nuts & Seeds:

All nuts and seeds are naturally gluten-free
Nuts with candy or other coating or seasoning – check labels for gluten-containing ingredients

Gluten-Free Flour Alternatives:

Potato flour
Rice flour
Coconut flour
Almond flour
Oat flour

*Note: check online for gluten-free baking recipes that use alternative flours, as these may need to be used in different ratios than wheat or all-purpose flours.

Fats:

All vegetable and seed oils
coconut oil
olive oil

Drinks:

100% fruit juices
Water
Ciders
Soda
Coffee
Tea
Sports drinks, smoothies, and less than 100% juices – check ingredient labels

Dairy Products:

Milk
Cheese
Yogurt – check labels of flavored yogurts to ensure no gluten-containing thickeners were used

Herbs & Spices:

All fresh and dried herbs
All fresh and dried spices

Gluten-Free Alcoholic Beverages:

Wine
Potato Vodka (some vodkas are made from wheat or barley and will contain gluten)
Cider
Gluten-free beers
Other distilled spirits (rum, bourbon, whiskey, tequila, scotch, gin, brandy, etc)

Risks of Eating a Gluten-Free Diet

While popular, a gluten-free diet isn’t advisable for everyone.

The biggest risk of eating a GF diet is that wheat, barley, and rye are otherwise healthy grains that contain a variety of nutrients.

In fact, many products containing barley, rye, and wheat are high in B vitamins and fiber.

It is entirely possible to consume sufficient and recommended amounts of fiber on a GF diet, but people following this diet may find they need to pay extra attention to fiber-rich foods.

Additionally, there is the drawback of extra expense.

In recent years, more GF products have become widely available at supermarkets and grocery stores, but often, gluten-free alternatives and products are more expensive than conventional counterparts.

The Bottom Line

A gluten-free diet is one that eliminates gluten by avoiding wheat, barley, and rye products.

There are many people who follow a GF diet for health reasons, including a diagnosis of Celiac disease, gluten intolerance or sensitivity, or may have an inflammatory condition that improves on a GF diet.

There is a large variety of naturally gluten-free foods and new GF products are hitting market shelves regularly.

It is possible to eat a healthy gluten-free diet.

If you are considering going gluten-free, meet with your healthcare provider or a dietitian to discuss how to incorporate new foods into your diet, and avoid gluten.

Sources:

Tilley KA;Benjamin RE;Bagorogoza KE;Okot-Kotber BM;Prakash O;Kwen H; “Tyrosine Cross-Links: Molecular Basis of Gluten Structure and Function.” Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11368646/.
Dewar DH;Donnelly SC;McLaughlin SD;Johnson MW;Ellis HJ;Ciclitira PJ; “Celiac Disease: Management of Persistent Symptoms in Patients on a Gluten-Free Diet.” World Journal of Gastroenterology, U. (hitechgazette) S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22493548/.
Elli L;Branchi F;Tomba C;Villalta D;Norsa L;Ferretti F;Roncoroni L;Bardella MT; “Diagnosis of Gluten Related Disorders: Celiac Disease, Wheat Allergy and Non-Celiac Glute Sensitivity.” World Journal of Gastroenterology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26109797/.
Ludvigsson JF;Card TR;Kaukinen K;Bai J;Zingone F;Sanders DS;Murray JA; “Screening for Celiac Disease in the General Population and in High-Risk Groups.” United European Gastroenterology Journal, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25922671/.
Wierdsma NJ;van Bokhorst-de van der Schueren MA;Berkenpas M;Mulder CJ;van Bodegraven AA; “Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies Are Highly Prevalent in Newly Diagnosed Celiac Disease Patients.” Nutrients, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24084055/.
Catassi C;Elli L;Bonaz B;Bouma G;Carroccio A;Castillejo G;Cellier C;Cristofori F;de Magistris L;Dolinsek J;Dieterich W;Francavilla R;Hadjivassiliou M;Holtmeier W;Körner U;Leffler DA;Lundin KE;Mazzarella G;Mulder CJ;Pellegrini N;Rostami K;Sanders D;Skodje . “Diagnosis of No-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS): The Salerno Experts’ Criteria.” Nutrients, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26096570/.
Biesiekierski, Jessica R, and Julie Iven. “Non-Coeliac Gluten Sensitivity: Piecing the Puzzle Together.” United European Gastroenterology Journal, SAGE Publications, Apr. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4406911/.
“Do Gluten-Free Diets Improve Psoriasis?” Do Gluten-Free Diets Improve Psoriasis? | National Psoriasis Foundation, www.psoriasis.org/advance/do-gluten-free-diets-improve-psoriasis.