A Diet Free of Wheat
Wheat and wheat products are very common in Western diets and up until a few years ago it was very difficult to find good alternatives for people suffering from an allergy or intolerance. The protein, called gluten, can cause very serious health problems in certain people. Gluten is present in products containing wheat, rye, barley and oats. By choosing a diet that is wheat and/or gluten-free, you could experience a relief from the symptoms caused by these ingredients.
Ingredients to avoid when allergic
- Bulgar wheat
- Couscous
- Flour: cake and pastry, durum, gluten, graham, wheat flour, whole wheat flour
- Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP)
- Semolina
- Wheat bran
- Wheat germ
- Wheat starch
Note: Buckwheat is not wheat but related to the rhubarb family.
Foods to avoid when you are allergic
Bread, pretzels, muffins, croissants, pancakes, pastries, sandwiches, cereals, cookies, cakes, bagels, pies, pasta Less obvious but also likely Many lunchmeats, frozen dinners, ice cream, prepared gravies, sauces, breaded seafood, cheese spreads, salad dressings, breaded meat, most prepared foods, hot dogs, malted milks, ale and beer, wheat-based soy sauce, candies containing wheat or gluten, alcohol products derived from grain, white vinegars distilled from grain.
Immediate type allergy
Immediate-type, wheat allergy is caused by an IgE reaction to one or more of the proteins found in this grain. Wheat contains four types of protein:
- Globulins
- Albumins
- Glutenins
- Gliadins
Allergic reactions to wheat and other cereals are most common in children and usually resolve within the first few years of life. Symptoms of this allergy allergy (IgE mediated) may include rhinitis, asthma ,urticaria, angiodema and conjunctivitis. People suffering from this type of allergy may also develop loose faeces, abdominal pain and worsening of eczema (which tend to occur within a few of hours of eating wheat or other cereals to which an individual is allergic to).
Some people only get symptoms after exercise. These reactions are often quite severe in nature. This is known as exercise-induced anaphylaxis. Symptoms, typically asthma-like, have also been reported in people working in bakeries, due to inhaling flour.
Wheat and cereal allergy is occasionally seen for the first time in adults. Many suffer from allergic rhinitis to grass pollen (hay fever) as well.
Tips for living with this allergy
Ask your doctor about other grains. When you have a wheat allergy, you may or may not be allergic to some other grains, too.
Always check labels. Allergic reactions to wheat can range from stomach upset to asthma-like symptoms to anaphylaxis, which is an emergency. Foods that have wheat must say so on the label. Check them to avoid a reaction.
Beware of wheat outside the kitchen. Wreaths and garlands may include wheat. Some children’s play dough also has wheat in it. Other non-food items may, too.
Bake with other flours. If a recipe calls for flour, try rice flour, potato starch flour, corn flour, or soy flour instead. Experiment to find the one that gives you the best texture.
Do you have any questions or concerns regarding your health after reading this post, please contact me on 07967 639347 or email emily@4wellpeople.co.uk to find out how 4Well People can assist you in your dietary needs. I see people from various central locations in Ealing, West London.
