Food for Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is a digestive disorder that affects children and adults. Those who have celiac disease need to follow a gluten-free diet to avoid getting sick. There are specific foods that should be avoided, but there are still many food options available.

Significance

• The Celiac Disease Foundation states that one out of 133 people in the United States has celiac disease. Celiac disease is a digestive disorder that causes immune reactions to gluten, a protein found in grains, including wheat, rye and barley.

Features

• According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, symptoms include recurring abdominal pain, bloating or gas, chronic constipation or diarrhea, unexplained weight loss/gain, anemia, fatigue, failure to thrive (in infants) and infertility.

Food to Avoid

• The Celiac Disease Foundation states that any form of wheat should be avoided, including durum, graham, semolina, spelt and kamut. Pastas, cereals, stuffings and breading mixes should be examined to ensure they do not contain gluten.

Safe Food

• Grains that people with celiac disease can eat include rice, corn, potato, beans, quinoa, millet, buckwheat, amaranth, nut flours, flax and arrowroot. Other safe foods include meat, vegetables and fruits, eggs, cheese and anything labeled "gluten-free."

Famous Ties

• "The View" co-host and Survivor participant Elisabeth Hasselbeck, CNN anchor Heidi Collins, actress Jennifer Esposito and news anchor Keith Olbermann have celiac disease.