A gluten-free diet (GF diet) is a diet that excludes foods containing gluten. Gluten is a protein composite found in wheat (including kamut and spelt), barley, rye and triticale.
A gluten-free diet is the only medically accepted treatment for celiac disease.Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease attacking the small intestine due to the presence of gluten.
Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is a form of celiac disease in which gluten causes the immune system to attack the skin; therefore a gluten-free diet is essential. People with these diseases are considered gluten intolerant.[2] There is a minority of people who suffer from wheat intolerance alone and are tolerant to gluten. Gluten sensitivity is another reason people will choose to go gluten-free
A wheat allergy is an immediate immune system response to a protein in the wheat, which your body mistakenly recognises as dangerous. Wheat is a common food allergen, especially in children. Common symptoms associated with wheat allergy include chronic gastrointestinal disturbances, infections, asthma, eczema, acne, joint pains, fatigue and migraine. Although relatively rare, a wheat allergy could conceivably cause anaphylactic shock
Symptoms of wheat intolerance can include poor digestion, bloating and wind, fatigue, headaches and joint pains. People who are sensitive to wheat may be able to tolerate the other gluten grains i.e. oats, barley and rye.
