Probably by now you're thinking why you're friends are starting to feed on gluten free foods. Such word that is a special kind of protein composite usually contained in wheat, barley, and rye. It is one of the main ingredients used in dough, as such protein is what gives dough its elasticity, helping it to rise and maintain its shape, and often gives the final product a chewy texture. Unfortunately, a wide margin of the world population has sensitivity to this kind of protein, which is why many people are now choosing to consume meals that are void of the aforesaid protein composite.

There are many reasons why people give up such protein. Sometimes they are just conscious about what they eat, but more frequently they are motivated by their medical conditions. This type of protein can bring about several health risks - some of which can endanger the lives of people - and one of them is known as wheat allergy. Just like any other type of allergy, wheat allergy happens when your body reacts to wheat as though it were a hazardous substance, which can show symptoms ranging from skin problems to swelling and closed off airways. Even a small amount of wheat can cause allergic reactions brought about by the relevant protein.

Another major reason why it's best to eat gluten free foods is to avoid Celiac disease, which is a known autoimmune disorder. If a person suffering from Celiac consumes meals that contain the aforesaid protein, his or her body responds by attacking the small intestines where it is digested. Hence, some of the most common symptoms of Celiac disease include gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea and nausea. Because the small intestines function by absorbing the nutrients taken in by the body, their inability to function properly can compromise different body systems in the long term.

With the aforesaid medical issues associated with such protein, it is fairly obvious why many people prefer to eat gluten free foods. Of course, executing a diet plan devoid of such protein type can be a hard endeavor to accomplish. But, if you are truly determined to make it happen in order for you to live a healthier lifestyle, you can start by keeping a meal journal of what you eat. It is also in your best interest to prepare meals that are devoid of such protein composite. Written below are some simple tips that you can follow to make healthy meals.

When shopping for meals in the market, do not forget to carefully check the labels of the products you choose and see if the name of the said protein is apparent. Ingredients like emulsifier, stabilizer, flavoring, starch, and hydrolyzed plant protein are warning signs that the products that you picked contain the relevant protein. When you see any of these words from the label, skip the meal and choose another product.

If you are to prepare or cook meals that need flour, rather than using other flour products, use 100% oat flour. This is because oat flour has been shown to be effective for people suffering from Celiac disease. If possible, set aside the use of soy sauce in your meals unless its label indicates that it does not contain wheat products. More importantly, try to use all-natural products when you cook meals like fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, dairy products, meats, poultry and fish. By carefully planning a menu void of such protein type, not only will you be able to avoid the health risks associated with the said protein, but you will also be able to save yourself from unnecessary expenditures.