Sometimes it is found that people are unable to digest certain foodstuffs. This condition is known as food intolerance which causes a lot of discomfort in people. The celiac disease, also known as coeliac disease, is one such disorder that arises when a person is unable to tolerate wheat or gluten containing foodstuffs. It is an autoimmune disorder of the intestines and can be found in people of all age groups. Causes and Symptoms of Celiac Disease The exact cause of celiac disease is unknown, however, it is believed that it can be hereditary and passed to immediate family members in some cases. When a person suffering from this disorder eats foodstuffs containing gluten, he/she suffers from severe reactions. In chronic conditions, this results in damage of the small intestine. The weakened intestine is unable to digest proteins and other essential nutrients in the body. Diarrhea and upset stomach are the immediate symptoms of celiac disease. On the other hand, mouth sores, abdominal pain, bloating, cramping in muscle, etc. are the other symptoms of this disease. There is no prescribed treatment for this disease. However, it is possible to overcome and prevent this condition by following a proper diet. Diet for Celiac Disease If you experience the above mentioned symptoms, you should consult the doctor immediately to diagnose the condition. If you are diagnosed with it, you need to follow the following celiac disease diet plan to prevent the occurrence of the symptoms in future. Foods to Avoid As it is clear that this condition arises only on consumption of gluten containing foods, one should completely avoid eating these foodstuffs. The following are the foods included in the diet.

• Wheat, wheat germ, barley, rye in any form
• Bread, cereals and pasta
• Cookies and cakes
• Tortillas, pancakes and waffles
• Processed foods like soups and sauces
• Potato chips, bagels and pretzels
• Wheat germ oil and mixed vegetable oil
• Certain candies and ice creams
• Beer, whiskey, bourbon

Foods to Eat Although not allowed to eat wheat, a person can have a balanced diet when suffering from celiac disease. The following is the list of foods that are safe to consume.

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Nuts
• Rice
• Soy
• Quinoa, millet, buckwheat, bean flour
• Potato flour
• Meat and fish
• Eggs
• Sunflower oil and olive oil
• Cheese, butter, milk
• Sugar, jams, jellies
• Honey

Diet Guidelines A person suffering from celiac disease should follow this diet very strictly if he wishes to overcome this condition. The foodstuffs containing gluten should be completely cut down from the diet. As an alternative, he can go for other foodstuffs, or look out for gluten-free versions. Many foodstuffs with gluten-free versions are available in supermarkets. It is advisable to see the label of every packaged foodstuff and product and check whether it contains gluten or not. On the other hand, when eating out, you can ask the ingredients of the dish to the waiter or go for other safer options. Sometimes, certain drugs or medications may also contain gluten and it is only advisable to read ingredients of medications or inquire the chemist about it. Sometimes, if the ingredients are not clear, you can even request the manufacturers for the same. It also helps to inform all the family members of your condition and diet to prevent the disease from getting severe. Although it may seem difficult to follow the diet initially, after some days, it may change into a habit to look out for labels and go only for gluten-free foods. Lastly, remember that following a diet is the only way to treat and prevent this condition effectively. The diet and food list mentioned here is only for informative purposes; you should consult a doctor before making changes in your diet. Take care!