Celiac Disease/Gluten Free
More and more people are requiring a gluten-free diet (gluten is found in wheat, rye, barley and oats) for a variety of reasons.
Some individuals have gluten intolerance or sensitivity or wheat allergy, while others have been diagnosed with celiac disease.
What is the difference between celiac disease, gluten intolerance/sensitivity and wheat allergy?
| Symptoms/Facts | Gluten sensitivity disorders (gluten intolerance is a subgroup of gluten sensitivity) and other conditions (1 in 7 people) | Celiac Disease is a subgroup of Gluten sensitivity (1 in 133 people) | Wheat Allergy (6 million people have allergy) |
| Damage to Intestinal Lining | None to Mild | Yes | No |
| Genetic | Unknown | Yes | Unknown |
| Immune System trigger/autoimmune disease | No | Yes | Yes immune system trigger, no autoimmune disease |
| Dermatitis herpetiformis (skin rash) | Yes | Yes | No, but may develop other skin rashes or hives |
| Life-threatening symptoms, swelling, hives | No | No | Yes |
Symptoms of gluten intolerance and Celiac Disease are often mistaken for other disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Common symptoms of Celiac Disease include: weight loss, abdominal pain, iron deficiency anemia, chronic fatigue and depression.
What are the principles of Eating a Gluten-Free Diet?
- Life-long avoidance of gluten (from wheat, rye, barley and oats)
- Read labels for hidden gluten sources
- Avoid cross-contamination
- Choose gluten-free restaurant foods
- Choose gluten-free nutritional supplements and medications
- Choose pure uncontaminated oats
- Eat more whole grains and nutritious grains
- Eat a well-balanced diet, rich in vitamins/minerals
What's Available for UNH Students?
- UNH Dining Services
Dining Services has established guidelines for students with food intolerances - UNH Health Services
The Office of Health Education and Promotion, Health Services provides free nutrition counseling for students with food intolerances.
What are some cooking and shopping resources?
- Specialty Gluten-Free Foods
Comprehensive listing of gluten-free foods in the seacoast area - 20 Quick and Healthy Gluten-Free Snack and Mini Meal Ideas
Great snack and meal Ideas - Naturally Gluten-Free Foods
Getting you started on your gluten-free diet - Quick and Easy Gluten-Free Meals
Great gluten-free recipes that are delicious - Eating Out with Celiac Disease
A local restaurant guide for gluten-free eating in the seacoast area
Which Restaurants are Gluten-Free?
- The Gluten-Free Restaurant Awareness Program (GFRAP)
- The Essential Gluten-Free Restaurant Guide, Triumph Dining
- A Local Restaurant Guide to Eating Out
How can I be sure my medications do not contain gluten?
Gluten Free Resources
Books and Magazines
- Gluten Free Living Magazine
- Journal of Gluten Sensitivity
- Living Without Magazine
- Gluten-Free Cooking for Dummies by Danna Korn and Connie Sarros
- Gluten-Free Quick and Easy by Carol Fenster
- The Gluten-Free Vegetarian Kitchen: Nutritious and Delicious Gluten-Free, Wheat-Free Dishes by Donna Klein
- Gluten-Free Diet: A Comprehensive Resource Guide by Shelly Case
Websites
- Celiac Disease
- Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004
- Celiac Disease Foundation
- The University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center
- National Digestive Diseases-Celiac Diseases
- Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG)
- Gluten Free Travel
- Gluten Free Recipes
For more information or to make an appointment to see UNH Nutrition Counselor, Maria Larkin, RD, LD, M.Ed. Nutrtition Counseling is free to all UNH students who have paid their health fee. Appointments can be made online or by calling (603)862-3823
Special thanks to Heather Timins, UNH student for contributing resources.
