{"id":64457,"date":"2026-08-26T18:09:30","date_gmt":"2026-08-26T18:09:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/?p=64457"},"modified":"2026-08-26T19:23:58","modified_gmt":"2026-08-26T19:23:58","slug":"celiac-disease-diet-a-practical-guide-to-eating-gluten-free-in-canada","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cdhf.ca\/en\/celiac-disease-diet-a-practical-guide-to-eating-gluten-free-in-canada\/","title":{"rendered":"Celiac Disease Diet: A Practical Guide to Eating Gluten-Free\u00a0in Canada\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The treatment for celiac disease is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet. This means avoiding wheat, barley, rye, and triticale, and choosing oats labelled gluten-free. A balanced celiac disease diet can include naturally gluten-free foods such as vegetables, fruits, eggs, plain meat and fish, dairy products, beans, lentils, rice, quinoa, corn and potatoes. It is also important to read food labels and prevent cross-contact with gluten. <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Finding out you have celiac disease can feel overwhelming at first. You may be wondering what you can eat, whether your kitchen is safe, or how to tell if a product is truly gluten-free. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A celiac disease diet does not have to mean bland meals, endless restrictions, or giving up the foods and traditions you love. With a few label-reading habits, practical kitchen tips, and a focus on naturally gluten-free foods, you can build meals that are safe, balanced, and nourishing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This guide will help you feel more confident navigating gluten-free eating, one meal at a time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a Celiac Disease Diet? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition. When someone with celiac disease eats gluten, their immune system reacts and damages the small, finger-like structures in the small intestine called villi. These villi help the body absorb nutrients, so damage to them can lead to poor nutrient absorption and other health problems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The treatment is simple to explain, but it takes practice to live: a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is there medicine to treat celiac disease?<\/em> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avoiding gluten is currently the only treatment for celiac disease. There is no medication or supplement that can replace a gluten-free diet. Once gluten is removed from the diet, the small intestine can begin to heal, and many symptoms may improve over time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

 (Want to know more about how celiac disease affects your body? Check out this Celiac Disease overview<\/a>.) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meet BROW + T: The Main Grains to Avoid <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here’s a simple trick to help you remember the main gluten-containing grains: Think of BROW<\/strong> + T<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Letter<\/strong> <\/td>Grain<\/strong> <\/td>Watch Out For<\/strong> <\/td><\/tr>
B<\/strong> <\/td>Barley <\/td>Malt, beer, soups, cereals, and malt vinegar <\/td><\/tr>
R<\/strong> <\/td>Rye <\/td>Rye bread, crackers, cereals, and baked goods <\/td><\/tr>
O<\/strong> <\/td>Oats <\/td>Safe only when specifically labelled gluten-free <\/td><\/tr>
W<\/strong> <\/td>Wheat <\/td>Most breads, pastas, baked goods, sauces, and many packaged foods  <\/td><\/tr>
T <\/strong> <\/td>Triticale <\/td>A wheat-rye hybrid found in some specialty breads, cereals, and flours <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Why are oats different?  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Oats don’t naturally contain gluten. But they’re often grown or processed near wheat, barley, and rye, so tiny bits of gluten can sneak in. Choose oats that are clearly labelled gluten-free. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wheat can also appear on ingredient lists under several names. Here are some other names for wheat to watch for: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • Bulgur <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Durum <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Einkorn <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Emmer <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Farina <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Farro <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Graham flour <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Kamut <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Semolina <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Spelt <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Wheatberries <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Also check for malt and brewer\u2019s yeast, which can be derived from gluten-containing grains. When in doubt, read the full ingredient list and choose a product labelled gluten-free. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Celiac Disease Diet Reels <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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