Written by Lisa Kunstler, FodShop Nutritionist, Personal Trainer, and Group Fitness Instructor

What is a Gluten Free Diet and Who Needs it?

A gluten free diet excludes foods that contain the gluten protein. This protein, in many cases, cannot be naturally digested by the body, and can even cause damage to the stomach lining, triggering symptoms of diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, and flatulence.

 A gluten free diet is recommended to individuals with non-coeliac gluten sensitives, such as those with irritable bowel syndrome and gluten intolerance, as well as coeliac’s disease, and dermatitis herpetiformis.

To learn the difference between IBS and Coeliac's Disease, click HERE.

What Are Some Gluten Free Foods?

Delicious and naturally gluten free foods include fruit, vegetables, legumes, eggs, beans, nuts, lean meats and poultry, seafood and fish, and dairy. These foods are the most healthy and cost-effective way to live on a gluten free diet.

 Wholegrains, pastas, bread, and cereals contain gluten. However, there are plenty of grains that are gluten free including, but not limited to: quinoa, nut flours, sorghum, rice, soy, tapioca, corn, chia, flax, millet, and gluten-free oats. There are also great substitutes for gluten-containing foods, like gluten-free pastas, breads, and cereals, that can be found easily in the gluten free sections of supermarkets.

 It is important to remember that wheat free does not necessarily mean the product is gluten free. Always read labels on packaged and processed foods like oats, sauces, soups, beverages, and frozen produce and check for the clearly labelled gluten allergen warning. Sometimes these foods can contain hidden gluten and so it is always important to check food labels. If the product contains less than 20 parts per million of gluten, it is considered safe for consumption.

What is GluteGuard and How Does it Work?

GluteGuard is a supplement containing a natural enzyme, Caricain. This enzyme helps to digest the gluten protein when taken in its tablet form before any meal, minimising the impact of symptoms triggered by accidental gluten ingestion.

 GluteGuard is suitable for adults 18 years and over with medically diagnosed gluten sensitivities, including coeliac disease, dermatitis herpetiformis, and non-coeliac gluten sensitivities. Its efficacy and safety have been established by gold standard, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trials. 

If you’re dining out, travelling, or socialising with family and friends, GluteGuard is the perfect choice for protecting yourself against risks of gluten cross-contamination whilst following a gluten free diet.

GluteGuard is available at FodShop, Australia’s leading low FODMAP diet store, and GF Nation, your one stop shop for all your gluten free needs. To purchase GluteGuard, click HERE.

*Patients should be instructed to maintain a strict gluten-free diet while using GluteGuard to help prevent the incidence of symptoms caused by inadvertent gluten consumption

Final Thoughts

A gluten free diet can be stressful to navigate when you are just starting out. However, there are plenty of naturally occurring gluten free foods to get you started! With growing food technologies, there are great gluten-free grains and substitutes to pastas, breads, and cereals available in most supermarkets. If you are ever concerned to eat out or on the go, a supplement such as GluteGuard can be used to protect yourself from the symptoms of gluten ingestion.