Diet for Celiac Disease Management
Living with celiac disease. Strict gluten-free diet.
Calorie calculation examples by profile
Sedentary woman, 35 years old, 132 lbs
Active woman, 35 years old, 132 lbs
Sedentary man, 35 years old, 165 lbs
Active man, 35 years old, 165 lbs
Understanding celiac disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition where gluten triggers a reaction that damages the small intestine. Unlike gluten intolerance or sensitivity, even tiny traces of gluten cause damage. The only treatment is a STRICT lifelong gluten-free diet.
The zero tolerance rule
For celiacs, there's no 'small acceptable lapse'. Even 10-50 mg of gluten (a breadcrumb) can trigger intestinal damage, sometimes without noticeable symptoms. Cross-contamination is your main enemy.
Avoiding cross-contamination
Use dedicated utensils (toaster, cutting board). At restaurants, inform them of the medical nature of your diet. Check labels: 'may contain traces of gluten' should be avoided. Watch out for cosmetics and medications.
Building a balanced diet
Naturally gluten-free: rice, quinoa, corn, potatoes, buckwheat, meats, fish, eggs, fruits, vegetables, legumes. Avoid limiting yourself to processed 'gluten-free' products which are often less nutritious. Monitor your fiber, iron, and B vitamin intake.
Important
Never go below 1200 kcal/day (women) or 1500 kcal/day (men) without medical supervision. Too aggressive a deficit can be dangerous for your health and counterproductive for weight loss.
Dietary Guide for Celiac Disease
Important: This information is educational. Celiac disease requires medical diagnosis (intestinal biopsy) and regular follow-up. Don’t start a gluten-free diet before diagnosis as it can skew test results.
Living with celiac disease requires vigilance and organization, but a normal, healthy life is entirely possible.
Medical Gluten-Free Basics
Grains to ELIMINATE completely
- Wheat (and all its derivatives)
- Barley
- Rye
- Spelt, kamut, triticale
ALLOWED grains and starches
- Rice (all types)
- Corn
- Quinoa
- Buckwheat (pure)
- Potatoes
- Millet, sorghum, teff
- Certified gluten-free oats (if tolerated)
Common traps
- Soy sauce (contains wheat)
- Beer (unless certified gluten-free)
- Some candies and chocolates
- Breading in prepared meats
- Imitation seafood
Managing Daily Life
At home
- Separate storage space
- Dedicated utensils
- Separate toaster or bags
- Clean surfaces before cooking
Outside
- Restaurant cards in foreign languages
- Emergency snacks always on hand
- Apps to identify suitable restaurants
Mistakes to Avoid
- Thinking ‘a little bit’ is fine: Even traces cause damage
- Not reading labels every time: Formulations change
- Trusting without verifying: Always confirm, even with family
- Neglecting medical follow-ups: Regular blood tests are important
Why Voical Can Help You
With Voical, you can track your meals and ensure balanced nutrition despite restrictions. Identify if you’re getting enough fiber, iron, and B vitamins, often deficient in celiacs.