How Much Gluten Can Cause a Reaction?

How Much Gluten Can Cause a Reaction?


My clients often ask, “How much gluten will cause me to have symptoms?”

Many people with celiac disease can react to only a tiny bit of gluten. Such as a bite of bread or cross-contamination resulting from barbecue sauce that is left on a grille from a previous meal. Others will only react from consuming larger amounts of gluten. In some cases people who have non-celiac gluten intolerance are extremely sensitive.

It is important to remember that the term “gluten” includes wheat, barley and rye. Do not confuse the term “wheat-free” with gluten-free. A product can be wheat free but still contain gluten. In addition, there is no regulation for a product labeled “gluten-free”. There is no standard definition or guidelines for gluten-free labeling. Therefore it is important to read all product labels to check for wheat, barley and rye in the ingredients. If you are still unsure check with the manufacturer. The good news is that there are plenty of foods that are naturally gluten-free. Fill your kitchen with these foods so that they are readily available for quick meals and healthy, safe snacking.

Gini Warner, MA
Nutritionist
www.healthbygini.com