Wheat

What is a Wheat Allergy?
Wheat allergy is caused by an immune reaction against the proteins in wheat.  Wheat allergy results when antibodies against wheat allergens are produced by the immune system.  The combination of the allergen and antibody produces a series of reactions and symptoms typical to an allergic reaction.

Symptoms
The most common symptoms of wheat allergy include: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, gas, bloating, pain, nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, itchy, water eyes, hives, tissue swelling, and eczema.

Treatment
A totally wheat-free diet is essential if there is a known or suspected allergy to wheat.  Read labels carefully. You may be surprised at the amount of food products that contain wheat.  Fortunately, manufacturers today offer an increasing number of wheat-and gluten-free foods.  Visit the gluten-free section for a variety of wheat- and gluten-free products.

To meet the special needs of our gluten-free diet customers, TOPS carries a wide assortment of gluten-free products.

It’s still crucial to read food labels on all foods, all the time.  Gluten-free products are found in Nature’s Promise Natural & Organic Marketplaces and throughout your local store.

For a list of gluten-free foods available at TOPS, check with your local store.

Note:  All specialty products are not available in all TOPS stores.  If your local TOPS does not carry a particular item, you may place a special order through the Customer Service Desk at your local store.

How to read a Food Label for a Wheat-Free Diet
Fortunately, a new food labeling law now requires food manufacturers to disclose in plain language whether products contain any of the top eight food allergens.  Wheat can be found in many foods.  For your information, below is a list of foods containing wheat.

Bulgur
Couscous
Cracked wheat
Durum
Farina
Kamut
Semolina
Spelt
Triticale
Wheat berries
Wheat germ
Wheat bran
Wheat
Wheatena

Baking
When baking with wheat-free flours, a combination of flours usually works best. Experiment with different blends to find one that will give you the texture you are trying to achieve.
 
Try substituting 1 cup wheat flour with one of the following:

• 7/8 cup rice flour
• 5/8 cup potato starch flour
• 1 cup soy flour plus 1/4 cup potato starch flour
• 1 cup corn flour

Shopping Tips

• Read labels carefully.  For example, hot dogs and ice cream could contain wheat. It is listed on the label.
• Many country-style wreaths are decorated with wheat products.
• Some types of imitation crabmeat contain wheat.
• Wheat flour is sometimes flavored and shaped to look like beef, pork, and shrimp, especially in Asian dishes.

Click here for Health Notes information on a wheat-free diet. 

Get answers to your health questions!
HealthNotes offers FREE in-depth health information backed by medical & health professionals.
• vitamins	• recipes
• weight management	• nutritional data
• diseases