Gluten is a type of protein that is in grains such as: Barley, Rye, and Wheat. The primary purpose of gluten free is to treat celiac disease. Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune disorder that leads to damage in the small intestine due to the ingestion of gluten. Once ingested the body’s immune system responds by attacking the wall of the small intestine damaging villi that are responsible for nutrient absorption. Currently the only treatment for celiac disease is a gluten free lifestyle. Changing your diet can be a difficult change for people who are diagnosed with celiac disease. This strict regulation takes time getting use to and can be hard if you must avoid your favorite foods. The best way to go about this change is to think positively at all the foods you can have that are gluten free. There have been changes that now allow you to enjoy gluten free bread and even pasta! There are also specialty stores that sell gluten free foods! If you do not know where they are searching online will usually reveal one in your area. Be sure to check the label and make sure that it is gluten-free printed on the label or that you read all the ingredients. It is suggested that you avoid eating oats. Oats are often contaminated by wheat while it is being grown. Cross-contamination is something that gluten-free dieters should always keep in mind. This is when food that usual does not include gluten is contacted by something containing gluten. If a label reads “may contain” it is best to avoid because could have been contaminated. Another label to watch out for is one that states “wheat-free” because it may still contain gluten. Unless labeled as gluten free it is best to read all the ingredients and make sure. Cross-contamination doesn’t just occur during production of a product, it can occur at home or at a restaurant. When preparing food at home make sure to wash anything that could have encountered gluten containing products. This problem usually only occurs if some of the residents do not share the same diet restrictions. Be sure when you are eating out at your favorite restaurants to make sure that the options are truly free of gluten and make them aware of your restriction to lower the risk