Question

Gluten is a mixture of proteins abundant in wheat, barley, and rye. Although these grains are staples in the Western diet, almost 1 percent of Americans have celiac disease- a disorder of the intestines caused by an abnormal immune response after eating gluten. This immune response damages the fingerlike villi of the small intestine, which can lead to intestinal upset and malnourishment. Currently, the only treatment is to maintain a strict gluten- free diet. The typical college student diet is rich in gluten-containing foods. Make a list of six items that you would not be able to eat if you were diagnosed with celiac disease.

Short answer

Pizza, sandwiches, pasta dishes, instant ramen noodles, beer, and pastries/baked goods.

Step-by-step solution

Identify gluten-containing grains and their common derivatives

Gluten can be found in wheat, barley, and rye. These grains are used in many food products including flours, pastas, beers, and baked goods. Some common derivatives of these grains are: - Wheat flour (including all-purpose flour, bread flour, and cake flour) - Barley malt (used in beer and some sweeteners) - Rye flour (used in rye bread and some baked goods)

Consider common college student food items

Next, think about typical food items that college students regularly consume. This can include items like: - Pizza - Sandwiches - Pasta dishes - Burgers - Instant ramen noodles - Beer - Pastries and baked goods (cookies, cake, etc.) - Breakfast cereals

Select six items from the common college student food list that contain gluten

Now, we will select six items from the list in step 2 that contain gluten: 1. Pizza - Most pizza crust is made from wheat flour, which contains gluten. 2. Sandwiches - Bread for sandwiches is typically made from wheat flour, which contains gluten. 3. Pasta dishes - Most pasta is made from wheat flour, which contains gluten. 4. Instant ramen noodles - The noodles in instant ramen are usually made from wheat flour, which contains gluten. 5. Beer - Barley malt is often used in the brewing process for beer, which contains gluten. 6. Pastries and baked goods (cookies, cake, etc.) - Most pastries and baked goods are made with wheat flour, which contains gluten. These six items are common in a typical college student's diet but would need to be avoided by someone with celiac disease.

Key concepts

Gluten-Free Diet

A gluten-free diet is essential for individuals diagnosed with celiac disease. Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye, and it can cause significant health problems for those with this condition.
When someone with celiac disease eats gluten, their immune system reacts abnormally, leading to damage in the small intestine. This can result in symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and nutrient malabsorption.
Adopting a gluten-free diet involves eliminating all sources of gluten from your meals. This includes many conventional breads, pastas, and cereals made from these grains. Foods labeled 'gluten-free' ensure that they are safe for consumption by people sensitive to gluten.
Some naturally gluten-free foods include fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, and legumes. There are also gluten-free substitutes available for many common foods, created with flours like rice, almond, or coconut flour.

Immune Response

Celiac disease triggers an adverse immune response when gluten is ingested. The body's immune system mistakenly interprets gluten as a threat, producing antibodies that attack the small intestine's lining.
This damage primarily affects the villi, small fingerlike projections found in the small intestine that are critical for nutrient absorption.
This response can vary in intensity,

• for some, it may result in immediate symptoms like diarrhea or pain,
• while others may experience long-term effects like weight loss or anemia due to malnutrition.

The severity of the immune response can differ from person to person, making celiac disease sometimes difficult to diagnose. However, avoiding gluten is the most effective way to prevent these undesirable reactions and preserve intestinal health.

Small Intestine Villi

The small intestine is lined with tiny hairlike structures known as villi. These villi play a crucial role in digestion by increasing the surface area for nutrient absorption.
When someone with celiac disease consumes gluten, their immune system mistakenly targets these villi, leading to their damage or destruction.
Damaged villi cannot function properly, resulting in

• poor absorption of essential nutrients,
• leading to deficiencies in vitamins and minerals,
• and subsequent health issues like osteoporosis, fatigue, and neuromuscular problems.

Maintaining a gluten-free diet can aid in the healing of damaged villi, allowing them to regrow and restore their normal function. This dietary adjustment is crucial for preventing long-term damage and complications associated with celiac disease.

Common College Foods Containing Gluten

Many foods popular among college students contain gluten, posing challenges for those with celiac disease. Identifying and avoiding these items is key to maintaining a healthy gluten-free diet.
Some typical gluten-rich foods include:

• Pizza, which traditionally uses dough made from wheat flour.
• Sandwiches, often made with bread containing wheat.
• Pasta dishes, typically crafted from wheat flour-based noodles.
• Instant ramen noodles, which are generally made from wheat.
• Beer, which frequently involves barley malt during brewing.
• Pastries and baked goods, like cookies and cakes, frequently prepared with wheat flour.

By being mindful of these typical college foods, students with celiac disease can make informed choices about their diet and seek gluten-free alternatives. This approach helps prevent accidental gluten consumption and associated health issues.