Once a person has been identified as having wheat allergy, it is important to take the necessary steps to avoid wheat or the protein gluten in every aspect of their diet.
This can be hard because, gluten, the protein most people are intolerant to, is in a surprising number of foods, such as a binder in soups, ice cream, and some sauces.
Additionally, making drastic alterations to one's diet can create other problems and health issues so it is important that the person suffering consult a physician who has extensive experience in dealing with wheat allergies and intolerances.
The most significant health risk in adopting a non-wheat or wheat product diet is that the person may eliminate so many foods that they deprive themselves of important nutrients and have an unbalanced diet which can lead to unhealthy weight loss, malnutrition, and poor health and in some cases, even problems with the body's major organs.
To offset this risk, the patient's diet has to be carefully planned and their progress and vital health signs have to be monitored by a qualified doctor.
Additionally, a physician's guidance is needed to ensure that if a health issue arises, it can be treated quickly and effectively.
The physician chosen should have a knowledgeable background in nutrition and weight management.
They also should have a firm understanding in regards to all aspects of wheat intolerances and allergies as well as understand what nutritional food alternatives are available.
In fact, many physicians will refer their patient to a nutritionist or dietician and will work in conjunction with that specialist to make sure that optimum results are achieved.
It is during the critical first stages of identifying the intolerance or allergy that a physician and/or nutritionist are needed the most.
During this stage, the patient will be put on a very restrictive elimination diet that reduces food intake to the very basics to cleanse the body.
Once several weeks on the restricted diet have elapsed, the patient eats certain foods and monitors themselves for a negative reaction, eventually identifying the offending food or protein.
During the elimination process, it is also quite common for the body to go through a plethora of changes and people tend to lose weight and maybe even muscle mass until they adapt to the deprivation.
It is critical that the patient monitor their status during this period and consult with their physician regularly and report any severe issues or complications.
The physician should be able to ascertain if the patient is getting enough calories and nutrients or if they are just experiencing normal side effects when massive dietary changes are pursued.
As the patient goes through the rest of the diet, the physician/nutritionist will help them make healthy food choices and will continue to monitor their vital signs, body weight and progression as they adapt to the new dietary regimen.
Virtually any physician is suitable if they are working in unison with a nutritionist.
However, if a dietician or nutrition expert is not available, it is important that the physician have a strong knowledge of diet, nutrition and managing wheat allergy or intolerance.