Flour is a common ingredient in foods, and it is also widely used as a thickener in sauces and soups. However, many people are unable to consume gluten because it damages the lining of the small intestine and therefore harms the body’s natural way of processing foods effectively (celiac disease).
There is no cure for celiac disease and gluten intolerance, which means that sensitive people need to permanently eliminate foods containing gluten from their diet. In order to maximize the health and nutritional benefits, a gluten-free diet should be filled with a variety of naturally gluten-free foods such as fruits, vegetables and lean proteins, as well as gluten-free grains.