Foods To Include In A Gluten-free Pregnancy Diet

Gluten is a protein composite that gives texture to the food like bread, which are a part of cereal grains. The intake of gluten during pregnancy can lead to coeliac disease if you are intolerant to gluten, in which it becomes difficult to digest the food with gluten.

Pregnant women should refrain from gluten if they are intolerant to gluten to avoid certain allergies. Therefore, it is always advised by the experts to follow a gluten-free pregnancy diet.

Some of the common symptoms of gluten intolerance include fatigue, weight loss, bone and joint pain, a tingling sensation in the legs, headache, depression, bloating, gas, diarrhoea and vomiting.

Following an unplanned gluten-free diet can cause fatigue, constipation and iron deficiency. However, a well-planned gluten-free diet can help pregnant women to keep their nutritional balance in check.

Therefore, in this article, we at Boldsky will be listing out some of the foods to include in a gluten-free pregnancy diet. Read on to know more about it.

Whole grains

Whole grains such as rice, corn, soy, buckwheat and quinoa provide a sufficient amount of magnesium and proteins that help to have necessary energy and healthy muscles. These foods are gluten-free.

Nuts And Seeds:

Brazil seeds, chia seeds, almonds and walnuts can be included in the gluten-free diet. They are rich in selenium, protein and omega-3 fatty acids that are necessary for the development of the foetus.

Fruits And Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables can also be added to a gluten-free diet during pregnancy. Green leafy vegetables provide sufficient iron and thereby reduce the risk of anaemia. Fruits and vegetables also provide essential nutrients and avoid the risk of nutritional deficiency in pregnant women.

Chicken And Meat

Non-veg food items such as meat, chicken and fish in a gluten-free diet help to obtain sufficient minerals and proteins. Minerals such as zinc and iron and protein from animal food promote the growth and development of an unborn baby.

Reduced Fat Dairy Products:

Dairy products are rich in calcium and proteins and reduced fat dairy products being low in gluten content can be included in as a gluten-free diet. Eating three servings of dairy products on a regular basis helps in the growth and development of an unborn baby's bones.

Gluten-free Snacks:

Also include gluten-free snacks such as a handful of nuts with yoghurt, whole grain rice cake with tuna and peanut butter on celery sticks, etc, that are for sure low in gluten content.