Gluten- Do I really have to give it up?

Let's talk about GLUTEN

Going “gluten free” is by no means a new concept but still something you may be hesitant to try. When GF became a thing back in the early 2000's I was absolutely the person who rolled their eyes when someone told me they were gluten free or asked for modifications at restaurants.

I was one of those "we've been eating wheat for centuries why all of a sudden is it bad for us?” skeptics.

I think part of me has always taken issue with “diet culture” and so when I saw my friends doing this to lose weight it was a red flag.

A decade later after my own health journey and helping hundreds of others, I am fascinated by gluten- it’s effects on our gut, our brain and how amazing we can feel when we limit, or in some cases eliminate, it.

What is Gluten?

Gluten is the general term for a group of proteins found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. Gluten acts as the “glue” that holds the grain together and allows it to keep its shape.

Gluten can be found in breads, pastas, doughs, baked goods, cereals, and more unsuspecting places like cross-contaminated oats, soy sauce, salad dressings, condiments, deli meats, cheeses, fried foods, candy, alcohol, medications, supplements, cosmetics, and more. 

What is Leaky Gut?

Leaky gut -- a descriptive term often used for celiac disease -- involves dysfunctional intestinal absorption. The intestinal membrane becomes too porous or leaky, which leads to immune response and negative health effects. Gluten protein is a well-known catalyst or trigger of leaky gut syndrome because it can irritate the delicate membrane of the small intestine. People who are sensitive to gluten -- called gluten intolerance -- are at greater risk of developing leaky gut. (https://healthyeating.sfgate.com/).

Suffer from any of these? Gluten may be a cause and/or trigger.

• Irritable Bowl Syndrome (IBS)

• Heartburn

• Crones Disease

• Ulcerative Colitis

• Chronic diarrhea, constipation, gas or bloating

• Nutritional deficiencies

• Poor immune system

• Headaches, brain fog, memory loss

• Excessive fatigue

• Skin rashes and problems such as acne, eczema or rosacea

• Cravings for sugar or carbs

• Arthritis or joint pain

• Depression, anxiety, ADD, ADHD

6 Reasons to Consider Going Gluten-Free

Here are six health reasons why you might want to consider a gluten-free diet, even if you don’t have celiac disease (www.cleaneatingkitchen.com)

1. Wheat is a common allergen

If you go gluten-free, you will end up avoiding wheat, in addition to other gluten-containing grains. Since wheat is one of the top allergens, then by going gluten-free you will be avoiding a potential allergen to your system.

2. Gluten can be inflammatory

If you have a gluten sensitivity, then eating gluten can make your symptoms, like joint pain, worse. There are reports that gluten can exacerbate arthritis, especially if you already have celiac disease. But, even for people who have non-celiac gluten sensitivities, there may be a connection between eating gluten and swollen joints and general inflammation in the body.

3. Gluten may cause thyroid problems

Gluten can have a negative effect on thyroid disease, and there is research showing that a gluten-free diet can help reduce the antibodies associated with autoimmune thyroid disease. 

4. Gluten products aren’t necessarily nutrient-dense

Gluten products, including breads made from wheat, are not considered to be nutrient-dense foods. In fact, both gluten-free and gluten-containing grains are often eliminated in diets like the paleo diet that focuses on only eating foods our ancestors ate for most of history.

5. Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivities

It’s estimated that up to 13% of the human population suffers from gluten sensitivity. Gluten sensitivities can cause a variety of negative symptoms, but will not necessarily show up on a celiac test. This condition is referred to as “Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity

How do you know if you have Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity? Some common reported symptoms include:

• Stomach upset

• Irregular bowel movements

• Headaches and migraines

• Brain fog

• Fatigue

• Depression, anxiety and other mood disorders

• Joint pain and muscle cramps

• Rheumatoid arthritis

These signs and symptoms may show up immediately following gluten consumption or they may take up to several days to appear. The only way to know for sure if gluten is causing these symptoms is to try eliminating it from your diet to see if symptoms improve.

6. Gluten may block nutrient absorption

If you do have a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease but you continue to consume gluten, it is possible that your intestinal wall can become inflamed. This condition is sometimes called Leaky Gut Syndrome and can lead to the inability to absorb nutrients from the diet.