To Eat Gluten or to Not Eat Gluten

To Eat Gluten or to Not Eat Gluten

Gluten is a protein composite found in several types of grains, including wheat, spelt, rye and barley. Gluten consists of two proteins … gliadin and glutenin. It is the gliadin part that people react negatively to.1 When flour is mixed with water, gluten forms a sticky cross-linked network of proteins, giving elastic properties to dough and allowing bread to rise when baked (1). Actually, the name gluten is derived from these glue-like properties. When gluten reaches the digestive tract and is exposed to the cells of the immune system, they mistakenly believe that it is coming from some sort of foreign invader, like a bacteria.1 When gluten reaches the digestive tract and is exposed to the cells of the immune system, they mistakenly believe that it is coming from some sort of foreign invader, like a bacteria. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that can occur in genetically predisposed people where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine.  It is estimated to affect 1 in 100 people worldwide.2  In some cases most people are gluten sensitive which means they don’t experience the amount of pain felt as if you had celiac’s disease but you experience some discomfort in your joints and/ or stomach. Some people experience the “gluten haze” feeling as if you feel tired suddenly and somewhat sluggish. There are many varying opinions and studies as to say whether gluten is beneficial or detrimental to your diet but what is most important is paying attention to the way you feel after consuming foods with gluten and without to get an idea of whether to lower or take out gluten in your diet.

1. 6 Reasons Why Gluten is Bad For Some People. (2013). Retrieved March 20, 2016, from https://authoritynutrition.com/6-shocking-reasons-why-gluten-is-bad/
2. What is Celiac Disease? - Celiac Disease Foundation. (n.d.). Retrieved March 20, 2016, from https://celiac.org/celiac-disease/what-is-celiac-disease/