We see "gluten free" this and "gluten free" that every and anywhere now a days. What does gluten mean? Is it actually bad for everyone the way trans-fat would be? Now avoiding gluten for someone with a gluten intolerance condition shouldn't be ignored. Although, that may be true, the question becomes... can eliminating gluten just to avoid it increase your health or help you lose weight?
Let's start with what is gluten?
Gluten is Latin for “glue" and can found found in most bread items and anything that is sticky.
Gluten is a term that refers to different kinds of proteins found in rye, wheat, barley, triticale (wheat and rye mix), and oats. Just to name a few of the gluten proteins we have;
Glutenin and Gliadin found in wheat
Hordein found in barley
These proteins are very resistant to protease enzymes (break down proteins in your gut). Due to the incomplete digestion of these proteins, the large units of amino acids that build them will cross through the wall of the small intestine and into the rest of the body.
This can trigger the immune system to respond which is t
he case for celiac disease.
This autoimmune disease causes inflammation and is due to environmental and genetic factors. It causes damage to your enterocytes, which are the cells that line the gut and may lead to malabsorption.
The next condition we'll cover wheat allergy.
This is usually more common in children but can also show up in adults. It's an immune response to the specific proteins in wheat and wheat products.
Gluten should also be avoided for anyone who struggles with Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the thyroid. This is because gluten’s molecular structure is similar to that of the thyroid causing the immune system to attacks the thyroid when gluten is ingested because it gets the two confused.
Lastly, non-celiac gluten sensitivity is when someone experiences all the intestinal issues without having the two conditions above. (This is where the majority of people fall).
Now that we've clarified why certain people with those conditions should steer clear from gluten - let's dive into if everyone else should.
Should everyone avoid gluten?
The choice is completely yours. Avoiding gluten is more difficult than you may think. There is gluten in A LOT of products contain gluten, even personal care products, like hair conditioners, mascaras, and toothpaste.
What we know is... inflammation is at the root of every chronic illness, and gluten leads to inflammation.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may want to do a self check. (which will be explained shortly..
70% of our immune cells are located in our digestive tract. Those who suffer from a "leaky gut" (intestinal permeability- allows bacteria, toxins and undigested food particles to enter your bloodstream) will feel most of these.
Symptoms to look for (GI symptoms): nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, heartburn, vomiting; in turn those lead to malnutrition, weight loss, fatigue, bone loss, also skin sensitivities, rash, migraines.
Gluten is a serious topic and is not just a "weight loss fad" to avoid gluten. If you are trying to avoid gluten "just because," taking a gluten-free multivitamin-multimineral supplement is a good idea.
How to do a self check:
Eliminate all gluten for 14 days. If you can last 14 days without any gluten, begin to add it back in one product at a time.
Every time you introduce a new product allow it to
P.S.
There is no right or wrong here. Everybody is different and every "body" is different.
We just want to provide education and knowledge to allow you to make your own personal opinions.