Consuming gluten-containing meals might cause negative reactions and health hazards in certain people.
Because the peptides in gluten are resistant to stomach acids, some people may have difficulty digesting it.
From minor indigestion to more significant health concerns, these peptides can induce a variety of symptoms.
Eating gluten can cause gastrointestinal pain or allergic symptoms.
Celiac disease has affected a lot of people. In the case of celiac disease, the immune system mistakes gluten for a dangerous enemy and assaults it, causing intestinal damage.
Due to vitamin and mineral malabsorption, people with celiac disease are at risk of developing more serious problems.
Continue reading to discover more.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
✅ The proteins in wheat, barley, and rye are known as gluten.
✅ Additionally, gluten is added to meals as a thickener or to provide flavor and texture.
✅ The element that gives bread and baked foods their chewy feel is gluten, which has a stretchy property.
✅ Consuming whole grains including wheat, barley, and rye has been associated with a lower risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
✅ But for certain people, gluten can have negative health effects.
Reasons to stay away from gluten
You might want to think about cutting gluten out of your diet if you have any gluten-sensitivity symptoms. The following four medical problems demand a rigorous gluten-free diet:
Celiac illness
Although most cases of celiac disease go undetected, about 1% of Americans have it. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as excessive gas, diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, and vitamin shortages are common in people with celiac disease.
In those with celiac disease, prolonged gluten consumption damages the lining of the intestines. The digestive system’s capacity to absorb vitamins and minerals is harmed by this condition. A substantial risk of osteoporosis, arthritis, infertility, and neurological issues exists in those with celiac disease.
Gluten sensitivity that is not celiac (NCGS)
It’s possible that some patients with irritable bowel syndrome are gluten sensitive. Gluten intolerance is a condition that can exist without celiac disease. If you develop gastrointestinal symptoms after consuming wheat, barley, or rye but have not yet been diagnosed with celiac disease, you may have NCGS and benefit from a gluten-free diet.
Wheat Intolerance
Some people may experience allergic reactions to wheat and other cereal grains. Common allergy signs include skin rash, coughing, shortness of breath, hives, itching/swelling of the tongue or throat, skin rash, hives, vomiting, or diarrhea
You can find out if you experience allergic symptoms after consuming wheat, barley, rye, or oats by keeping a food diary.
Herpetiform dermatitis
Due to sensitivity to gluten, dermatitis herpetiformis is a rather uncommon skin condition. On the skin, lesions or blisters develop most frequently on the buttocks, knees, and forearms.
Due to the fact that they are both brought on by the same antibodies, people who have celiac disease frequently also develop dermatitis herpetiformis.
Foods Contain Gluten
Wheat-based foods contain the most gluten overall. However, wheat flour is also frequently added to goods, so if you’re trying to avoid gluten, it’s crucial to read nutrition labels.
The following are the top 8 sources of gluten:
Bread
This covers all bread varieties, including rolls, buns, bagels, biscuits, and flour tortillas (unless specifically marked as “gluten-free”).
Bakery Products
Pancakes and waffles, as well as baked products like cake, cookies, doughnuts, muffins, and pies, contain gluten.
Pasta
Gluten is present in all varieties of wheat pasta, including ravioli, macaroni, lasagna, and spaghetti.
Cereal
You should always read the nutrition labels for breakfast cereals because many of them do include wheat. Be careful that oats are frequently grown and processed along with wheat. Therefore, oat goods will likewise contain gluten unless they are specifically marked as such.
Crackers
Crackers, pretzels, and several varieties of chips are common snack items that contain gluten.
Beer
Gluten-containing malted barley is used to make beer. Make cautious to check the ingredients because some liqueurs have wheat added.
Gravy
Gluten is present in gravies and ready meals that include gravy. Aside from being particularly marked “gluten-free,” powdered gravy mixes also contain gluten.
Soup
Many soups in cans and boxes are thickened with wheat flour. Find readymade soups without gluten by looking at the nutrition labels.
Alternatives Without Gluten
It can be very challenging to completely avoid gluten at first. The easiest strategy to lessen your intake of gluten is to avoid the foods on the above list and swap them out for naturally gluten-free options like:
- Fresh fruit, ice cream, yogurt, or gelatin with whipped cream for dessert
- Corn tortillas in place of flour tortillas
- Zucchini noodles covered in spaghetti sauce
- Raw vegetables with dips in place of crackers
- Beer, red or white wine, or other alcoholic beverages like vodka, gin, bourbon, and whiskey that don’t include gluten
- Gluten-free gravies that utilize corn starch instead of wheat for thickening
- Gluten-free soups