Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, rye, and barley. It’s the glue that holds products together and gives them their chewy texture. Many people say they’re “cutting down on” bread and pasta when they want to lose weight, but it’s not just carbohydrates you should avoid. Gluten is found in all sorts of foods including salad dressings, soups mixes, and even ice cream! Most people tolerate gluten just fine but some people can’t digest it and end up with a slew of symptoms. In the past decade, gluten has been blamed for everything from weight gain to arthritis, but what exactly is all the fuss about? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about gluten!
What is Gluten?
Gluten comes from a Latin word meaning “glue,” and that’s exactly what it does. It holds things together, which is why you can see a stretchy web-like texture in bread dough when you knead the mixture for several minutes. Gluten also gives your foods chewiness. Think about gluten as being analogous to rubber bands. They both help hold everything firmly in place until we rip them apart! There are many misconceptions about gluten these days! Unfortunately, most of us have been misinformed by friends or family members who may not be educated on this topic themselves.
Gluten SensitivityÂ
Gluten reactions can range from mild to severe. About one percent of the population has celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that damages the intestines and keeps them from absorbing vital nutrients. The symptoms include achiness, bloating, diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss – these are often misdiagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome! Many people who have been diagnosed with IBS or another digestive condition may actually be intolerant to gluten without knowing it.
How Do I Know I Have Gluten Sensitivity?
You can get tested for celiac disease but this involves a blood test to look for certain antibodies in your bloodstream. If you’re worried about gluten intolerance, the best way to find out is by eliminating it from your diet and seeing how you feel! If any symptoms you’re experiencing improve significantly within a few days to a week, it’s likely that gluten is the culprit!
Negative Effects From Eating GlutenÂ
Gluten has more negative effects even for those who are not gluten intolerant such as, indigestion, diarrhea, and bloating. It may also be the reason behind weight gain as gluten-containing foods are usually high in calories! Gluten can also cause inflammation of your stomach lining or intestines which could lead to a leaky gut syndrome which is a condition where foreign substances such as undigested food particles and toxins get into your bloodstream through an irritated intestine wall. This is why it’s so important to avoid gluten even if you don’t have any symptoms because it’s possible that there will still be negative effects on other parts of your body down the line!