Wheat! Barley! Rye!

OH MY!

Going gluten-free has become a common term these days. Everything from bread to pasta even face moisturizer can be free of the protein gluten.

WHY?

Mainly individuals suffering with Celiac Disease live a gluten-free lifestyle. However, individuals who have food allergies, intolerances, autoimmune diseases, or other digestive sensitivities have found eliminating gluten to be a positive choice in conquering their symptoms.

If you do not have Celiac Disease, there may be a direct connection between the way you digest gluten, known as having Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity. Individuals are either gluten intolerant (Celiac Disease) or gluten sensitive.

What does gluten do?

Especially for those with Celiac Disease, the immune system attacks the lining of the small intestine causing inflammation from eating gluten. This causes flare-ups and digestion upset due to the gluten impacting the ability to produce enzymes.

Is it really a Gluten-Intolerance or a Dietary Choice?

About 97% of our food is easily digested and absorbed, however inflammatory bowel disease, food allergies, and food intolerances can impact how the food is actually absorbed….hence, gut issues can get in the way!

In addition to a gluten sensitivity, food intolerances come in all shapes: dairy, yeast, and fructose (sugar) sensitivities. For some people, nuts, tea, wine, coffee, herbs, and spices are also sensitivities.

Sometimes GI symptoms can mimic signs of a gluten sensitivity where it may be one of the other food intolerances. For example, if you ate a piece of pie and have a reaction, you may think it was gluten in the pie crust where it may actually be the sugar!
Even if you tend to eat well and feel like you have a rock-solid digestion, there is a lot going on behind the scenes that may impair how your nutrients are actually being absorbed.

Choosing to go gluten-free is a personal choice when it comes to detecting your digestive issues.

For some, it may not be necessary to go completely gluten-free and for others, you may find the lifestyle to totally be beneficial.

If you choose to rid this protein out of your diet, there are plenty of amazing foods readily available. Brands like Udi’s and Food for Life make out-of-this-world foods that hide the fact they are gluten-free! Quinoa, buckwheat, millet, and amaranth are excellent gluten-free choices to swap out gluten containing foods.

I hope this information was helpful to you! As in so many things, there are always different view points and controversy. If you are curious, try going gluten-free for a bit and journal any progress.

You are the best guide to what your body needs!