What’s the deal with Gluten? Gluten is a protein found in certain grains, wheat being one of them. Gluten can be found in some other foods as well, but it tends to be most prevalent in bread and baked goods. Gluten intolerance is an autoimmune disorder that affects individuals differently. Some people may experience diarrhea, nausea or vomiting while others might not notice any symptoms at all! This article will discuss how gluten free diets are beneficial for those who suffer from gluten intolerance and what you need to know about following a gluten free diet! Gluten is a protein found in many foods that are very common, such as bread. Gluten can be difficult to avoid if you do not understand what gluten is and where it comes from!
Most people think of a grain when they hear the word “gluten”, but there are actually several different types of grains that contain this harmful substance for those with Gluten intolerance: barley, rye, spelt, kamut and triticale – all wheat-based products. In addition to these items being commonly eaten food items, ingredients derived from them may also appear on ingredient labels under various names. For example, malt vinegar contains gluten even though apples or grapes were used as its base it was produced through fermentation during the manufacturing process. Gluten can also be found in sauces, soups and salad dressings – even soy sauce!
How Gluten Intolerance Affects the Body Gluten intolerance is an autoimmune disorder that affects individuals differently. Some people may experience diarrhea, nausea or vomiting while others might not notice any symptoms at all! In recent years as awareness has increased for this condition more research is being done to understand how gluten intolerance changes the body’s immune response.
The most common form of Gluten Intolerance is Celiac Disease which occurs when a person’s small intestine becomes damaged from consuming foods containing gluten over time. Other less serious forms include a wheat allergy or non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity. A wheat allergy only causes symptoms in the body when Gluten is consumed and can be triggered by inhaling wheat flour or dust from processing equipment.
Gluten Sensitivity causes symptoms that range from stomach pain to headaches, but those reactions are not as common as a Celias – which requires complete avoidance of gluten containing grains. In addition to following a diet completely free of all forms of Gluten it is important for people on a Gluten Free Diet to avoid cross-contamination! Cross Contamination occurs when Gluten-free products come into contact with foods containing gluten during preparation, packaging, storage or cooking even at home!
