Gluten: What It Is and Why It Matters
Gluten is a protein that is found in many grains, including wheat, barley, and rye. It is what gives bread and other baked goods their chewy texture and helps to hold them together. However, for people with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance, gluten can cause serious health problems. In this article, we will explore what gluten is, how it affects the body, and why some people need to avoid it.
What Is Gluten?
Gluten is a type of protein that is made up of two different proteins: gliadin and glutenin. These proteins are found in the endosperm of certain grains, including wheat, barley, and rye. When these grains are milled into flour and mixed with water, the gluten forms a sticky, elastic substance that gives bread and other baked goods their characteristic texture.
How Does Gluten Affect the Body?
For people with celiac disease, consuming gluten triggers an immune response in the small intestine. This immune response damages the lining of the small intestine, causing inflammation and making it difficult for the body to absorb nutrients from food. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including diarrhea, bloating, gas, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it can also cause malnutrition and other health problems.
For people with a gluten intolerance, the symptoms are similar but less severe. They may experience bloating, gas, and abdominal pain after consuming gluten, but they do not experience the same level of damage to the small intestine.
Why Do Some People Need to Avoid Gluten?
There are two main reasons why some people need to avoid gluten: celiac disease and a gluten intolerance. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects approximately 1 in 100 people worldwide. For people with celiac disease, consuming gluten can cause serious health problems and long-term damage to the small intestine. A gluten intolerance, on the other hand, is less serious but can still cause uncomfortable symptoms.
In addition to celiac disease and a gluten intolerance, some people may choose to follow a gluten-free diet for other reasons. For example, some people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) find that avoiding gluten helps to relieve their symptoms. Others may choose a gluten-free diet because they believe it is healthier, even if they do not have a medical condition that requires them to avoid gluten.
How to Follow a Gluten-Free Diet
For people with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance, following a gluten-free diet is essential for their health. This means avoiding all foods that contain gluten, including bread, pasta, cakes, and cookies. It also means avoiding other products that may contain gluten, such as soy sauce and beer.
Following a gluten-free diet can be challenging, but there are many resources available to help. There are now many gluten-free products available in supermarkets, and many restaurants offer gluten-free options. In addition, there are websites, cookbooks, and support groups available to help people with celiac disease and a gluten intolerance find delicious and healthy food options.
Conclusion
Gluten is a protein that is found in many grains, including wheat, barley, and rye. For people with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance, consuming gluten can cause serious health problems. However, by following a gluten-free diet, people with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance can maintain their health and enjoy a wide range of delicious and nutritious food options. If you think you may have celiac disease or a gluten intolerance, it is important to speak to your doctor to get a diagnosis and to find out how to manage your condition.