January 12th is National Gluten Free Day, and at participating affiliated communities, the residents will enjoy an ice cream dessert.
Let’s look at what gluten is and how to know if you might be an individual who has Gluten sensitivities.
What Is Gluten?
Gluten is a natural protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. It helps foods like bread and pasta hold their shape and gives them that chewy texture we love. Some people however have allergies to gluten, and therefore must avoid foods with it.
Who Should Avoid Gluten?
There are three conditions that would require someone to avoid gluten:
- Celiac Disease
- This is an autoimmune condition where eating gluten damages the small intestine. Symptoms can include diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, and nutrient deficiencies. Diagnosis requires a blood test and sometimes an intestinal biopsy.
- Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity
- Some people experience bloating, stomach pain, or fatigue after eating gluten, even without celiac disease. There’s no specific test for this—symptoms usually improve when gluten is removed from the diet.
- Wheat Allergy
- This is an allergic reaction to proteins in wheat (including gluten). Symptoms can range from mild (rash, congestion) to severe (difficulty breathing).
If you experience a reaction to certain foods, we recommend that you reach out to your doctor for a proper diagnosis. Your doctor can let you know if you have a gluten allergy and recommend next steps.
Health Benefits of Gluten
Gluten contains some important nutrients that are commonly found in wheat containing foods such as:
- B vitamins
- Vitamin A
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- Iron
- Fiber
How do I know If I have an allergy or sensitivity to gluten?
Generally, symptoms of gluten allergy or sensitivity include digestive issues like bloating, pain, constipation/diarrhea, and non-digestive issues such as fatigue, headache, joint pain.
Talk to Your Doctor First
If you notice changes in how you feel, we recommend talking to your doctor. Keeping a food diary of what you ate over the last week could be helpful for your diagnosis.
Your doctor may recommend blood tests or refer you to a specialist to test for gluten allergies. Consult with a healthcare professional to find the best diet for you in the future.
Sources
- Harvard Health Publishing – Should You Go Gluten-Free?
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/should-you-go-gluten-free
- Discusses gluten-free diets, health implications, and myths.
- Mayo Clinic – Gluten-Free Diet: What to Know
- Gluten-Free Foods Cost More Than Regular Foods
- Consumer Reports
- https://www.consumerreports.org/gluten-free-foods/gluten-free-foods-cost-more-than-regular-foods-a123456789/
- Gluten-Free Diet: Cost and Considerations
- Celiac Disease Foundation
- https://celiac.org/gluten-free-living/gluten-free-diet/cost-considerations/
