Gluten free

25 Mar Gluten free

What is Gluten?
Gluten is a protein that’s found in certain grains like Wheat, Barley, Rye, etc. Among all these wheat is the most well-known gluten source.  It is the ingredient that provides elasticity and helps foods hold together to maintain their shape.

Is Gluten bad for all?
No. Not for all. Most people can tolerate gluten. People who are affected by gluten develop health conditions like Celiac disease, Grain allergy and Gluten Intolerance. The former is an autoimmune disorder that can cause severe digestive disorders and other health issues. The other two cause bloating, stomach pain, fatigue, etc. (Please google for symptoms of all these health issues)

How could Gluten become suddenly threatening?

Its true that wheat has been a staple food that has sustained the humanity for thousands of years. How could it become threatening suddenly? There are no scientifically satisfying answers. Some researchers argue that the wheat we consume today is a product of genetic research. Its not the same that were grown 50 years ago, let alone thousand years ago and that wheat genes have become toxic.

Who should avoid Gluten?
You don’t need to have full-blown celiac disease. Many symptoms like bloating, stomach pain, fatigue, diarrhea, as well as pain in the bones and joints, etc point towards Gluten sensitivity. However, there is no clear way of diagnosing it yet.

When should you avoid Gluten?
Given that there is no clear way of diagnosing gluten sensitivity, many focus on treating the symptoms with medications which only minimize the problem temporarily without attacking it at core level. The best way to find out is to follow a Gluten free diet for a specific period to see if the symptoms improve. If it does, the culprit is gluten. If not, the culprit is probably something other than gluten.

“Let food be thy medicine,” said the Greek physician Hippocrates. Yes. Food is the best doctor to prescribe the best medicine uniquely for you.

P.S: The views expressed here are my personal views. For any physical ailments please consult your physician before eliminating any food item from your diet.