Gluten for Punishment
January 19, 2010
You’ve probably seen gluten free food aisles springing up in grocery stores everywhere. It’s the newest food fad: eating gluten free.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. Recently it has become the latest diet devil. Possibly that’s because there are 3 million Americans with celiac disease – a genetic disorder in which the immune system attacks your small intestine when you eat gluten. Not only does this cause problems with digestion (gas, bloating, diarrhea and constipation) it disrupts nutrient absorption which frequently leads to a variety of other conditions such as rashes, arthritis and depression.
Celiac disease can occur at any age; untreated it quadruples the risk for early death. The condition is becoming more and more common: research by the may Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, says celiac disease is four and a half times more common today that it was 50 years ago.
The majority of people with celiac disease don’t realize they have it. The only way to treat it is with a gluten free diet. Nothing with gluten in it – EVER.
That said, why is the gluten-free market, which has grown 28% annually since 2004 such a booming business? Possibly because it’s now recognized as the next big food thing. Converts suggest that eating gluten free is the answer to everything from excess weight to autoimmune disorders.
So if you don’t suffer from celiac disease, why would you benefit from cutting back on gluten? Well, for one thing, if you have a mild gluten intolerance, it might be contributing to systemic inflammation which could worsen other disorders due to general immune function impairment. Mild gluten intolerance is very common.
If you decide you’d like to limit gluten, don’t run out and purchase all the gluten free alternatives. These are often made with refined flours, which are low in fiber and other nutrients. Also, don’t go on a gluten free diet just to lose weight. There’s no evidence to support weight release with eating gluten free. Most packaged gluten free products are high in calories. Many people who’ve been on a long term gluten-free diet have put on as much as 30 pounds of weight.
Posted in diet, food intake, gluten free, healthy eating, hunger, intuitive eating, wellness, women's fitness
