Needless to say, it’s always crucial to know what a certain food is made of if you have any allergies, particularly gluten allergies. Gluten, as you may have known, is the reason for the elasticity of bread dough and helps it rise and gives it shape as well. It gives chewiness to baked products such as pizza and bagels.
Gluten is also used in preserving foods. Before, breads lasted only for around 24 hours unlike today wherein breads are good even when it’s a week-old already. As a matter of fact, gluten is even used in some processed meats to prolong shelf life.
Apparently, albeit useful, gluten is tormenting to many people. Contrary to popular belief, gluten-free diet is not only for people suffering from Celiac disease. There are those that tested negative but are still sensitive to gluten.
Once it starts getting digested, it causes the gastrointestinal tract to get inflamed and it can lead to the tearing of the lining which could result in different health problems. Such problems can be irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis, and even intestinal cancer. Also, symptoms can present as neurological problems like depression, anxiety, and in extreme cases, epilepsy. All of these grave health issues are caused by gluten.
According to research, a lot of gluten intolerance sufferers have no idea that they have such condition, mistaking it for other health problem. To avoid prolonging your agony or prevent getting treated for some other disease, you should pay a visit to your doctor. Only then will you know what’s really happening with your body and what you can do about it.
And since gluten can be found in wheat and related grain species, which is a staple in the usual foods we eat or purchase, it’s vital to always check the label and ingredients of food products we buy at the store. Luckily though, gluten-free products are gaining more and more popularity and the awareness is spreading. So, such diet is not limited to only those who have Celiac disease.
Related Gluten Free Articles
