What is Gluten and is it healthy?

GLUTEN

If you haven’t been living under a rock for the last 5 years, you’ve heard a lot about gluten and gluten-free foods. You probably know someone who avoids gluten.

So what the heck is it and do we need to avoid it?

Gluten is a category of proteins found in wheat, rye and barley.  It acts like a binder and helps food maintain shape.

If you have Celiac Disease, gluten will cause an inflammatory reaction when consumed.  Typical symptoms are intestinal distress and other digestive issues.  Less than 1% of the population has Celiac disease although a majority of people believe that a gluten-free diet could improve their health.

So why are so many people adopting  a gluten free diet?  It beats me! Ha! Kidding mostly.  A wheat allergy may be disguised as a gluten intolerance, or maybe there is some placebo affect at play?

If you choose to eat gluten free because it makes you feel better, even though you don’t have Celiac disease, more power to you.  Perhaps in the future as research continues we will find out if there is legitimate Non-Celiac gluten intolerance.

As always, we recommend an approach to eating that is well balanced and helps you reach your goals in a long-term sustainable way.