Is Gluten Bad for You?

In recent years gluten has been a growing concern in terms of health and nutrition. According to a study carried out by JAMA over a third of Americans – over thirty per cent have gone gluten-free. In the supermarket we have seen labels on foodstuff, very many people are left wondering, is gluten healthy? There are others due to some health reasons such as celiac disease, also referred to as gluten intolerance, these individuals never eat gluten.

Research on celiac complications stated that around 1% of the total global population is struggling with gluten sensitivity problems. The trend of gluten-free food products raises the question of whether gluten is good or bad for health. 

In this blog, we will explore is gluten bad for you? and all about the gluten diet, whether you should include it in your diet or not, and why gluten is bad for your health. We will also take a look at who should avoid gluten consumption.

What Is Gluten?

Gluten is a group of proteins present in some of the grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. Two major proteins found in gluten are gliding and glutenin. It is one of the most important components of a balanced diet. It often provides elasticity to the dough and helps it to maintain its shape, contributing to the chewy texture of baked food items. 

For most people, gluten is harmless, but individuals with conditions like celiac disease, wheat allergy, or non-celiac gluten sensitivity can experience adverse reactions. In people with celiac disease, gluten triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine, leading to nutrient absorption problems and a range of symptoms.

Who Should Avoid Gluten?

As gluten is an important component of the diet, you should know whether you should avoid gluten or not. It is considered safe to eat gluten until you have gluten sensitivity. There are some complications in which you should not consume gluten. These complications include. 

1. Celiac Disease Patients

Celiac disease also known as gluten sensitivity is an autoimmune condition that causes harm to the lining of the small intestine. Gluten causes immunological reactions with the lining of the small intestine which leads to celiac disease. 

Over time, it can harm the lining of the organ and limit people's capacity to absorb nutrients from meals. Celiac disease is currently incurable. A lifetime gluten-free diet is the only recognized treatment.

2. Dermatitis Herpetiformis Patients

Gluten can cause a severe rash on the elbows, knees, head, buttocks, and body, known as dermatitis herpetiformis. Most persons who suffer from dermatitis herpetiformis also have the same small intestine damage as those with celiac disease. Dermatitis herpetiformis individuals, however, might not experience digestive symptoms, including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or constipation, unlike people with celiac disease. Dermatitis herpetiformis is best treated with a gluten-free diet, while you may also achieve short-term symptom control with medication. To better understand how to manage this disease, you may need to speak with a specialist at Ravkoo Health.

3. Individuals with Gluten Intolerance

Gluten sensitivity also known as the non celiac disease may occur in some individuals. The small intestine is not harmed by gluten sensitivity, unlike celiac complications. Those who are said to be gluten intolerant have tested negative (normal) for celiac disease. Yet, they develop symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, or sharp abdominal discomfort whenever they consume gluten-containing foods. One of the causes is a wheat allergy, a condition that practitioners can identify with a skin test. However, the diagnosis is still not certain for many others.  For those with celiac disease, a wheat allergy, or who experience symptoms every time they consume gluten, avoiding gluten meals is the logical thing to do.

Do Others Also Need to Avoid Gluten Meals?

If you don't have celiac disease and may eat gluten without experiencing any problems, there is no convincing evidence that a gluten-free diet can enhance your health or prevent disease. But, of course, new research might discover that eliminating gluten benefits at least some people who don't have celiac disease or signs of an intestinal disorder. In other words, there is no advantage to eliminating gluten from your diet if you are healthy. 

The Rise of the Gluten-Free Movement 

Over the past years, gluten has become a diet villain. This revolution was started in 2013 by actress Gwyneth, who wrote a book named ‘’It's all about gluten-free eating’’. The book has been promoting a gluten-free diet and is also mentioned by some of the great celebrities. At that time, a gluten-free diet was promoted for weight loss. This combined act of celebrities and health influencers over social media causes a surge in the gluten-free movement. 

However, a gluten-free diet is helpful for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, it is not necessarily beneficial for everyone. In some individuals cutting gluten from their diet can lead to nutritious deficiency. 

Are There Any Drawbacks to Avoiding Gluten?

The trend of gluten-free food products is not offering more nutrition and does not even contain more vitamins or minerals than a balanced nutritious food. The issue is that there is little to no evidence to support the notion that certain foods are healthier for you. Those that don't include gluten are frequently less fortified with folic acid, iron, and other nutrients than typical foods. 

Additionally, gluten-free foods typically contain more sugar and fat and less fibre. Therefore, avoiding gluten in your meals may mean consuming more fat and simple carbohydrates while consuming less calcium, B vitamins, and fibre. When beginning a gluten-free diet, many consumers first turn to processed, gluten-free items.

Conclusion: Gluten is not the Problem for Everyone 

Gluten is generally not harmful to everyone's health. However, evidence suggests that eliminating gluten may raise your diet of unhealthy fats and carbohydrates while decreasing your intake of essential vitamins and minerals. Gluten should be avoided by those with celiac disease, dermatitis herpetiformis, or gluten sensitivity. 

Instead of jumping on the latest trends, you should focus on eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods, including whole wheat, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. If you find that gluten is causing harm to your body, you should consult a healthcare professional to get a proper diagnosis. 

In the end, gluten is not inherently bad for you, it is just a trend started by some of the healthcare influencers.