What is Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity? Non-celiac gluten sensitivity is a sensitivity to gluten, and when ingested may cause you to feel "foggy minded", depressed, experience abdominal pain, become bloated, have diarrhea, or suffer with constipation (Gluten Sensitivity). All signs and symptoms can also be seen in people suffering with celiac's disease. The difference is gluten sensitivity does not cause damage to the small intestines (Mayo Staff Clinic). |
What is Gluten? Gluten is a protein found in wheat and is a combination of the proteins gliadin and glutenin. Gliadin is the ingredient found in bread that gives bread the ability to rise. Glutenin is the major protein found in wheat flour (Zuckerbort). What is Celiac's Disease? Celiac's disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in the small intestines when gluten has been ingested. This inflammation causes damage to the small finger like structures called villi that line the small intestines. Villi are the structures that allow your body to absorb nutrients (Zuckerbort). Damage to these villi can cause malnutrition due to the lack of the absorption of nutrients. Gastrointestinal cancer has also been linked to prolonged, untreated, celiac's disease (Zuckerbort). |
What Does It Mean To Be Gluten Free?
To be gluten-free means to avoid and exclude gluten which can be found in wheat, barley, or rye (Mayo Staff Clinic). To take on the challenge of being gluten free "just because" is a challenge indeed. According to Keith O'Brien, "gluten-free friendly foods" have become more available in the past several years. In O'Brien's opinion, these "gluten-free friendly foods" taste exceptional. However, they do in fact come with a steep price tag. So is the Gluten-Free Diet for you?
If you experience any of the above signs and symptoms after ingesting foods that contain gluten, talk with your doctor and see if this diet is for you. There are multiple testimonies by athletes, news anchors, and ordinary people who have taken on this diet in hopes for having more energy and feeling less bloated. According to the numerous testimonies, people claim it truly works in improving overall personal well-being. However, there are skeptics, and scientists have not yet discovered any evidence that can support these various claims. According to the Mayo Clinic, not only is taking on the Gluten-Free Diet "just because" a challenge, but it also can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Therefore, before taking on this challenge speak with your physician to ensure the Gluten-Free Diet is the right diet for you and your health.
What Can I Eat?
For a list of foods you can eat and foods you should avoid click here!
For a list of "Gluten Free Friendly" recipes click below.
Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Photograph: Heading Photograph. Digital Image. Huffington Post. Web. 27 July 2016.