Gluten Free: Fad or Necessary?

Gluten free bread… Gluten free chips… Gluten free apples… gluten free cookies… gluten free pancakes…

Is this all called for?… Where did the gluten free phase come from and is it right for you?

What exactly is gluten?

Gluten sounds like a form of glue. Gluten in the protein (glue) that gives elasticity to dough, helping it rise and keep its shape and often gives the final product a chewy texture. Gluten is present in wheat, barley, and rye products.

Does anyone need to avoid gluten?

For medical necessity, only those diagnosed with Celiac Disease need to avoid gluten. Celiac disease is defined as the autoimmune response to ingested gluten. When gluten is ingested by an individual with Celiac disease their body immune response attacks the small intestine. This continued response can cause damage to the small intestine, which is responsible for nutrient absorption. Continued damage caused by ingestion of gluten thus can cause nutrient malabsorption. Celiac disease is an hereditary disease that can be diagnosed by blood test and biopsy.

Why is Gluten free a trend?

Eating gluten free has become a weight-loss fad over the past couple of years as the term becomes more popular. Those without Celiac Disease are finding that by avoiding gluten-containing items they are able to lose weight. Essentially, avoiding gluten is not necessary for weight loss. With clean and healthier eating being a current trend, gluten free eating is here to stay, for medical and personal reasons. Following a gluten-free diet for preference isn’t harmful or unhealthy but is unnecessary without a Celiac Disease diagnosis.

The good news about trying to eat healthy or even follow a gluten free diet is there are several foods that are NATURALLY gluten free:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Meat and poultry
• Fish and seafood
• Dairy
• Beans, legumes, and nuts
• Rice
• Corn
• Potatoes
• Quinoa
• Flax Seeds
• Chia Seeds