Post date: 14.08.2012 9:20 AM

(BeWellBuzz) Over the years, gluten has become an increasing epidemic. Millions of people suffer with sensitivity to gluten, and because it’s not a disease, there isn’t a cure. The only real solution is to follow a gluten-free diet.

What is Gluten?

Gluten is derived from a few different proteins, and is typically found in grains and wheat. It’s used in several foods and baking allowing it to add texture to most foods. It’s often used as a binder, thickener, helps to enhance flavor, and also can be used as a protein supplement.

However, many people develop intolerance for gluten and to help alleviate their symptoms, a gluten-free diet needs to be implemented. This helps prevent any future intolerance it may have on the body.

Gluten has been known as the silent killer simply because many people have no idea about their intolerance and therefore aren’t aware of challenges they may be facing. Over time, without treatment or detection, gluten intolerance can damage the eyes, lead to chronic health issues, and even worse, death.

Gluten also plays a role in a number of other health issues that people have no idea what the contributing factor is. These include diabetes, obesity, heart disease, cancer, dementia, brain disorders, and even depression.

Symptoms of Gluten Intolerance

Many people may suffer with gluten intolerance but have no idea about it. There are a few things that can help determine the beginning states of intolerance including: In a large number of cases, gluten sensitivity is present long before villous atrophy occurs – as you may have guessed, a large proportion of cases  therefore remain ‘silent’. Since the individual is unaware of the condition affecting him/her, there is a high chance of a sudden severe reaction to gluten occurring.

• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Fatigue with eating
• Cramping
• Nausea
• Low blood pressure
• Bloating

These symptoms are generally present after eating foods that contain wheat in them, since gluten is found primarily in wheat products.

If you suffer with chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia syndrome, you are already sensitive to gluten, and therefore should reduce the amount of wheat or gluten products you consume. You need as many building blocks and nutrients as possible.

Foods That Contain Gluten

In addition to wheat, there are a number of other grains that contain gluten in them. Some of these include:

• Semolina
• Faro
• Spelt
• Kamut
• Graham

These grains are also used to help flavor proteins in certain foods. They can also help bind them together making them thicker. These grains are typically found in breakfast foods as well as baked foods. There are other foods that might not be as obvious, but can contain gluten.

Gluten is additionally found in soups or broths since it is used as a thickening agent. It’s found in ketchup, gravies, marinades, and even salad dressings. Because it helps to enhance flavors, spice blends contain it as well as dairy products, coffees, liquors, and vinegars. It’s also used as a stabilizer which is why it’s even found in the glue on envelopes.

There are also other foods that can trigger intolerance such as milk, soy, or corn. While the gluten molecule is not present in these foods, their structure is somewhat similar enough to produce some of the symptoms. Other foods might include rye, oats, millet, barley and more.

Treating Gluten Intolerance with a Gluten-Free Diet

To help with gluten intolerance, a gluten free diet can help make a difference. It’s the only way to really reduce the symptoms and also decreases the damage that is done to your body. However, this can be difficult for many sufferers to maintain. You need to have a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of gluten and how to look for gluten-free foods. Because gluten is found in so many foods nowadays, it takes time to read through labels of foods to make sure there isn’t any gluten in the food.

Many grains and starches can still be a part of a gluten-free diet:

• Amaranth
• Arrowroot
• Buckwheat
• Flax
• Millet
• Quinoa
• Rice

Gluten free diets have helped a number of people who suffer with a number of health issues including decreasing the frequency of headaches, helping people to lose unwanted weight, helping those with diabetes, and much more. If you feel that you could benefit from a gluten free diet because of gluten intolerance, consider talking to your nutritionist. They can help evaluate your symptoms and can help determine the best approach for your specific situation and needs.