What Is Gluten?
Celebrities like Zoey Deschanel, Miley Cyrus, Drew Brees, and Lady Gaga made the decision to go gluten-free for varying reasons. Some to lose weight, others for health concerns, and a few because they have been diagnosed with Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder preventing them from absorbing nutrients when they eat gluten. Like many things celebrities do, their diet choices have affected the diets of manyAmericans. It is now “trendy” to follow a gluten free diet. Unfortunately, many peoplegoing “g-free”, don’t actually know what gluten is. Gluten is a protein found in some grains (wheat, rye, and barley). It is made whentwo smaller proteins, glutenin and gliadin, form a bond during the kneading processto create a very large protein molecule. This molecule is so large, thatoccasionally our bodies will mistake it for a foreign invader, like a bacteria or fungi.When this happens, the body will attack the gluten, causing damage to the smallintestine. Individuals experiencing this are diagnosed with Celiac disease andrequire a gluten-free diet. Only about one percent of the population has this disease.
Some individuals are also diagnosed by their doctor with non-celiac glutensensitivity. These people have often been tested for celiac disease, wheat allergies,and other gastrointestinal problems. If you feel you may have gluten sensitivity, it isimportant to work with your doctor to determine the cause. Following a gluten-free diet can be very difficult. Gluten can be hidden in many unsuspecting foods like soy sauce, gravy, malt liquors, processed meats, frozen vegetables, and snack foods. In addition, a gluten free diet is often more expensive and can be higher in fat and carbohydrates. Studies have also shown gluten free products to be lower in protein, iron, and folate.
People following a gluten free diet to lose weight may want to rethink their decision.While gluten itself doesn’t have many health benefits, it also does not pose anutritional risk for healthy individuals. People who cut out gluten without first beingdiagnosed run the risk of becoming deficient in fiber, vitamin B, zinc and iron,nutrients that are naturally accruing in whole grain, non-gluten-free bread. It is important to take away the following facts from this article • Gluten is not inherently evil or bad for you • Choosing to follow a gluten free diet alone will not result in weight loss • Living gluten-free is expensive and can cause nutrient deficiencies if it is not done correctly • Some people (1% of the population) have a medical condition requiring them to eat gluten-free If you are considering trying a new diet and fitness routine or would like general nutrition information schedule an appointment with our Registered Dietitian at (440)-250-9988 or email info@livefitpt.com.
Resources 1. ABC News. Gluten-free celebs picture. 2. Catassi C, Elli L, Bonaz B, et al. Diagnosis of non-celiac glutensensitivity (NCGS): The salerno experts' criteria. Nutrients.2015;7(6):4966-4977. doi: nu7064966 [pii]. 3. Kulai TM, Rashid M Mbbs MEd Frcp,C. Assessment of nutritionaladequacy of packaged gluten-free food products. Can J Diet Pract Res.2014;75(4):186-190. doi: 10.3148/cjdpr-2014-022 [doi]. 4. Lis D, Stellingwerff T, Kitic CM, Ahuja KD, Fell J. No effects of ashort-term gluten-free diet on performance in nonceliac athletes. MedSci Sports Exerc. 2015. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000000699 [doi]. 5. Lupkin S. 5 gluten myths you were too embarrassed to ask about.ABC News. 2014. Available from:http://abcnews.go.com/Health/gluten-myths-embarrassed/story?id=23645211. 6. Specter M. Aganist the grain.http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/11/03/grain. PublishedNovember, 3 2014.
