Gluten free foods are popping up everywhere and it’s
becoming easier and easier to find breads, desserts, etc.
that are made from gluten free grains.

What is Gluten?

This protein can be found in wheat, rye, and barley
products.

Gluten contains a very complex protein which is hard to
digest by our bodies. The size of the gluten protein
molecule makes it very difficult for your digestive system
to handle.

The problems start when gluten enters your small intestine.

For the gluten intolerant, gluten can wreck havoc on your
health by ripping holes in the lining of your system. This
can create leaky gut syndrome and pretty serious allergic
reactions from your immune system.

Absorbing important nutrients from your food will be halted
when you suffer from intestinal damage and this could lead
to malnutrition. Malnutrition could then lead to contracting
a disease.

Some of your favorite grains do not contain gluten such as
corn, rice, and pure oats. Some of the more exotic gluten
free grains are quinoa, buckwheat, millet, teff, and
amaranth.

Since wheat, rye, and barley are grains that naturally
contain gluten, eating oats that have been processed in the
same plants as these grains will be cross contaminated with
gluten.

Wheat gluten grains include spelt, wheat bran, wheat germ,
wheat berry, triticale, couscous, durham, bulgar, farina,
semolina, einkorn, farro, graham, udon, seitan, wheat grass
and matza.

What are Gluten Intolerance Symptoms?

Symptoms to watch for after consuming gluten would be
discomforts such as gas, bloating, diarrhea and
constipation. Watch for fat in your stools, cramps, aching
joints, tingling and numbness, headaches, rash, itchy skin,
and irritability. Longer term conditions could include
irregular menstrual cycles, slowed child development, weight
gain or weight loss, depression, and nutritional
deficiencies.

A more serious gluten intolerance is called Celiac disease
and when gluten is consumed this actually triggers your
body’s immune system. Celiac disease is caused by the
inflammatory interaction of gliadin which is a gluten
protein.

Your small intestine’s lining will become flattened by the
inflammation created by your body’s reaction to this
protein. This will hinder your ability to absorb important
and life giving nutrients from the foods that you consume.

This disease can run in families and is more common then
most people think. If left untreated can result in more
serious complications like Type 1 Diabetes.

A strict gluten free diet is the only way you can fix this
disease.

An Up and Coming Gluten Free Grain is the Quinoa
Grain

Quinoa is high in protein and has a high content of the
valuable amino acid lysine.

Usually grains do not have this important amino acid.

This amino acid is needed for the absorption of minerals
such as calcium and for muscle building.

Lysine also helps in the production of enzymes and
hormones.

Quinoa is considered a complete protein because it contains
all eight essential amino acids.

Gluten Free Food Advice

Gluten free desserts are easier to make than in the past.
There are quite a lot of gluten free flours and gluten free
cookbooks available. There are also desserts like chocolate
and ice cream that naturally do not contain any gluten, but
always check the label.

Gluten free foods are some of the most healthy foods like
whole dairy products, seafood, nuts, beans, fruits,
vegetables, meats and poultry.

Trying to avoid gluten in your diet, is like trying to
avoid aging. You must be on the ball at all times and read
every label as most processed foods contain gluten in
disguise.

For additional ideas from this author about this topic,
check out Gluten Free Foods.

For basic Healthy Eating Guidelines, visit Destination Healthy Foods.

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