Walk into many grocery stores and some restaurants and you can find gluten free or gluten friendly options. But do gluten free products really make a difference in someone’s life or is this just a craze that is a bunch of nonsense?
While some people choose to eat gluten free because they feel it is better for their body, others have very real health concerns such as a true food allergy to a food with gluten or the inability to process gluten.
So what is gluten?
Gluten is a substance found in grains such as wheat, barley, rye, and triticale. It gives dough its ability to keep its shape and acts like a glue to keep food together.
Now, you may be wondering about oats. In general, it’s a bit complicated to answer the question on whether oats are gluten free or not. The Celiac Disease Foundation has medical experts who indicate that cross contact may occur with rye, barley, or wheat when oats and these grains are grown beside one another.
This leads to the result that other grains may be harvested along with oats. Furthermore, oats may be processed using the same equipment as wheat and other allergens, making them easily contaminated. Unfortunately, this can make oats a food that causes health problems for some people with an allergy or who can’t digest gluten.
What happens when someone eats gluten if they can’t process it or are allergic to it?
There are over 200 symptoms associated with Celiac. While our list below is certainly not exhaustive, the following are some of the symptoms someone with celiac or with an allergy to gluten may suffer.*
- Gastrointestinal: Nausea, bloating, abdominal pain, cramps, constipation, stomach ache, weight fluctuation, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Skin: Itching, rashes, hives, skin rashes, and swelling.
- Mouth and Throat: Swelling, itching, or irritation of the mouth, tongue, and/or throat, discolored teeth, mouth sores, and weak enamel.
- Respiratory: Runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, wheezing, asthma.
- Other: Headaches, fatigue, dizziness, fuzzy headed, anemia, tingling-numbness, neuropathy.
While these symptoms can range from mild to severe, there is another symptom that is undoubtedly severe.
- Anaphylaxis: Difficulty breathing, swelling, tightness in the throat, and loss of consciousness. This is a life-threatening reaction and requires immediate medical attention.
As you can see, it can be risky for people who have symptoms of celiac disease or are allergic to gluten to eat foods with gluten for. It is a real thing and therefore should be taken seriously. Because Celiac is an autoimmune disease, people can develop other serious long term health effects if they don’t address it.
It is equally important to be aware that minuscule amounts of gluten can affect people with Celiac. For instance, ingesting even the tiniest amount of gluten can result in debilitating symptoms that last for days or longer.
*Note: This is information we compiled from the websites of the Celiac Disease Foundation, Food Allergy Research and Education, Beyond Celiac, and similar sites. It is not meant to be used as medical information or diagnosis of any kind. If you need medical information, diagnosis, or assistance, contact a medical professional.
Learn more by checking out the sources used in compiling this info at the Celiac Disease Foundation, Celiac Disease and Gluten Free Eating, and Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE).