Gluten-Free Living: A Healthy Choice or a Fad Diet

The gluten free food industry is booming in Australia and around the world. The industry is raking in billions of Australian dollars annually. Despite the hype, many individuals are still confused as to what the "gluten-free diet" actually is. Some argue that eating gluten-free has changed their lives; others dismiss the special diet as a fad.

Are you still scratching your head at packaged foods labelled "gluten-free"? If so, read on to learn the truth about gluten and the gluten-free diet.

What is gluten? I've heard so much about it, but I'm still confused!

Have no fear! Even individuals on gluten-free diets often have trouble explaining gluten to others.

Simply put, gluten is a protein. Gluten can be found in a number of grains. Wheat, rye, barley, and oats are the most frequently problematic grains containing gluten. Gluten occurs naturally in these grains and is credited for lending a pliable, chewy texture to products like bread and porridge.

What food products contain gluten?

Gluten is almost always a component in foods made from gluten-containing grains, such as rye, spelt, or wheat.

Some grains, such as oats, however, can be processed in a manner that removes the gluten from the grain. Most grains that contain gluten, unfortunately, cannot be modified in such a way. Wheat-based products, for instance, are never gluten-free. Unless a product is specifically marked as a gluten-free item, one cannot be certain that it is actually gluten-free.

A good number of products containing gluten can be easily identified by consumers. The pizzas, pastas, wheat and rye breads, cakes, pastries, and crackers that can be found in stores and restaurants are almost never gluten-free. Gluten-free individuals should also be wary of products labelled "whole-grain," as these items often contain wheat and other off-limits grains. Though common sense to most, white bread is made from wheat and therefore contains gluten as well.

Though often apparent, gluten is also hidden in a number of other processed foods. Barley malt extract, for example, is a liquid sweetener found in a number of otherwise gluten-free cereals, including corn flakes and Rice Krispies. Many chocolate treats such as Kit Kats and Twix candies contain gluten as well. Most soy sauces contain wheat, and a number of imitation meats, dressings, gravies, and alcoholic beverages are less obvious sources of gluten.

Many individuals mistakenly believe that the gluten protein is a component of all grain and starch-based products. This, however, is a gross misconception. Many starchy foods are naturally gluten-free, including rice, quinoa, potatoes, buckwheat, corn, flax seed, and more.

Should I go on a gluten-free diet?

Gluten seems to have become a topic of public debate, with celebrities such as Jennifer Lawrence, Miley Cyrus, and Elisabeth Hasselbeck weighing in with their opinions on the protein. If anything, the news has gotten many of us wondering, "Is a gluten-free diet for me?"

There are two main health conditions that contribute to individuals taking up a gluten-free diet. The first is celiac disease. This condition (alternatively known as "coeliac disease") is a rather serious autoimmune condition. Roughly 1 out of every 133 individuals is estimated to be affected by the disease, which can cause serious digestive pain and anemia amongst other health conditions. Celiac disease is a chronic condition which damages the villi found in the small intestine. For this reason, the condition is more painful and serious than a food allergy or sensitivity. For celiac disease sufferers, a gluten-free diet is the only real solution to this life-long condition. Some celiac disease suffers are particularly sensitive to the gluten protein, and may even need to maintain a dedicated gluten-free kitchen to avoid experiencing a reaction due to cross-contamination.

Other individuals suffer from gluten sensitivity, also known as gluten intolerance. This condition can also cause digestive distress, though generally less so than that experienced by celiac disease sufferers. Similar to lactose intolerance or a food allergy, gluten sensitivity can cause internal discomfort, such as cramps and bloating. Overall, however, the condition is less serious than celiac disease.

If you constantly suffer from digestive problems, cramps, and bloating, consider consulting your doctor about your symptoms. Your doctor may suggest that you try out a gluten-free diet to see if your symptoms are reduced. If you have a family history of autoimmune conditions, you may want to consider getting tested for celiac disease as well.

Individuals suffering from autism may also find that their symptoms are alleviated by going on a gluten-free diet. Though medical research has yet to conclusively determine why this might be, some autistic individuals swear by the gluten-free diet, claiming that it has greatly improved their lives.

In short, if you can relate to the symptoms of celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, a gluten-free diet may ultimately benefit you.

Are gluten-free foods healthier than others?

For individuals who are not suffering from the aforementioned conditions, a gluten-free diet is unlikely to affect their health. Most mass-produced gluten-free items are fundamentally similar to their gluten-containing counterparts in regards to their calorie and carbohydrate contents, and offer no additional nutritional benefits. Unless gluten is causing you problems, you are unlikely to experience any health benefits by going gluten-free.

Will eating gluten-free help me lose weight?

Popular celebrities have perpetuated the misconception that eating gluten-free is an excellent way to lose weight. This, however, is almost always untrue. Though eating gluten-free may lead you to consume fewer carbohydrates, gluten-free foods themselves will not assist you in losing weight. At its core, the gluten-free diet is a diet for food intolerance sufferers, not a weight-loss diet. Gluten free pastries and breads generally contain just as many calories, carbs and fat as non-gluten-free grain products. Using a gluten-free diet to lose weight is generally expensive, difficult, and mostly ineffective.

In Conclusion

At the end of the day, the gluten-free diet is a crucial treatment tool for individuals suffering from celiac disease and gluten intolerance. For most individuals, however, the gluten-free diet is not a necessity, and will not generally result in weight loss or a miraculous change in wellness. If, however, you suspect that you may be suffering from a sensitivity to gluten, consider consulting a doctor about your suspicions. Today, it is easier than ever to diagnose and treat gluten-related medical conditions. Changing your diet may be just the trick to solving your digestive problems.