GLUTEN SENSITIVITY

Gluten Sensitivity

1.- What is Gluten?

A.- Gluten is a protein that makes the dough sticky, it is like a glue, and it is found in some grains such as wheat, barley and rye. Spelt durum and semolina are all types of wheat so they contain gluten. Unfortunately this chewy gluey protein that makes bread pastries and pasta taste so good is poison to a large segment of the population who cannot tolerate it.

2. - What does Gluten Sensitivity Means?

A. - A gluten sensitivity (GS) means when people suffer from a systemic autoimmune disorder that whenever they eat anything containing gluten their immune system reacts. The most common disease related to Gluten is Celiac Disease (CD).

When a person can’t digest and absorb this protein called Gluten, this protein becomes an antigen or in simple words an “Enemy for the body”, and the immune system starts to react forming antibodies “Soldiers”, to be able to destroy the enemy. This internal war promotes inflammation in the body which is the root cause of many disease and autoimmune disorders

3. - Which are the most common symptoms of Gluten Sensitivity?

A. - The symptoms of celiac disease and Gluten Sensitivity can vary dramatically from one person to another. For example, one person with celiac disease may be asymptomatic, another may suffer from chronic digestive distress, and others may experience more general symptoms such as fatigue. Many people with GS can have symptoms different than digestive problems such as headaches, foggy brain, body aches in their bones, muscles and/or joints, fatigue, etc. There has been also a strong link with GS and neurological manifestations such as ADHD, Tics, Anxiety, Epilepsy, Depression, Alzheimer Disease, and Parkinson Disease etc.

4. - Is Gluten Sensitivity (GS) the same as Celiac Disease (CD)?

A. - No. Celiac Disease is the extreme reaction of the immune system and damage of the intestinal lining (causing major problems with the absorption of nutrients), this promotes many digestive symptoms such as bloating, cramping, diarrhea, constipation, etc. And an overall absorptive problem that translates in many nutrient deficiencies, and failure to thrive.

CD is a genetic disease that runs in families. It is not always easy to diagnose and there are different lab-tests; and also an intestinal biopsy can help to establish the diagnosis.

5. - Which foods do not contain Gluten?

A. - Cereals such as Rice (any kind) Quinoa, Corn, Millet, and Amaranth do not contain gluten.

Meats, Poultry, Fish and Seafood; prepared from scratch in a natural way, by just adding salt, pepper and some natural herbs or spices. Do not use already prepared, sauces, marinades or gravies since many of them may contain Gluten.

Beans and Legumes home made not from a can.

Fresh Vegetable and Fruits.

Nuts and Seeds.

6. - Is a Gluten Free Diet necessarily a Nutritious and Healthy Diet?

A. - Not necessarily. It is very important if you decide to follow a Gluten Free diet to study and seek for professional guidance, from a Dietitian or a Doctor that is trained in this subject. They will help and give you tools on how to choose the Gluten Free products that are healthy, and how to balance your meals.

Marketers are always coming out with new products, and now that Gluten Sensitivity is being better studied and understand many people is switching to this type of diet, but it is very important to get informed, and educated in this matter. Many Gluten Free products can be very high in Carbohydrates, Sugars, and Fats, and can promote weight gain or affect our health.