What Does Gluten-Free Mean?

There’s a lot of buzz and interest in eating gluten-free nowadays. You’ve probably heard experts talking about gluten-free diets, and maybe you know somebody who eats a diet that is free of gluten.

There are many reasons why people eat gluten-free diets. Sometimes, an individual has a medical condition that means they can’t consume any gluten-containing products. For others, it’s a personal choice.

What is a Gluten-Free Diet?

Regardless of the reasoning behind it, going gluten-free means that you don’t consume any gluten-containing foods.

Gluten is a protein that is found naturally in certain foods. Wheat, barley, and rye are gluten-containing grains, and it’s often added to foods like pizza, pasta, and baked goods to improve their texture. There are many other food products that are often contaminated with gluten during the manufacturing processes.

Why Do People Eat Gluten-Free Diets?

Consuming a gluten-free diet is necessary for those that have certain medical conditions. For some, it comes down to personal preference and taste. If you do decide to remove gluten from your diet, it’s important to ensure you are still consuming adequate macronutrients and micronutrients in your diet.

The following medical conditions usually require someone to cut gluten out of their diets:

• Celiac disease - an autoimmune disorder where gluten activates an immune response, causing damage to the lining of the small intestine and reducing nutrient absorption.
• Gluten sensitivity - this is similar but not as severe as celiac disease. If someone with this sensitivity consumes gluten, they can suffer from digestive discomfort, bloating, abdominal pain, and headaches.
• Gluten ataxia - an autoimmune where gluten impacts the nerves and causes uncontrollable muscle movements and spasms.

If you do need to consume a gluten-free diet due to a medical condition, it’s important to check food labels.  Avoid foods that contain wheat, barley, or rye, and check the rest of the ingredients for potential gluten-containing products.