The Ins and Outs of Gluten
Hello Friends,
One of the most common questions I am asked is “What is all the hoopla with gluten and should I avoid it?’ The quick answer is most people do feel better if they eat gluten in moderation, but let’s break it down a little more.
What is Gluten?
Gluten is technically a group of proteins found in grains. It is what gives bread, dough, and pastas that stretchy/chewy consistency we love so much. Gluten is made up of a lot of little proteins such as gliadin and glutenin. The forms of gluten found in wheat, rye and barely are the ones that tend to give some folks a problem.
It Can Be Serious
In some people, gluten can trigger an autoimmune reaction that impacts the lining of the gut. This disease is called Celiac, and it is a serious medical problem. People with Celiac Disease must avoid gluten, and that includes microscopic gluten particles that might fly around a kitchen and contaminate what would otherwise be a gluten-free meal. Because Celiac impacts the gut lining, it can seriously impair the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. This may result in a myriad of health concerns including osteoporosis, infertility, neurological conditions, skin problems, and more. If you think you have Celiac Disease, you should consider being tested by your doctor before you completely give it up so the lab tests will be more accurate.
The Gray Area
You don’t have to have full-blown Celiac Disease to have issues with gluten. Some people’s bodies just don’t like it. It can create inflammation that leads to everything from joint pain, to gut upset, to cranky moods. In non-Celiac patients, there may be a happy medium where you eat some gluten in moderation in order to keep inflammation to a minimum and symptoms at bay.
See Your Doc
If you are concerned you have a gluten intolerance, you should consult with a naturopathic physician or functional medical doctor to create a plan to find out for sure. With the plethora of gluten-free options now, avoiding it is becoming easier and easier every day. And, happily, SkinTē is certified gluten-free.
As always, if you have questions, ideas, or comments don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly at amy.bader@skinte.com. I love your feedback and am here for you.
With love (and collagen),
Dr. B