The Mysterious Science of Gluten

THE MYSTERIOUS SCIENCE OF GLUTEN In the past decade, the word gluten and the phrase "gluten intolerance" have moved into the forefront of cultural consciousness. Yet despite its widespread discussion, many do not know what gluten is, or how the human body can be intolerant of it. But don't worry, it is easily explained below: WHAT IS GLUTEN? It is a protein that is primarily found in grains: WHEAT RYE BARLEY *OATS * Pure, uncontaminated oats can be consumed safely in quantities < 1 cup per day. It is important that you talk to your physician and your registered dietitian prior to starting oats. WHAT DOES IT DO? It gives pizza dough its stretchiness and breads their sponginess. WHY ARE SOME PEOPLE'S BODIES INTOLERANT OF GLUTEN? • It is more difficult for your body to digest than proteins in grain or meat. • For roughly 1% of the US population, it is extremely difficult to digest. These people have something known as celiac disease. WHAT IS CELIAC DISEASE? It is an autoimmune condition that is triggered by the ingestion of gluten, and it affects 1 in 133 people in the USA. HOW DOES GLUTEN AFFECT A PERSON WITH CELIAC DISEASE? Gluten passes through the digestive tract and is attacked by the body's immune system in the small intestine. Over time, these attacks inadvertently damage villi that line the small intestine. VILLI CELIAC DISEASE SMALL INTESTINE NORMAL SMALL INTESTINE SMALL INTESTINE VILLI: Small, hair-like appendages in the small intestine that are important to the process of nutrition absorption. Damage to villi can result in nutritional deficiencies, a common symptom for those with celiac disease. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? Symptoms typically present themselves at two times in life. Celiac disease presents itself in a variety of ways, so the list of symptoms is varied: BABIES AND SMALL CHILDREN: FAILURE TO GROW VOMITING BLOATED ABDOMEN BEHAVIORAL CHANGES OLDER CHILDREN AND ADULTS: ABDOMINAL CRAMPING/GAS CHRONIC DIARRHEA INFERTILITY CONSTIPATION MOUTH ULCERS OSTEOPOROSIS/ JOINT PAIN FATIGUE ANEMIA Even if you have these symptoms, that does not necessarily mean you are suffering from celiac disease. In order to be sure, consult with your doctor and take the necessary steps to test for celiac disease. GLUTEN-FREE LIFESTYLE The most common way of treating celiac disease or gluten intolerance is by adhering to a gluten-free diet. Unfortunately, there is no cure. Symptoms will return if you introduce gluten back into your diet. A GLUTEN-FREE DIET CAN INCLUDE: FRESH FRUITS • QUINOA • VEGETABLES • BEANS • CORN • NUTS • SEEDS • RICE FOODS TO AVOID ALL FORMS OF WHEAT INGREDIENTS w/ WHEAT • Spelt • Kamut • Wheat Starch • Farina • Semolina • Hydrolyzed Wheat • Cake Flour • Triticale Protein • Matzo * Buckwheat is a gluten- • Durum • Couscous • Einkorn Wheat Starch free exception. BREADED OR FLOURED: BARLEY AND MALT: • Malt Syrup • Meat • Poultry • Seafood • Vegetable • Malt Extract • Malt Flavoring • Malt Vinegar * These cooked/marinated in soy sauce or teriyaki also contain gluten. OTHERS: • Licorice • Seitan • Bran • Imitation • Graham Crab Meat • Beer (unless gluten-free) • Oats (unless gluten-free) Flour • Orzo • Panko • Udon • Rye The level of accessibility to gluten food products is a modern development to society, and this is why gluten intolerance seems to have come out of left field and is more prevalent than ever. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/celiac-disease/DS00319 http://www.glutenfreeliving.com/diet-and-nutrition/the-basic-diet # RETROFIT http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/05/health/gluten-5-things/index.html http://www.sheknows.co.uk/health-and-wellness/articles/955611/gluten-explained-how-it-can-affect-you http://www.academia.edu/1488736/Gluten_Intolerance_and_Celiac_Disease_Explained_In_Just_10 Pages www.RETROFITME.COM NNN