Gluten!
Spooky word isn’t it?
There’s so much information flying about in relation to wheat, bread and anything that tastes nice, that I thought I’d dedicate some time to fleshing out the facts and busting the myths.
Gluten is a tricky topic. For some, it can spell disaster, but for others, it may not mean anything.
Thankfully, there’s been a lot of research into this area now, and we’re getting a clearer picture of what it means. Most of the research is done into coeliac disease which is a genetic immune disorder whereby intestinal damage is caused through the consumption of gluten. Because of this, anyone with coeliac disease should avoid gluten at all costs. Interestingly, 1 in 100 people have coeliac disease in the UK, but only 30% actually know they do.
There’s also some evidence that suggests people with intestinal disorders that aren’t related to gluten (such as IBS) may experience aggravated symptoms because of it.
The jury’s still out on whether gluten affects people without pre-existing conditions.
However, there are ways to tell if a gluten-free diet is right for you. The best way to discover gluten’s effects (or lack of) is to remove it from your diet for a month. If you see a noticeable difference (less gas, bloating, pain, tiredness, brain-fog, etc.), then there’s a high chance you have a gluten intolerance. After 30 days, try having some gluten again and monitor how you feel. If some of those symptoms come back, then you can be all but sure gluten is the cause.
If you take it out, don’t notice anything, then re-introduce it and nothing happens, then the chances are that you’re fine.
If you want to really find out the ins and outs of your body, understand what affects it, and how to overcome issues you thought you couldn’t, then book in for a consultation.