Let’s talk about the thing that shall not be named…GLUTEN (gasp!). It seems these days that everybody has some sort of adverse reaction or allergy to gluten. We can even see ‘gluten-free’ packets of almost everything popping up on our grocery store shelves. But why now? What’s got everyone up in arms over gluten? Let’s take a look:
WHAT IS GLUTEN
Gluten is the general term for a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale. All forms of wheat contain gluten, including durum, spelt, and farro. Many everyday food products have gluten, such as pasta, bread, and beer. However, gluten is also an ingredient in a variety of less obvious foods like soups, sauces and even salad dressings.
WHY SO SENSITIVE?
There are several potential causes of gluten intolerance, including celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, and wheat allergy. Gluten provides no essential nutrients. People with these digestive issues have an immune reaction that is triggered by eating gluten. They develop inflammation and damage in their intestinal tracts and other parts of the body when they eat foods containing gluten.
SYMPTOMS
Abdominal pain
Abdominal pain is also the most common symptom of an intolerance to gluten. It's estimated that up to 83% of those with gluten intolerance experience abdominal pain and discomfort after eating gluten. One may make you feel sick or nauseous after eating gluten.
Bloating or Gas
Another very common symptom that people report in cases of gluten intolerance is bloating. This refers to the feeling of a full stomach that is uncomfortable and lasting. It is common also to feel a buildup of gas.
Depression & Anxiety
If your body has an intolerance to gluten, you may experience negative physical and mental health symptoms such as anxiety and depression. A recent study found that limiting consumption of gluten and FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols) may be beneficial for symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other cognitive challenges.
Diarrhea or Constipation
For people with an intolerance to gluten, consuming foods that contain gluten can trigger digestive issues. In fact, more than 50% of gluten-sensitive individuals regularly experience diarrhea, while about 25% experience constipation.
Fatigue & Brain Fog
Brain fog can be described as a state of being excessively “spaced out,” or an inability to concentrate or remember simple things due to gluten ingestion. If you accidentally get into some gluten, you may feel fuzzy-headed for a day or two. To recover, your best bet is to get plenty of rest, take it easy with regards to your activities if you possibly can, and simply wait for the brain fog to pass.
Inflammatory Skin Reaction
An increasing number of medical evidence shows there is a direct link between gluten sensitivity, or its most severe form called coeliac disease, and various skin problems ranging from dermatitis herpetiformis, dry skin, chronic urticaria (also called hives), eczema, and psoriasis.
HOW TO HEAL
There's no cure for gluten intolerance. But most people find relief from symptoms by following a gluten-free diet and working with a dietitian to plan your diet. Your symptoms should improve considerably within weeks of starting a gluten-free diet. However, it may take up to 2 years for your digestive system to heal completely.
Healing takes time but is always worth it! Over and above opting for a gluten-free diet, one of the best things you can do is to add a quality probiotic supplement to your regime. Probiotics have gluten hydrolysis enzymes that digest and destroy gluten in patients with gluten sensitivity.
Healing takes time but is always worth it! Over and above opting for a gluten-free diet, one of the best things you can do is to add a quality probiotic supplement to your regime. Probiotics have gluten hydrolysis enzymes that digest and destroy gluten in patients with gluten sensitivity.
Klean has developed one of the best Probiotic supplements on the South African market: Nourish. Nourish is a blend of 20 billion beneficial probiotic species combined in perfect synchronicity for reconditioning your gut, boosting immunity, stimulating a healthy metabolism, and promoting homeostasis (balance) throughout your body and mind.
Your gut microbiome is your second brain and plays an important role in your overall physical and mental well-being, especially if you suffer from celiac disease or gluten intolerances and allergies.