What You Need To Know About Gluten
You’ve probably heard a lot a talk about gluten, especially in recent years, but with everyone having different things to say, it can be difficult to understand what gluten is and how it affects you. With more and more of the population having gluten sensitivity and celiac disease, the disorder which causes an inability to digest gluten, it’s important to know what it is and if it is something you need to worry about.
What is gluten?
Gluten is a major protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and products made from those grains. It’s used to help baked goods keep their texture and form and helps with consistency and taste purposes.
What foods have gluten?
Apart from the obvious culprits like:
- Many baked goods
Many foods you wouldn’t think of may have hidden gluten including:
- Potato chips
- Soy sauce
- Luncheon meat
- Blue cheese
- Baked beans
- Salad dressings
- Seasoning Mixes
Should you eaten gluten free?
If you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, you should be eating gluten free, but that’s not the only reason people have adopted a gluten free diet. Many people have tried gluten free diets as a response to bloating or feeling depressed, and while they have seen results, it may just be that by cutting out foods with gluten, they have also cut out the excess calories that come with that food. To find out if you may have a sensitivity to gluten, visit your physician.
What are some naturally gluten-free whole grains?
- brown rice
- whole corn
- gluten-free oats
- wild rice
Now you have the truth about gluten but remember that your health isn’t all about what you eat. You should be exercising regularly, and even if you’re just taking a walk around the block, it’s important to get active whenever you can. It will make you feel good and look good, so sign up for a class or get moving outside today!