In the last decade there’s been a surge in the number of people going gluten-free. Many claim they feel better if they avoid gluten, a protein complex found in wheat, rye, barley, triticale, and sometimes oats. Yet, only a small percentage of these people have celiac disease, an autoimmune disease that requires strict avoidance of gluten.
Non-celiac individuals who feel better without gluten may have a gluten intolerance or a gluten sensitivity. This often includes people with a diagnosis of ADHD, autism, Tourette’s, depression and related conditions.
One concern with a gluten-free diet is that nutrition can suffer if suitable efforts are not made to replace foods being avoided. An interesting study just released suggests that some types of wheat may cause less digestive symptoms than others, and may even reduce intestinal inflammation.
The study involved subjects with moderate cases of irritable bowel syndrome. Half ate products with organic “ancient” wheat and the others ate organic “modern” wheat products. A significant number of participants eating ancient grain reported improved symptoms in the intensity and frequency of intestinal pain, bloating, abdominal distension, and quality of life.
Notably, the inflammatory profile (levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines) was improved after eating ancient grain products.
The ancient grain used was T. turgidum subsp. turanicum—the khorasan variety of wheat. It is marketed as KAMUT® by a company that claims their wheat is grown to high quality standards and is not adulterated. See the KAMUTE® site for more details and for where products made with this specific grain can be obtained.
Note: The study was funded by the company that sells KAMUT® but reportedly the company was not involved in the implementation or analysis of the study.
See the research abstract here. Br J Nutr. 2014 Feb 13:1-8.