Could a Gluten Allergy Be Making You Sick?

It's can be a challenge to avoid gluten in your diet, and it can be a heartbreaking to have to try.Some of you may be rolling your eyes or shaking your head as most of our favourite carbohydrates contain some form of gluten Currently experts estimate that over 40% percent of the population has some level of gluten intolerance; this means that it's a very real possibility you could be upsetting your gastrointestinal tract with just a slice of bread, crisp breads, battered foods, bread crumbed products and your next bowl of cereal or pasta.

What is gluten and where is found?

Gluten is a special type of protein and is found in abundance in wheat, rye, barley, and is typically ground into some type of flour and then baked into breads, crackers, and pastas. Gluten can also be hidden in foods you really don’t expect, are you ready? this may surprise you. Vanilla extract, certain sweets, packet soups, gravy mix, and some yoghurts. For people who suffer from celiac disease or even milder versions of gluten intolerance, eating just a few bites of gluten can disrupt their digestive systems or cause damage to their intestinal linings.

Here’s what the experts recommend you should consider:

-Watch out for symptoms. While food allergies may cause distinct, immediate reactions, the effects of a food intolerance may be more subtle. You may develop fatigue, weight gain, weight loss, bloating (especially in the face), and digestive issues like gas, heartburn, diarrhea, or constipation.

-Consider testing. Celiac disease is often diagnosed using either a blood test, stool test, or an intestinal biopsy — though it isn’t always caught right away. If you suspect that a gluten intolerance is causing your health issues, consult your GP or, if you'd like to look into it yourself, have a food allergy test or a specific celiac antibody screen.

-If you are not one for tests why not try out the gluten-free diet. These days, gluten-free versions of your favourite foods are more available than ever, including pastas and breads. 

-Consider taking a break from gluten for a month to see if your weight loss and your overall health improve. Do be aware that you will need to watch out for those  “hidden” gluten, found in things like modified food starches, thickening agents, caramel colouring, monosodium glutinate , flavoured coffees, and soy sauce. You may discover that avoiding gluten is your lottery ticket to feeling fantastic..

There’s nothing fun about making sacrifices.

However when it comes to your health, some of them are totally worth it. How important to you is good health and a strong body not matter what age you are? I found out I have a mild (I say mild if I indulge I pay the price with tummy ache, real griping pains, bloating, headache, lethargy and if I am really unlucky a trip to the toilet which can't wait !) gluten intolerance, and am fairly careful about what I eat . My energy is back and no more bloating or falling asleep in the afternoon. My food intolerances are yeast, and white flour I now avoid dairy including cheese which I love and pay the price for if I overindulge, yoghurt's bloat me up as does any white bread product, bran, wheat type breakfast cereals, granola, muesli crackers and crisp breads of any kind so now I just avoid bread white or brown. I have cut out caffeine and will have the occasional decaff coffee at my Mom & Dads I don't buy it at home. I have a guest jar of coffee stashed away for visitors.

You get over missing these foods.

Occasionally I fancy them, but giving up those indulgences is well worth the effort. I feel fantastic. You can do it, too and will have some amazing results and realise just how these foods affect your body.

Let me know how you get on going gluten free

Enjoy

Debs x