Why Should I Go Gluten-Free?

Research has revealed that many common ailments can be attributed to consuming gluten. Unfortunately, the only way to know for certain if gluten is adversely affecting your health or the health of your loved ones, is to go gluten-free. Choosing a gluten-free diet is one of those trends that seems to be gaining popularity. Every day more gluten-free products are showing up in the market. With so many issues that can be connected to gluten, going gluten-free might be a good idea.

What is gluten?

Gluten is a composite of two proteins, gliadin and glutenin, joined by a starch. Gluten is found in many grass-related grains including wheat, barley, spelt, and rye. When the flour from one of those grains is mixed with cold water, it breaks down the starch molecule, leaving a network of elastic gluten. Gluten is what gives kneaded dough its elastic quality.

What kinds of products contain gluten?

Some products that contain gluten may surprise you. Commercial broth often contains gluten as does some lunch meats, hot dogs, soy sauce, seasoned rice, fried foods, and seasoned snack foods. Many packaged foods contain additives and ingredients that have some gluten in it. Gluten is a commonly used binder in these products.

What are the adverse effects of gluten?

While most people may simply want to lower their carb intake, they do not have a real problem eating products that contain gluten. However, some people have an adverse reaction to gluten. Medical conditions can range from intolerance for gluten on one end of the spectrum to full-blown celiac disease on the other.

Gluten intolerance is one such medical condition. With this level of sensitivity, the affected person can have gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, stomach aches, heartburn, excess gas, and bloating. Brain fog, fatigue and headaches are also common. Some experience unexplained skin rashes, joint pains, and anemia. These symptoms get more pronounced after ingesting gluten products.

Gluten allergies are wheat allergies. People who are allergic to wheat have distinct symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and difficulty breathing. Gluten allergies can be life-threatening if it reaches the level of anaphylaxis.

Celiac disease is a major medical condition involving extreme gluten intolerance. Symptoms vary greatly from one person to another. Some people have the classic symptoms of diarrhea and weight loss. Many don't. About 20 percent have constipation and about 10 percent are obese. Other symptoms of celiac disease include anemia, loss of bone density, softening of the bones, itchy skin rashes, damage to the dental enamel, headaches, fatigue, joint pain, nerve damage, spleen dysfunction, and extreme acid reflux.

How do you avoid gluten?

People who have a sensitivity to gluten, an allergy to wheat, or full-blown celiac disease must eat a gluten-free diet. In order to avoid the many gluten-based additives and ingredients in the food supply, the best solution is to purchase certified gluten-free products. These products are made from completely gluten-free ingredients and in facilities free from ingredients or products containing gluten.

The good news is that going gluten-free does not mean you have to sacrifice taste. Deborah Kaye's Cookies is your source for tasty gluten-free treats, made in our gluten-free bakery. We have several delicious varieties of cookies to help make your gluten-free diet more satisfying. Deborah Kaye’s Cookies is here to be your partner for healthy and delicious options for gluten-free eating! For more information, send us an email or give us a call at (806) 239-7808.