So What is Gluten, Anyways?
If you’ve been following the Primal Eats Restaurant, you’ve probably seen or heard that we have launched a new, gluten-free menu! In recent years, the number of folks following a gluten-free diet has risen significantly- requiring food companies and restaurants to adapt to serve a growing portion of the population. But what exactly is gluten and why do people avoid it? Let’s break it down here!
What is Gluten and Where is it Found?
Gluten is a specific protein found in grains that provides elasticity and structure to doughs, as well as providing texture in some processed foods. It is found in wheat, rye, and barley and helps food to maintain it’s shape. Some foods, like oats, are naturally gluten-free but have high instances of cross contamination so they are generally avoided in gluten-free diets. Foods that generally contain gluten include grains, baked goods, pasta and noodles, some beverages such as beer and malted drinks, and some processed foods including soy sauce and sauces.
Why Do Some People Avoid Gluten?
There are a multitude of reasons why people may choose to avoid gluten, but the most common reasons are food allergies and intolerances or sensitivities. Often times, these terms are used interchangeably, but there are big differences in these conditions and how they’re managed.
-Food Allergy: A food allergy is an immune system reaction that occurs shortly after eating a specific food. This happens because the body mistakenly identifies harmless food proteins as dangerous, causing a wide variety of symptoms from hives to anaphylaxis. Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system reacts aggressively to gluten, resulting in damage and/or irritation to the small intestine. Folks with a gluten allergy or Celiac disease need to avoid all gluten, even in the smallest quantities from cross contamination.
-Food Intolerance or Sensitivity: Unlike a food allergy, a food intolerance is a typically digestive-based reaction that occurs when the body cannot properly break down or absorb certain foods. These reactions don’t involve the immune system and symptoms, although uncomfortable, are not life threatening. Food intolerances are typically dose-dependent, meaning that the more of that food you eat the worse symptoms will be. For some folks with a food intolerance, adding in digestive enzymes can help with symptom management, although avoiding the food altogether is recommended.
Is Gluten Unhealthy?
No, for folks without an allergy or intolerance to gluten it can be part of a healthy, balanced diet. Many nutrient-dense foods contain gluten, like whole grains such as whole wheat, rye, barley, bulgur, and farro. Whole grains provide essential nutrients such as fiber, B vitamins, iron, and magnesium. Long story short-if you are able to digest gluten, there is no reason to avoid it.
Looking to try some delicious gluten-free food? Head over to Primal Eats Restaurant in Gillett Wisconsin and try some of our new features!