Contents:
- Medical Video: Foods with Gluten: That You Didn't Know | #OWNSHOW | Oprah Online
- What is gluten?
- Why is gluten bad for some people?
- 1. Gluten intolerance
- 2. Celiac disease
- 3. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity
- 4. Irritable bowel syndrome
- 5. Wheat allergies
- What foods are high in gluten?
- Then, what are gluten-free foods?
Medical Video: Foods with Gluten: That You Didn't Know | #OWNSHOW | Oprah Online
Ever heard of gluten-free food? He said, it's healthier and better for the body. But do you know if gluten is the type of substance that is actually needed by the body? Then, is it true that gluten-free foods are healthier?
What is gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in grains and cereals, wheat, rye, barley and triticale. Gluten acts as a glue that helps keep food sticking and preserves the shape of food. There are two main types of protein in gluten, namely glutenin and gliadin.
When we mix flour with water, gluten protein forms sticky tissue that has a glue-like texture.
This property that resembles glue makes an elastic dough, and provides the ability for the bread to expand when baked, and provides a chewy texture.
Why is gluten bad for some people?
Most people don't have problems digesting gluten. But in some people, gluten can cause various health problems, such as:
1. Gluten intolerance
Gluten intolerance is a condition characterized by the body's inability to digest gluten protein. This gluten intolerance still causes mild symptoms. If someone has experienced severe gluten intolerance, the condition is called celiac disease.
2. Celiac disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder. In people with celiac disease, their immune system recognizes gluten as a dangerous substance, so it attacks gluten and the lining of the intestine. This certainly makes the intestine damaged, eventually leading to various health problems such as digestive disorders, anemia, and the risk of lack of vitamins and minerals.
Symptoms of celiac disease include discomfort in digestion, tissue damage to the small intestine, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, headache, fatigue, skin rash, depression, weight loss and foul-smelling stools. Sometimes, people can experience fatigue or anemia, or even without any symptoms. This makes celiac disease difficult to diagnose. In fact, 80 percent of patients are unaware of their condition.
3. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity
Non-celiac gluten sensitivity is the term used to indicate a condition in which a person is not diagnosed with celiac disease but still experiences discomfort when consuming gluten. This disease is still controversial. Some experts consider this is not a real condition.
4. Irritable bowel syndrome
Another form of gluten intolerance is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This disease is a digestive disorder with symptoms of abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, gas and diarrhea. Studies show that a diet without gluten can relieve IBS.
5. Wheat allergies
About 1 percent of the population has allergies to wheat. This condition makes patients suffer from various digestive problems after consuming gluten.
What foods are high in gluten?
Foods that are rich in gluten include:
- Wheat
- Spelled
- Rye
- Barley
- Bread
- Pasta
- Cereal
- Beer
- Cakes, cookies and pastries
- Gluten free grains
A group of gluten-free grains includes:
- Corn
- Rice
- Quinoa
- Flax
- Millet
- Sorghum
- Tapioca
- Buckwheat
- Arrowroot
- Amaranth
- oats
Then, what are gluten-free foods?
There are many food sources that are naturally free of gluten:
- Meat
- Fish and seafood
- Egg
- Dairy products
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Legumes
- Nuts
- Tubers
- Fat, like oil and butter
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
