Gluten free diet, trend or beneficial?
A conversation between Colombe ND and a client
Julie: Colombe, can you help me better understand about a gluten-free diet? Is it a food trend or is it really beneficial for my health?
Colombe: Gluten is a protein found in many processed food products made from grains. While it may not be harmful to everyone, it can silently damage health by causing chronic inflammation in the body.
Julie: What’s in gluten that can cause this inflammation?
Colombe: Gluten contains two amino acids, proline and glutamine, which slow down its digestion and cause the formation of undigested food fragments in the intestine. Then, another amino acid called gliadin causes inflammation by creating intestinal permeability. This allows undigested food fragments to enter the bloodstream, causing inflammation throughout the body.
Julie: What are the symptoms of inflammation caused by gluten?
Colombe: Symptoms can vary from person to person, but they can include joint pain, bloating, headaches, fatigue, and digestive issues. In the long term, chronic inflammation can also be linked to more serious diseases, such as autoimmune diseases.
Julie: If I decide to switch to a gluten-free diet, how can I make this transition easier?
Colombe: There are many gluten-free foods available in most grocery stores. For example, many artisan bakeries offer a range of low-gluten breads, containing a maximum of only 1%. These breads are tender, moist, and tasty, and include varieties such as Kamut brioche, buckwheat-chia, and Kamut hamburger buns. They are an excellent choice for those looking to reduce their gluten intake without sacrificing taste and texture.
Julie: Thanks Colombe for this useful information. I better understand the effects of gluten and how to manage it in my diet.
Colombe: You’re welcome, it was a pleasure to help you Julie.
