The Effects Of Gluten On The Body
The consumption of gluten can lead to health complications for people with or sensitive to celiac disease. In today’s article we describe the effects gluten can have on your body.
Some people are gluten intolerant due to the effects this protein has on the body. However, every person has different symptoms. Hence , everyone should be aware of the possible effects gluten can have on the body.
Researchers have identified several diseases that are linked to gluten consumption . The most common are celiac disease and gluten intolerance. The physical reaction is related to the activation of the cells of the immune system.
What exactly is gluten?
Gluten is a protein that is not found in food as such. Because it only occurs when oats, rye, barley and wheat come into contact with water. In the case of wheat in particular, it is produced in large quantities.
Wheat has been a staple in the Western diet for more than 10,000 years. However , the food industry has genetically modified this grain, making it increasingly resistant to pests and weather conditions.
And it is precisely for this reason that consumption continues to rise. In fact , that’s because of its viscosity and elasticity, which make it a remarkable ingredient. And not only for industrial finished products, but also as a food additive.
However, this has also led to an excessive supply of gluten in the population. And this in turn has led to the emergence of some diseases that can be traced back to this over-consumption. In addition, research has shown that genetic predisposition plays an important role in the development of gluten intolerance.
The effects of gluten on the body
Scientific evidence suggests that people with gluten intolerance often experience gastrointestinal and extraintestinal symptoms. In addition, the damage to the intestinal villi then leads to further health complaints and consequences.
The most common clinical manifestations include:
- Diarrhea or constipation
- stomach pain
- Excessive gas formation
- Feeling of fullness after meals
- a headache
- fatigue
- depressions
- muscle pain
- dermatitis
- anemia
- irritability
Other complications that can be triggered by consumption
According to a study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine , in addition to the above symptoms, children diagnosed with celiac disease often experience the following symptoms: inability to gain weight, anorexia, vitamin deficiencies, and tooth enamel defects.
The article also showed that the manifestation is often more atypical in adolescents and adults. In general, the symptoms are often non-specific and not always necessarily related to digestive problems.
According to the guidelines of the World Gastroenterology Organization , the permanent consumption of foods containing gluten leads to further problems, such as:
- Endocrine Disorders
- Primary infertility
- Repeated miscarriages
- Delayed puberty
- Early menopause
- Bone problems such as osteopenia, osteoporosis, and osteomalacia
In addition , people who have long-term untreated celiac disease appear to be at increased risk of complications such as colon cancer, malignant lymphomas, oropharyngeal tumors, and broken bones.
Avoid gluten in the diet
Scientific evidence supports the fact that the best treatment for any type of gluten intolerance is a lifelong gluten-free diet. Therefore, those affected must remove all products made from wheat, oats, rye and barley from their diet. In addition, you should note that many industrially processed products can also contain these substances.
For example, gluten could be found in some ice creams, sauces, salad dressings, but also in beer and even in beverages and some medicines. Fortunately, most products are now labeled as “wheat free” and “gluten free”. These labels were developed a few years ago to make it easier to identify gluten-free products.
Also, keep in mind that meat, fruits, vegetables, and other foods are contaminated by the mere fact that they have come into contact with gluten. Therefore, you should be very careful when choosing your foods.
A healthy wheat-free diet
Anyone who follows a strict eating plan, no matter what it is, needs to make sure that the diet is balanced. If you’re looking for alternatives to wheat, there are some great options out there, such as:
- rice
- millet
- Corn
- Sorghum
- Quinoa
- Buckwheat
- Amaranth
Be sure to consult your doctor or nutritionist if you have any questions. Because they will help you put together a nutrition plan that is precisely tailored to your needs.
The effects of gluten on the body vary from person to person
In conclusion, it can be stated that the effects of gluten on the body are very diverse and individually different. Because some people can digest it without any problems, while others are allergic to it and get sick after consuming it. The health effects mainly affect the digestive system.
Therefore, you should see a doctor if you notice any intolerance reactions. Then he can make an appropriate diagnosis. If you have gluten intolerance or celiac disease, it is very important that you adjust and change your diet accordingly.
