By: Karen Lederman

Gluten has become quite the buzzword over the last few years when it comes to specialized diets and allergies. There are many variations to this allergy and it is much more complex than many people once thought, including the medical industry. Let’s explore what gluten is, the variations of complications towards grains our bodies can have, and what we can do to get our health back on track. 

What is gluten and why is it harmful?

Most gluten is contained in a shell called the endosperm that surrounds grains. Grain is just a seed of grass such as wheat and barley. Flour is made of this endosperm which is one reason people with gluten allergies avoid flour based products. Gluten can be found in many foods like pasta, tortillas, and basically anything that uses flour. However, it’s important to know that just because something says “wheat-free” does not make it gluten free. There can still be gluten in a food source if it has grains like rye or some other form included.

Gluten is harmful to those with Celiac Disease, as well as people with a slight intolerance to wheat. There is a large scope of sensitivities associated with gluten and there are many reasons why. Having a medical sensitivity is one thing, but grains are actually not as good for you as you think. Some health problems may occur due to the chemicals that are sprayed on the grains during harvesting and preservation. In fact, grains produce large amount of insulin when consumed and this alerts the body to store fat. Also, there isn’t a significant amount of any valuable nutrients provided by grains.

Is Celiac Disease the same as a gluten allergy?

One common misconception people have is that Celiac Disease is the same thing as a gluten allergy. Celiac Disease is caused by gluten is much more serious than a sensitivity towards gluten. Gluten must be avoided completely when you suffer from Celiac Disease. Just like being allergic to peanuts, if someone with Celiac Disease consumes gluten, they will need immediate attention. If you have this sensitivity, you may need to seek medical attention when you consume gluten, or you may just suffer from sick-like symptoms that will pass.

What are the symptoms to gluten sensitivity?

Having sensitivities towards gluten can be miserable and uncomfortable, but it can go unnoticed as well. In fact, there are a lot of people who would benefit from a food sensitivity test because they are just pushing through the symptoms. Some of these include headaches, a foggy brain, and having very little energy. Issues such as constipation, diarrhea, and irritation of the bowels can also occur. Joints and muscles can ache and you may feel like you are bloated and cramp often. And this is only to name a few. It’s easy to see why we push these aches to the side and can blame another part of our life for their occurrence. However, there is a much better way to feel your best and handle this gluten sensitivity.

If you think you suffer from the symptoms of a gluten allergy, contact the experienced professionals at Laser Skin & Wellness today by calling 561-641-9490. We offer food sensitivity tests in both the Lake Worth and Palm Beach Gardens locations and have a Registered Dietitian to help you with all of your gluten sensitivity needs.