Habit Number Two – Limit Gluten
The Truth about Gluten.
Today, a gluten-free diet has become the new buzz word in the food and health industry. We see Gluten-free ranges in most grocery stores and most restaurants now offer gluten-free pizza and pasta options.
However, many people don’t know why there’s been a trend to a gluten-free diet, yet alone what it is and why going gluten-free is encouraged.
I am going to give you a Gluten 101 Lesson on what it is, what it does to our bodies and the health benefits of limiting gluten in our eating habits.
What is Gluten?
Gluten is an insoluble protein composite made up of two proteins: Gliaden and Glutenin. It’s found in a family of grains such as wheat, rye, spelt and barley.
Gluten is responsible for the elastic consistency of dough and helps bread to rise when baking. Gluten helps provide the chewy texture.
Is everyone affected by eating Gluten?
No, not everyone is affected by eating gluten however gluten sensitivities are more common than wheat allergies and celiac disease.
Gluten takes it’s toll on our digestive tracts and can trigger an immune response when ingested. Therefore my recommendation to a whole, healthy lifestyle this 2023 is to limit gluten in your diet.
What symptoms can Gluten cause?
As mentioned, gluten can trigger an immune response in some people’s bodies causing inflammation. Below are some symptoms people with gluten sensitivities may experience when eating it;
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Allergy-like symptoms
- Shortness of breath
- Inflammation
- Bloating
- Gas
- Skin rash (Eczema)
- Fatigue
- Indigestion
- Brain fog
- Joint pain
What food items contain Gluten and should be avoided when trying to limit Gluten?
Bread
Pasta
Cereals
Baked-goods
Convenient snacks (Think granola bars/pretzels/chips/crackers/biscuits)
Sauces (Store-bought ready made sauces)
Beer
Pizza
Cous cous
Limiting Gluten doesn’t have to feel like you’re on a ‘diet’ so to speak.
There are plenty of delicious and healthy alternatives.
And of course, my passion is always to see you thrive in living and sustaining a whole healthy life by making it easy and accessible for you. So, here are 3 of my favourite Gluten-free recipes tried, tested and full of flavour:
