What is Gluten and Should I Stop Having it

In the last decade gluten, a protein found in many cereal grains and processed foods has become a topic of lengthy discussion. In those with coeliac disease, (an auto-immune condition whereby gluten causes the villi of the small intestine to become damaged preventing the proper absorption of nutrients) it is imperative that it be removed from the diet, however aside from coeliacs, more people are finding that by removing gluten from their diets they seem to have improved their health. But is gluten really the enemy it’s made to be if you aren’t coeliac?

Non-coeliac gluten sensitivity has seen a rapid rise of the past few years and for these people removing gluten can make a world of difference to their health. Those with other auto-immune conditions may also see an improvement in their health and a reduction in anti-bodies. So why is this so?

Gliadin, which accounts for 70% of the protein in gluten is the one responsible for causing the inflammatory response in coeliacs and whilst this accounts for the damage to the small intestine in this case, it can also cause inflammation when it is not properly broken down in those with sensitivities to gluten. Gluten has also been shown to produce molecular mimicry with the thyroid gland and individuals with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis often see a vast improvement in their health by removing gluten from their diets

Gliadin, the protein that makes up 70% of gluten has also been shown to upregulate Zonulin which modulates the tight junctions in the intestine causing intestinal permeability or what is better known as ‘leaky gut’, allowing unwanted substances to cross into the bloodstream.

Intestinal permeability however cannot be blamed on gluten alone with a mix of irritants including processed foods, pharmaceutical medications, pathogens, and other environmental toxins disrupting the tight barrier between the digestive system and the bloodstream producing symptoms that can be similar to those with actual gluten intolerance

Gut health is a major factor in gluten tolerance in many individuals and once this is addressed a re-introduction of gluten containing grains in moderate amounts is often well tolerated.

To discuss whether following a gluten free or low gluten diet to address your health concerns is right for you, make an appointment using the booking tab.