Foods That Contain Harmful Gluten? Here are the facts

<==M the emergence of digestive disorders in some people after consuming food which contains gluten make this substance is considered harmful to health . However, is that right?

Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat and barley. Because it is found in wheat and barley, gluten automatically is also found in foods made from these grains. Examples of foods that generally contain gluten are bread, pasta, cakes, and cereals.

Is Gluten Dangerous for Everyone ?

The danger of consuming foods that contain gluten actually only applies to people who have certain diseases or medical conditions, namely:

1. Celiac Disease

In people who suffer from this disease, consumption of foods containing gluten will trigger inflammation and damage the surface of the small intestine, thereby interfering with the absorption of nutrients.

When consuming food containing gluten, people with celiac disease can experience diarrhea, constipation, and flatulence. In addition to disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, sufferers can experience anemia, osteoporosis, neurological diseases, skin, and heart disease. Therefore, sufferers of celiac disease must avoid gluten.

2. Non-celiac gluten intolerance

Some people experience symptoms and complaints similar to sufferers of celiac disease after consuming foods that contain gluten, such as digestive disorders, headaches, weakness, and joint pain. But after being examined by a doctor, no abnormalities were found in the intestine.

Even so, just like sufferers of celiac disease, people who have gluten intolerance should also avoid foods that contain gluten.

3. Autoimmune diseases certain

Numerous studies have shown that sufferers of certain autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto's disease, Grave's disease, and rheumatoid arthritis, have a risk of developing celiac disease. If you suffer from one of these autoimmune diseases, you are advised to follow a gluten-free diet.

4. Other intestinal diseases

Gluten is also thought to cause complaints in people with irritable bowel syndrome and inflammation of the intestine. Therefore, sufferers of both conditions need to avoid foods that contain gluten.

Tips for Living a Gluten Free Diet

One study did show that a gluten-free diet can have a positive effect on heart health and weight control, but this has more to do with general and non-specific food consumption.

You may choose to eat gluten-free food even if you do not have the above health problems. However, still pay attention to the nutritional content in food products that will be consumed.

When following a gluten-free diet, of course you will avoid all types of foods made from wheat and barley. The danger is that when avoiding these foods, you will be prone to experiencing a deficiency of vitamin B, fiber, zinc, and iron. Therefore, try to meet the nutritional intake by eating vegetables, fruits, and low-fat meat.

You also need to be more critical of processed food products that are claimed to be gluten-free, because they are not necessarily healthier. Research shows that processed foods that are gluten-free usually contain lots of processed carbohydrates, sugars, salt, and fats which are harmful if consumed in excessive amounts.

In addition, gluten-free processed foods usually do not contain much protein, folic acid (vitamin B9), niacin (vitamin B3), and other B vitamins that are needed by the body.

In conclusion, eating foods that contain gluten can indeed be dangerous in people who have certain medical conditions. If you do suffer from celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or autoimmune disease, a gluten-free diet will have a positive impact on your health.

However, if you do not have these conditions, you may eat foods that contain gluten. If in doubt, consult with your doctor to be given a dietary choice that suits your condition.

Written by:

dr. Irene Cindy Sunur

Label : Healthy living cat_Healthy living