2. WHAT IS GLUTEN?
Gluten is a protein composite found
in wheat and related grains.
Gluten gives elasticity to dough,
helping it rise and keep its shape and
often gives the final product a chewy
texture.
3.
4. Why shouldwe be careful while consuming gluten?
There are several reasons for being careful while
consuming gluten.
Gluten can trigger allergic reactions and
sensitivities in a significant portion of the population.
• By consuming excess quantities of gluten people
get a disorder called GLUTEN SENSITIVITY (gluten
intolerance).
• This basically means having some sort of adverse
reaction to gluten
• In gluten sensitivity, there is no attack on the body’s
own tissues. The biggest problem with gluten
5. Celiac disease is the most severe form of gluten
sensitivity.
• In this disease the immune system attacks the
gluten proteins, but it also attacks an enzyme in
the cells of the digestive tract called tissue
transglutaminase.
• This is an auto-immune disease.
• This disease is usually common among the
elderly.
• This symptoms of this disease are fatigue and
anaemia (although in most cases it is difficult to
6. Gluten also causes adverse effects in people who
do not have gluten sensitivity.
Gluten may also have negative effects on the barrier
function of the intestine, allowing unwanted
substances to leak through into the bloodstream.
Many causes of neurological illness may be caused
and/or exacerbated by gluten consumption. This is
called gluten-sensitive idiopathic neuropathy.
• The main neurological disease caused by gluten is
CEREBELLAR ATAXIA, a serious disease of the brain
that involves an inability to coordinate balance
movements, problems in talking etc.
7. HOWCAN YOU AVOIDTHESEDISEASES?
Since gluten sensitivity and celiac disease is
difficult to diagnose, the best way to prevent
these diseases is by having a gluten-free diet.
Here are some tips of what you can include in
your gluten-free diet:
Gluten-free grains such as corn, rice, millet,
quinoa, chestnut flour (singhara), amarnath
(ramdana), sago (sabudana).
Consuming nuts and seeds is very good for a
gluten-free diet.
8. Fruits and vegetables are also an excellent way
to eat healthy food while avoiding gluten.
Processed food such as vegetable chips,
snack bars, soups and dried products often
contain gluten and its derivatives that may affect
youe health in excess quantities.
Gluten causes harm in a large percentage of
people and it is best to avoid it.
9. Because it is difficult to diagnose gluten
sensitivity, you can follow a simple exercise to
know whether you have gluten sensitivity.
Follow a gluten-free diet for 30 days. After this
start consuming food with gluten. If you
experience adverse effects then you probably
have gluten sensitivity and you should make a
serious effort to avoid it.