What is Gluten?

Recently, a patient reminded me of an old Jimmy Kimmel Live episode where Kimmel asked several people in Los Angeles, “What is gluten?” As Kimmel predicted… those interviewed were unable to correctly answer that question even though many were actually following a gluten-free diet.

While the responses of those questioned elicited hearty laughs and looks of disbelief from some audience members, I wasn’t at all surprised. In my experience, most people believe that avoiding gluten is strictly a way for them to lose weight. And in some people, this is true. But, here’s the real scoop on gluten…

Simply stated, gluten is a composite of proteins found in certain grains such as wheat, wheat hybrids, barley, rye, and oats. These proteins are responsible for causing adverse reactions in people who either have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. And it’s important to realize that not everyone has an issue with gluten, even though some might believe this to be the case.

An intolerance to gluten can manifest itself in a variety of symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms include; constipation, gas and bloating, arthritis, stunted growth (due to poor nutrient absorption), fatigue, headaches, nausea, osteoporosis, behavioral changes, weight issues, and immune system challenges. Of course, these symptoms can also be attributed to a host of other conditions. So, if you truly believe that you are experiencing symptoms of gluten sensitivity, it might be worthwhile to see a doctor and be tested for celiac disease. This can usually be accomplished by a simple blood test.

If your blood test indicates that you do not have true celiac disease, but you are experiencing most of the symptoms, you still might be sensitive to gluten. The best way to test this is by undergoing a “food elimination and challenge” diet. Engaging in this type of diet is also a useful way to determine if your symptoms might be caused by sensitivity to other non-gluten-containing foods. For example, those suffering with arthritic pain are often helped by eliminating foods from the nightshade family, like tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, peppers, and tobacco. If you are fatigued, have acne, frequent colds, or mood swings, eliminating sugar and/or dairy might be the way to go.

While it’s true that certain blood tests can identify food allergies and sensitivities, it’s important to know that these tests are not 100% accurate. Therefore, a “food elimination and challenge” protocol is usually the next step in confirming a potential food sensitivity. This protocol is considered the “gold standard” in food sensitivity testing.

So that’s gluten in a nutshell! And remember, you should always check with your doctor before trying any diet or treatment protocol on your own.

If you’re interested in addressing your food sensitivities or other health concerns using natural treatments, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Werner at (860)308-1635 or (415)755-7639. Dr. Lesa Werner is a licensed Naturopathic Physician currently practicing in West Hartford and Hartford, CT. www.drlesawerner.com