Have you seen “gluten-free” labels placed on your favorite products? Maybe you’re wondering if something is wrong with your regular bread for not having it? You’ve probably also heard talk about how great people feel after cutting out gluten from their diet. But what is gluten, exactly? And why is gluten-free so popular all of a sudden? Is it hurting you without you even realizing it? And how does it all work together for your wellbeing? Let’s explore some answers to those questions here.
Alright, so what is gluten?
Gluten is a protein you can find in wheat, barley, and rye (and, in some cases, oats). Sounds pretty basic, right? You can find gluten in your favorite comfort foods like pasta, pastries, bread, and even soy sauce and beer. To give you an idea of scale, there are about 4 grams of gluten in a slice of bread. Combined with all the other foods mentioned, you probably eat about 20-25 grams of gluten a day. But, how is that an issue for your wellbeing?1
Well, for some people, it might be a big deal. Certain people are allergic to gluten. This condition is known as celiac disease. If someone has celiac disease, their body recognizes gluten as a threat. This triggers an immune response. This can cause anemia, diarrhea, bloating, fatigue, and other serious issues. When this happens over and over again, your intestinal system becomes damaged. It becomes very difficult to absorb nutrients from food. So if someone with celiac disease eats gluten, it can cause serious health problems. But is that a problem for you? If you’ve spent most of your life consuming gluten products and your body feels good afterwards, there’s no reason for you to stop eating them. That being said, consuming less gluten may have some benefits for your wellbeing.2,
Potential benefits of cutting down on gluten
Even though you may not be allergic to gluten, there is still a chance you can be sensitive to it. If that is the case, one of the potential benefits of a gluten-free diet is improved digestion. This can lead to less bloating and gas, improved nutrient absorption, and better bowel regularity. Some people report having more energy, experiencing less brain fog, and having a better sense of wellbeing when reducing gluten. People with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have reported improvements in symptoms. However, the reason for feeling better might be that gluten is common in many processed foods. It’s likely digestion and energy levels will improve because of the addition of more whole foods. Whole foods include unprocessed foods in their natural form.4,5
If you want to find out whether you are sensitive to gluten, you can experiment with your diet. Try avoiding it for a week and see whether you feel any different. Remember that it’s important to be in tune with your body to thrive. If you experience discomfort after eating, try an elimination diet. In this diet, you gradually remove ingredients to identify the one that is bothering you.
Delicious gluten-free foods to incorporate into your diet
After reading this, you may be considering going gluten-free or reducing the amount of gluten in your diet. It’s important to know that there are plenty of meal options that are both delicious and good for you. There are grains that are naturally gluten-free, such as rice, quinoa, and buckwheat. You can also enjoy fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds without having to worry about gluten.
Here’s a list of gluten-free grains to try and include in your diet:
- Rice
- Corn
- Buckwheat
- Quinoa
- Amaranth
- Millet (this is especially fitting, as 2023 is the year of millet!)
- Teff
- Sorghum
When creating gluten-free meals, try to include a variety of ingredients to get all the necessary nutrients. Try out a quinoa and vegetable stir-fry or a salad with mixed greens and fruit. Throw in some tasty buckwheat as a side or a classic rice and bean bowl. Experiment with gluten-free baking by using alternative flours such as almond, coconut, or chickpea flour. They definitely add a lot of flavor and an interesting texture to your desserts! But don’t expect them to exactly replicate regular flour. You may need to be creative and create a gluten-free mix by combining them. There are lots of online resources that can show you how to do that.6
Your gluten-free meals can also be satisfying, enjoyable, and tasty! Adding herbs, spices, and healthy fats like avocado or olive oil can make your meals more flavorful. With creativity and informed choices, a gluten-free diet can be a delicious way to support your wellbeing and happiness.
What to be aware of when cutting down on gluten
A gluten-free diet may seem like a good choice for improving your wellbeing. But it’s also important to be aware of the potential drawbacks. It can lead to potential nutritional deficiencies, which can have negative impacts on your health. Foods containing gluten, such as bread and pasta, are often enriched with important vitamins and minerals. If you cut down on these foods, it’s important to make sure that you’re still getting the nutrients you need from other sources.7,8
It’s also important to note that gluten-free products can be more expensive. And they may not always be as nutritious as their gluten-containing counterparts. That’s because they’re often made with refined grains and added sugars, which can be less healthy. When browsing new products to try, make sure to check the nutrition labels.9
Take-home message
A gluten-free diet may have potential benefits for some people. It’s important to make informed decisions and work with a healthcare professional to make sure you’re getting all the necessary nutrients for optimal health. If gluten doesn’t bother you, there’s no need to completely cut it out of your diet. It’s important for your mental and social wellbeing to be able to have a slice of cake at a party, or some cold beer on a sunny day. That being said, you may discover a new favorite grain by trying out some of the tips and recipes in this article. Listen to your body, and it will make sure you are happy and healthy.
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Gluten-free diets and wellbeing
Gluten gets such a bad rep these days… But why? Should you really be avoiding it? Keep reading to find out.
September 21th, 2023
Have you seen “gluten-free” labels placed on your favorite products? Maybe you’re wondering if something is wrong with your regular bread for not having it? You’ve probably also heard talk about how great people feel after cutting out gluten from their diet. But what is gluten, exactly? And why is gluten-free so popular all of a sudden? Is it hurting you without you even realizing it? And how does it all work together for your wellbeing? Let’s explore some answers to those questions here.
Alright, so what is gluten?
Gluten is a protein you can find in wheat, barley, and rye (and, in some cases, oats). Sounds pretty basic, right? You can find gluten in your favorite comfort foods like pasta, pastries, bread, and even soy sauce and beer. To give you an idea of scale, there are about 4 grams of gluten in a slice of bread. Combined with all the other foods mentioned, you probably eat about 20-25 grams of gluten a day. But, how is that an issue for your wellbeing?1
Well, for some people, it might be a big deal. Certain people are allergic to gluten. This condition is known as celiac disease. If someone has celiac disease, their body recognizes gluten as a threat. This triggers an immune response. This can cause anemia, diarrhea, bloating, fatigue, and other serious issues. When this happens over and over again, your intestinal system becomes damaged. It becomes very difficult to absorb nutrients from food. So if someone with celiac disease eats gluten, it can cause serious health problems. But is that a problem for you? If you’ve spent most of your life consuming gluten products and your body feels good afterwards, there’s no reason for you to stop eating them. That being said, consuming less gluten may have some benefits for your wellbeing.2,
Potential benefits of cutting down on gluten
Even though you may not be allergic to gluten, there is still a chance you can be sensitive to it. If that is the case, one of the potential benefits of a gluten-free diet is improved digestion. This can lead to less bloating and gas, improved nutrient absorption, and better bowel regularity. Some people report having more energy, experiencing less brain fog, and having a better sense of wellbeing when reducing gluten. People with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have reported improvements in symptoms. However, the reason for feeling better might be that gluten is common in many processed foods. It’s likely digestion and energy levels will improve because of the addition of more whole foods. Whole foods include unprocessed foods in their natural form.4,5
If you want to find out whether you are sensitive to gluten, you can experiment with your diet. Try avoiding it for a week and see whether you feel any different. Remember that it’s important to be in tune with your body to thrive. If you experience discomfort after eating, try an elimination diet. In this diet, you gradually remove ingredients to identify the one that is bothering you.
Delicious gluten-free foods to incorporate into your diet
After reading this, you may be considering going gluten-free or reducing the amount of gluten in your diet. It’s important to know that there are plenty of meal options that are both delicious and good for you. There are grains that are naturally gluten-free, such as rice, quinoa, and buckwheat. You can also enjoy fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds without having to worry about gluten.
Here’s a list of gluten-free grains to try and include in your diet:
- Rice
- Corn
- Buckwheat
- Quinoa
- Amaranth
- Millet (this is especially fitting, as 2023 is the year of millet!)
- Teff
- Sorghum
When creating gluten-free meals, try to include a variety of ingredients to get all the necessary nutrients. Try out a quinoa and vegetable stir-fry or a salad with mixed greens and fruit. Throw in some tasty buckwheat as a side or a classic rice and bean bowl. Experiment with gluten-free baking by using alternative flours such as almond, coconut, or chickpea flour. They definitely add a lot of flavor and an interesting texture to your desserts! But don’t expect them to exactly replicate regular flour. You may need to be creative and create a gluten-free mix by combining them. There are lots of online resources that can show you how to do that.6
Your gluten-free meals can also be satisfying, enjoyable, and tasty! Adding herbs, spices, and healthy fats like avocado or olive oil can make your meals more flavorful. With creativity and informed choices, a gluten-free diet can be a delicious way to support your wellbeing and happiness.
What to be aware of when cutting down on gluten
A gluten-free diet may seem like a good choice for improving your wellbeing. But it’s also important to be aware of the potential drawbacks. It can lead to potential nutritional deficiencies, which can have negative impacts on your health. Foods containing gluten, such as bread and pasta, are often enriched with important vitamins and minerals. If you cut down on these foods, it’s important to make sure that you’re still getting the nutrients you need from other sources.7,8
It’s also important to note that gluten-free products can be more expensive. And they may not always be as nutritious as their gluten-containing counterparts. That’s because they’re often made with refined grains and added sugars, which can be less healthy. When browsing new products to try, make sure to check the nutrition labels.9
Take-home message
A gluten-free diet may have potential benefits for some people. It’s important to make informed decisions and work with a healthcare professional to make sure you’re getting all the necessary nutrients for optimal health. If gluten doesn’t bother you, there’s no need to completely cut it out of your diet. It’s important for your mental and social wellbeing to be able to have a slice of cake at a party, or some cold beer on a sunny day. That being said, you may discover a new favorite grain by trying out some of the tips and recipes in this article. Listen to your body, and it will make sure you are happy and healthy.
Have you seen “gluten-free” labels placed on your favorite products? Maybe you’re wondering if something is wrong with your regular bread for not having it? You’ve probably also heard talk about how great people feel after cutting out gluten from their diet. But what is gluten, exactly? And why is gluten-free so popular all of a sudden? Is it hurting you without you even realizing it? And how does it all work together for your wellbeing? Let’s explore some answers to those questions here.
Alright, so what is gluten?
Gluten is a protein you can find in wheat, barley, and rye (and, in some cases, oats). Sounds pretty basic, right? You can find gluten in your favorite comfort foods like pasta, pastries, bread, and even soy sauce and beer. To give you an idea of scale, there are about 4 grams of gluten in a slice of bread. Combined with all the other foods mentioned, you probably eat about 20-25 grams of gluten a day. But, how is that an issue for your wellbeing?1
Well, for some people, it might be a big deal. Certain people are allergic to gluten. This condition is known as celiac disease. If someone has celiac disease, their body recognizes gluten as a threat. This triggers an immune response. This can cause anemia, diarrhea, bloating, fatigue, and other serious issues. When this happens over and over again, your intestinal system becomes damaged. It becomes very difficult to absorb nutrients from food. So if someone with celiac disease eats gluten, it can cause serious health problems. But is that a problem for you? If you’ve spent most of your life consuming gluten products and your body feels good afterwards, there’s no reason for you to stop eating them. That being said, consuming less gluten may have some benefits for your wellbeing.2,
Potential benefits of cutting down on gluten
Even though you may not be allergic to gluten, there is still a chance you can be sensitive to it. If that is the case, one of the potential benefits of a gluten-free diet is improved digestion. This can lead to less bloating and gas, improved nutrient absorption, and better bowel regularity. Some people report having more energy, experiencing less brain fog, and having a better sense of wellbeing when reducing gluten. People with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have reported improvements in symptoms. However, the reason for feeling better might be that gluten is common in many processed foods. It’s likely digestion and energy levels will improve because of the addition of more whole foods. Whole foods include unprocessed foods in their natural form.4,5
If you want to find out whether you are sensitive to gluten, you can experiment with your diet. Try avoiding it for a week and see whether you feel any different. Remember that it’s important to be in tune with your body to thrive. If you experience discomfort after eating, try an elimination diet. In this diet, you gradually remove ingredients to identify the one that is bothering you.
Delicious gluten-free foods to incorporate into your diet
After reading this, you may be considering going gluten-free or reducing the amount of gluten in your diet. It’s important to know that there are plenty of meal options that are both delicious and good for you. There are grains that are naturally gluten-free, such as rice, quinoa, and buckwheat. You can also enjoy fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds without having to worry about gluten.
Here’s a list of gluten-free grains to try and include in your diet:
- Rice
- Corn
- Buckwheat
- Quinoa
- Amaranth
- Millet (this is especially fitting, as 2023 is the year of millet!)
- Teff
- Sorghum
When creating gluten-free meals, try to include a variety of ingredients to get all the necessary nutrients. Try out a quinoa and vegetable stir-fry or a salad with mixed greens and fruit. Throw in some tasty buckwheat as a side or a classic rice and bean bowl. Experiment with gluten-free baking by using alternative flours such as almond, coconut, or chickpea flour. They definitely add a lot of flavor and an interesting texture to your desserts! But don’t expect them to exactly replicate regular flour. You may need to be creative and create a gluten-free mix by combining them. There are lots of online resources that can show you how to do that.6
Your gluten-free meals can also be satisfying, enjoyable, and tasty! Adding herbs, spices, and healthy fats like avocado or olive oil can make your meals more flavorful. With creativity and informed choices, a gluten-free diet can be a delicious way to support your wellbeing and happiness.
What to be aware of when cutting down on gluten
A gluten-free diet may seem like a good choice for improving your wellbeing. But it’s also important to be aware of the potential drawbacks. It can lead to potential nutritional deficiencies, which can have negative impacts on your health. Foods containing gluten, such as bread and pasta, are often enriched with important vitamins and minerals. If you cut down on these foods, it’s important to make sure that you’re still getting the nutrients you need from other sources.7,8
It’s also important to note that gluten-free products can be more expensive. And they may not always be as nutritious as their gluten-containing counterparts. That’s because they’re often made with refined grains and added sugars, which can be less healthy. When browsing new products to try, make sure to check the nutrition labels.9
Take-home message
A gluten-free diet may have potential benefits for some people. It’s important to make informed decisions and work with a healthcare professional to make sure you’re getting all the necessary nutrients for optimal health. If gluten doesn’t bother you, there’s no need to completely cut it out of your diet. It’s important for your mental and social wellbeing to be able to have a slice of cake at a party, or some cold beer on a sunny day. That being said, you may discover a new favorite grain by trying out some of the tips and recipes in this article. Listen to your body, and it will make sure you are happy and healthy.
Sign up for our newsletter
Follow our story