Have you ever heard of a gluten-free diet? This diet has become popular in recent years and is followed by many people, although not many are aware of its health benefits.

Before you decide to try a gluten-free diet, it's wise to first understand what gluten is and the risks of consuming it.

What is Gluten

Gluten is the name for proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye. This group of proteins provides the elastic texture in bread products and elasticity in dough.

Gluten-containing foods are typically those prepared using flour or processed grains, such as:

• Bread and baked goods
• Pasta
• Cereals
• Cakes and pastries
• Snack foods such as potato chips
• Processed foods such as salad dressings, canned soups
• Beer and wine
• Mixing sauces such as soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and other sauces

You can determine whether the food you consume contains gluten or not by checking the food label listed on the packaging.

Read more: Is It True That The Gluten Free Diet Is Really Healthier?

Risks of Consuming Gluten

Naturally, gluten poses no health risks. In actuality, because they are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, cereals that contain gluten are a vital component of a balanced diet.

Nonetheless, some people have medical issues that need them to avoid gluten, such as:

People with Celiac disease

An autoimmune disorder known as celiac disease results from the body's immune system attacking gluten and damaging the small intestine's lining. Gluten should be strictly avoided by anyone with celiac disease in order to control symptoms and stop more intestinal damage.

People with Non Celiac Gluten Intolerance

Some people may have gluten sensitivity or intolerance even if they have not been diagnosed with celiac disease. This illness is typically accompanied by a number of symptoms, including:

• Abdominal pain
• Anemia
• Anxiety
• Bloating or gas
• Brain fog
• Depression
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Joint pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Skin rash

Those who are intolerant to gluten must limit their intake of gluten-containing foods in order to control these symptoms.

People with other digestive disorders

In order to assist lessen their symptoms, some persons with other digestive illnesses, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), also need to avoid gluten. Further investigation is still necessary to fully understand the connection between gluten and digestive issues.

People with wheat allergy

Wheat allergy is a condition in which the immune system overreacts to certain proteins present in wheat products. People with wheat allergy usually experience varied symptoms such as:

• Swelling, itching and irritation in the mouth or throat
• Bumps, reddish rash and swelling on the skin
• Runny nose
• Headache
• Difficulty breathing
• Cramps, nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Anaphylaxis

Read more: This Is A Sign You Experiencing Gluten Intolerance

Do You Need to Follow a Gluten-Free Diet?

Depending on specific medical conditions and personal preferences, a gluten-free diet may or may not be necessary. Should you suffer from any of the aforementioned medical issues, you must adhere to a gluten-free diet.

A gluten-free diet may help some people feel better since it can lead to weight loss, higher energy, and less joint pain. But it's crucial to keep in mind that choosing to adopt a gluten-free diet should only be done after speaking with a physician or dietitian.

Although many people claim that cutting gluten off of their diet has improved their health, this may not be the best option for everyone. Since every person has different nutritional requirements, it's critical to make sure the diet satisfies the body's overall nutritional needs.

If you need medical advice, you can either see a doctor or use the consultation features provided in the Ai Care app.

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