If you’ve ever searched “Is gluten bad for you?” online, you’ve likely come across alarming stories about celiac disease or the growing trend of gluten-free diets. In the past decade, avoiding gluten has become a significant health movement. As of 2017, around 3.1 million Americans were gluten-free, yet 72% of them didn’t have celiac disease. Below, we explain whether you have a gluten intolerance or are allergic to gluten. If you have a gluten allergy, you need to consult a Doctor or Health Professional immediately.
But here’s the truth: gluten isn’t bad for everyone. While some people need to eliminate gluten for health reasons, for many others, it’s not necessary. Let’s explore whether you should avoid gluten and what that means for your health.
What is Gluten?
There’s a joke that no one knows what gluten is, but we all know it makes food taste incredible. Gluten is a group of proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye, giving bread, pizza, and pastries their soft, chewy texture.
People consuming a standard Western diet eat 5-20 grams of gluten daily. Gluten is found in everything from baked goods to pasta, sauces, and beer. While most people digest it just fine, others experience serious health issues that could be the sign of a gluten intolerance or a gluten allergy.
Who Should Avoid Gluten?
Not everyone needs to go gluten-free, but some people experience severe reactions. Here are the main conditions associated with gluten:
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition in which the body attacks the small intestine when exposed to gluten. Over time, this damages the digestive system, leading to nutrient deficiencies, weight loss, and chronic digestive issues like bloating and diarrhea. Malabsorption of nutrients can also cause fatigue, anemia, and osteoporosis.
For people with celiac disease, even tiny amounts of gluten can trigger symptoms, making a strict gluten-free diet essential.
Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)
Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is a condition in which people experience symptoms similar to celiac disease, such as bloating, fatigue, headaches, and digestive discomfort, without the autoimmune response. While research is still evolving, many people find relief by cutting out gluten. If you feel better after this, this can also be a sign of gluten intolerance.
NCGS has been on the rise over the past 20 years, with potential causes ranging from changes in food processing to environmental factors.
Wheat Allergy
Unlike celiac disease or NCGS, wheat allergy is a true allergic reaction to proteins in wheat, not just gluten. Symptoms can range from mild (such as itching and swelling) to severe, including difficulty breathing and anaphylaxis.
People with a wheat allergy may be able to eat other gluten-containing grains, such as barley or rye, but they must avoid wheat-based products altogether.
Is Gluten Bad for You?
So, should you avoid gluten? It depends.
If you have celiac disease or NCGS, eliminating gluten is necessary to avoid discomfort and long-term health risks. However, for most people, gluten itself isn’t harmful.
Some research suggests that gluten-free diets may benefit people with autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or rheumatoid arthritis, as gluten could contribute to inflammation. However, for the average person, the reason they feel better going gluten-free often has more to do with cutting out processed foods rather than gluten itself.
Should You Cut Out Gluten?
Going gluten-free isn’t just about avoiding bread and pasta; it’s about making better food choices. You’re making a positive change if you’re replacing processed gluten-containing foods with nutrient-dense options like vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
However, many gluten-free alternatives are highly processed and lack the fiber and nutrients found in whole grains. If you don’t have a gluten-related condition, opting for whole wheat bread, brown pasta, and other fiber-rich grains is often a healthier choice.
Find Out if Gluten is a Problem for You
If you suspect gluten could affect your health, getting tested is the best way to find out.
Don’t let bloating, fatigue, or digestive discomfort control your life. Get tested today and take the first step towards better health.