Recently, many diets have become incredibly popular due to more overall interest in nutrition and celebrity endorsements. Most diets are not newly invented, they were adopted by many people for medical, or sport performance reasons, rather than aesthetic. That includes a gluten-free diet. It has been an interest of many scientists for a long time and of many Americans due to its advertised positive effects. According to Harvard Health Publishing, 63% of Americans believe that a gluten-free diet can improve their mental, or physical well-being. Restaurants in recent years, are widely offering gluten-free options!

So, we decided to do some research to give you a breakdown about gluten, it’s effects and whether, or not it can support your weight loss in Brooksville. In this article we focus on what gluten is and how our bodies digest it. In our next article we will investigate whether a gluten-free diet is good for weight loss, or not.

What is gluten?

Gluten is a general name for a storage protein found in many grains, mostly in wheat, rye, barley, triticale (a cross between wheat and rye) and their derivatives. Gluten makes up around 80% of the grain protein. It is widely used due to its property of sticking food together and giving them a stretchy texture. Many everyday products include gluten, even when we do not expect them to, such as soy sauce, french fries and even some medications. These products often do not contain the grain, but the gluten protein itself and categorise it as an additive. The grains, including gluten, can be commonly found in the following:

Wheat:

• breads
• baked goods
• soups
• pasta
• cereals

Barley:

• malt (malted barley flour, malted milk and milkshakes, malt extract, malt syrup, malt flavoring, malt vinegar)
• food coloring
• soups
• beer
• Brewer’s Yeast

Rye

• rye bread, such as pumpernickel
• rye beer
• cereal

The group of proteins in the grains that are toxic to people with celiac disease are called prolamins. They are unique to each grain: gliadin in wheat, secalin in rye and hordein in barley. Each prolamine fraction is made up of gliadins (alcohol soluble) and glutenins (not alcohol soluble), which are made up of many components, including amino acids.

How gluten affects our bodies

In normal digestion long strands of proteins are broken down by the digestive enzymes. Later on, these are absorbed in the intestine and transported to be used by the body. HOWEVER, Dr Schar explains that with gluten the digestive process is different. Gluten cannot be broken down by the digestive enzymes. One gliadin (component of gluten) in particular triggers an aggressive immune response in the gut, meaning that our body recognises it as dangerous and fights it. Hence, leading to bloating and stomach aches when consumed

Many people do not show a strong reaction to gluten, however, current estimates show that up to 1% of the population suffer from celiac disease. Celiac disease is a genetic, autoimmune disorder which makes the person incredibly sensitive to gluten. When a person with celiac disease consumes gluten, their immune response is much stronger than that of a non-sufferer. The proteins damage a part of the small intestine (villi) disrupting the absorption of nutrients. If villi become increasingly damaged, absorption of any nutrients will be impossible, leading to malnourishment, thyroid disease, osteoporosis and more.

Non-celiac gluten intolerance gives the sufferers similar symptoms to those of celiac disease, but without the intestinal damage.

Therefore, if you have noticed that you have started bloating after eating, contact our Hernando Beach Dietitian. Our doctors will examine your body and diet to see if you are suffering from celiac disease. Oftentimes, people are unaware of their celiac disease, or gluten sensitivity until they get a check-up.

Find out more about our Hernando Beach Dietitian

Our highly qualified weight loss experts at Batista Weight loss and Wellness: Susan West-Opyoke, RDLD; John Batista, M.D.; Stephanie, M.A; and Valerie, Office Staff, together have decades of experience working with weight loss patients. They are passionate about promoting healthy living through their astonishing customized weight loss programs, which are clinically more developed – thanks to Dr. Batista.

At Batista Weight loss and Wellness we believe that successful weight loss depends on two factors – the knowledge about how to lose weight and following through on your weight loss plan. And our experts will guide you all throughout the process by providing you with a customized weight loss plan, and regular face-to-face interaction and motivation.

To create your own customized weight loss plan with us and achieve sustainable weight loss in Brooksville don’t hesitate to contact us on (352) 600-3476 or drop us a visit at our clinic: 443 Mariner Blvd, Spring Hill, FL 34609, USA.

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.