What Is Gluten? | You Need to Know

Gluten is a protein in grains like wheat, barley, rye, and triticale. It helps foods stick together and keep their shape. But, many people can’t handle gluten well. They choose to eat gluten-free to stay healthy.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that makes people intolerant to gluten. It can hurt the small intestine and cause stomach pain. Some people with celiac disease don’t show any signs.

Others might have gluten sensitivity but not have celiac disease. They might feel sick after eating foods with gluten. This can include stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, and feeling very tired.

Key Takeaways

• Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and other grains that helps bind foods together.
• Many people experience adverse reactions to gluten, leading them to follow a gluten-free diet.
• Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes gluten intolerance and can damage the small intestine.
• Gluten sensitivity or intolerance can cause digestive issues like abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea.
• Consulting a healthcare professional is recommended before adopting a gluten-free diet to ensure accurate diagnosis and proper management of any gluten-related conditions.

What Is Gluten?

Gluten is a group of proteins in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale grains. It’s key in making food. These proteins help keep foods like bread and pasta together.

Many foods have gluten, like bread and pasta. It’s also in barley products, like malt and beer. Gluten makes bread chewy and helps it rise.

• Gluten makes up 75–85% of the total protein in bread wheat.
• Gluten is implicated in the staling of bread by binding water through hydration.
• Flours with higher gluten content lead to chewier dough like in pizza and bagels.

For most people, gluten is not a problem. But it can be for those with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or wheat allergies. Seeing a doctor is important for the right diagnosis and care.

“Gluten can be present in unexpected food products like ice cream and ketchup, posing problems for individuals with celiac disease.”

Knowing about gluten’s role in food and its effects on health helps us make better food choices. Being aware of gluten sources and its effects helps people with gluten issues make good choices for their health.

Foods That Contain Gluten

Gluten is a protein in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale. It’s in many foods. Things like bread, pasta, cereals, and baked goods have gluten. Barley makes malt, beer, and some food coloring that also have gluten.

Gluten makes food stick together and keep its shape. But, it’s bad news for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. These conditions cause stomach problems and other health issues if you eat gluten. Knowing where gluten is found is key for those avoiding it.

Wheat-Based Gluten Sources

• Bread
• Pasta
• Cereals
• Baked goods (e.g., cookies, cakes, pies)
• Crackers

Barley-Based Gluten Sources

• Malt
• Beer
• Food coloring
• Malt vinegar

Gluten is also in foods like soups, sauces, and salad dressings. People with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease must check labels. This helps them avoid all gluten in their diet.

“Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale that helps bind foods together and maintain their shape.”

Why Some People Avoid Gluten

Some folks need to eat gluten-free for health reasons. Gluten sensitivity or intolerance can make them feel bad. They might get stomach pain, bloating, or feel tired after eating foods with gluten. Cutting out gluten can make them feel better.

Another reason is celiac disease. It’s an autoimmune disorder that makes the body attack the small intestine when it thinks gluten is a threat. This can hurt the intestines and make it hard to get nutrients. Some people with celiac disease don’t feel sick at all.

For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, avoiding gluten is key. It helps them feel better and stops more damage. But, it’s not needed for everyone.