Should I be gluten-free?

The supermarkets are stocking their shelves with gluten-free foods. The global gluten-free market size was USD 5.72 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow to USD 9.99 billion in 2028. But what does it mean to be gluten-free?

Gluten is an insoluble protein composite made up of two proteins: gliadin and glutenin. It is found in wheat, rye and barley. Gluten can cause wheat allergy, celiac disease, and non-celiac gluten sensitivity.

Gluten acts as a binder, holding food together. It adds stretchiness to the dough and chewiness to food. Without gluten, the dough will rip easily. Bread and pasta are perfect examples of food that have elasticity due to gluten in them.

A wheat allergy can cause a person’s immune system to have an allergic reaction to wheat protein. It can cause mild problems like watery eyes, runny nose, hives or a serious problem like anaphylaxis.

Celiac disease is an inherited disease in which eating foods with gluten leads to inflammation, and damage to the lining of the small intestine. The most effective treatment is a gluten-free diet.

Celiac disease impairs intestinal function, leading to belly pain, gas, bloating, diarrhea, skin rash, osteoporosis, weight loss, depression, and fatigue. It is even related to small stature and infertility. If untreated, it can cause cancer.

Some people might not have celiac disease but may experience symptoms like a painful gut, fatigue, brain fog, skin rash, and joint pain. They have non-celiac gluten sensitivity. A gluten-free diet helps them. 

People prefer a gluten-free diet for weight loss, better digestion, improved overall health, and to reduce cardiovascular risk. But eliminating gluten can be non-beneficial or even risky for some; it can lead to lack of fibre or nutrients.

Has gluten-free become too fashionable? People may experience gluten symptoms due to the Nocebo Effect. It is a situation when a patient develops side effects or symptoms that can occur just because the patient believes they may occur.

Final Note: Following food trends like gluten-free, fat-free, sugar-free, and non-lactose might not be the best option for everyone. You should make food choices based on how your body reacts to different foods. Don’t blindly follow trends.