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Gluten free is the way to be?
What is gluten? Gluten is a natural occurring protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Over the last few years, food branded “gluten-free” is seen more and more in supermarkets, health food stores, pharmacies and restaurants. Only 1% of Irish people have a gluten intolerance, but the gluten-free diet has taken the country by storm due to the associated health benefits and losing a few extra pounds. This bears the question, is gluten free really the way to be?
Associated effects of gluten in the diet:The mass of gluten free products on the market sends the message that gluten must be bad for us or why else would our food need to be free of it? Gluten is blamed for a range of conditions such as digestive issues like gas, bloating, diarrhoea and even constipation, migraines and poor immune function along with many other ailments. There are a number of theories surrounding gluten free eating one being, gluten is fattening. Gluten in itself is not fattening but some foods it is present in such as ice-cream, salad dressing, processed foods and fast foods are high in fat, sugar, salt and calories.
The truth about Gluten: If you are intolerant to gluten then you may be susceptible to certain complaints, such as digestive problems. Getting professional advice is always recommended before self-diagnosing. The reason people may lose weight on a gluten free diet has more to do with the fact they are avoiding some unhealthy foods which gluten is present in. A gluten free diet also involves cooking more at home and eating more unrefined food like fruits and vegetables. Gluten free also does not mean healthy per se. For example, just because a carrot cake or biscuit is gluten free, doesn’t mean it’s nutritious; these foods just like the gluten option will contain high levels of sugar and calories.
I recommend if you suspect may have an intolerance to gluten (or any other food) to first get a food intolerance test. In Whelehans Pharmacy we provide such a test. Call us at 0449334591 to find out more about our food intolerance test.
To be continued….Next week I will discuss the gluten free diet including what foods need to be avoided and the challenges associated with gluten free eating.
Whelehans Nutrition Service
Whelehans nutritional service is a private one to one advice service with our nutritionist Aisling Murray. Aisling’s areas of interest include weight loss management, nutrition education and food intolerance. Our nutrition service offers you the chance to change your life in a positive way by focusing on your overall wellbeing as well as the chance to follow up on your progress.
Aisling Murray has a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and offers a one to one specialist nutrition service at Whelehans Pharmacy. Call Whelehans at 04493 34591 for an appointment
This article is shortened to fit within newspaper space limits. More detailed information and leaflets are available in Whelehans.