Wheat, spelt, oats, rye and barley all contain proteins known as gluten. Many people are allergic to or develop more complex diseases such as IBS or Celiac from consuming these products. Recent studies have linked gluten intolerance to not only intestinal health but also decreased cognitive function shedding a much-needed light on the dark side of gluten.

Health issues linked to gluten sensitivity

• Digestive tract disorders (gas, bloating, malabsorbtion, irritation)
• Brain Fog
• Depression
• Headache or migraine
• Dermatitis
• Muscle and joint pain

Why does gluten cause so much trouble?

The typical diet now contains many more refined carbohydrates than our ancestors ate, making gluten intolerance a much more prevalent disorder. The trouble begins when your body can’t digest gluten. Your immune system is then triggered and reacts to the undigested protein by attacking your colon causing pain, gas, nausea and diarrhea. As time goes on your intestinal tract becomes damaged and can no longer absorb essential nutrients causing more health issues. Even if you are not diagnosed with Celiac, IBS or other disorders you may still have sensitivity to gluten and can experience the physical and mental issues attributed to gluten intolerance.

What is Brain fog?

There are known physical symptoms attributed to gluten intolerance but now studies show that gluten can cause mental distress and depression as well. Brain fog happens when your brain is not functioning properly. This can cause memory loss and difficulty paying attention. Research has shown that those who were diagnosed with celiac disease and avoided gluten for a year tested much higher on cognitive tests three months into the trial than they did at the beginning. Another study showed that undiagnosed celiac disease is related to decreased cognitive function in the elderly. Researchers suspect that chronic inflammation; low levels of gut flora and lack of nutrients such as iron and folate cause the brain fog disorder. Even if you do not have celiac disease, IBS or a wheat intolerance, studies suggest that gluten contributes to depression. Researchers found that those who maintained a gluten free diet for 16 days said they were significantly less depressed than those who ate gluten. Lending credence to the fact that eating a gluten free diet makes you feel better.

Ways to avoid gluten

• Read the label. Many foods that you would never consider having a wheat product in them contain gluten such as natural flavorings and hydrolyzed or textured vegetable protein. Other strange things that use gluten are: envelope adhesive, Shampoo, lotion, soap, pet foods, sunscreen and medicines
• Choose other grains. Replace wheat with gluten free grains such as rice, buckwheat and quinoa
• Choose other carbohydrates. Sweet potato, pulses like chickpeas are good low glycaemic index alternatives
• Add more vegetables, fish, organic meat and fruits to your diet instead of starches. You’re body will thank you for it

'Ask a naturopath' about more ways to replace gluten in your diet.