Is There A Problem With Gluten

[Live2BWell]

Pardon my ignorance in this, but is Gluten unhealthy or "bad" for someone who doesn't have Celiac or some type of allergy or sensitivity to Gluten? I am just learning about Gluten Intolerance and from what I understand Gluten-free is much more "natural" and less processed (on the same lines as organic foods it seems?) but I could be mistaken or misinterpreting. Is Gluten really that big of a problem, or is it just a problem for those who may have a problem with it (biologically, physically, etc.)

[Juliebove]

There are some people who say that grains in general are not good for the body and should not be eaten. However, there are some people who will say the same for any food. I have read about people who are against sprouts, potatoes, nightshades, meat, dairy, eggs, etc. I don't think anyone can realistically make broad sweeping statements like that to apply to everyone.

Personally, I think for the average person, gluten is not a problem. It is not for me. I have other food allergies, but gluten isn't one of them and I also do not have celiac. But for my daughter with the wheat and gluten allergies, it is a problem.

[ShayFL]

I agree that we are all individual. Not long ago I saw an interview of a man in his 90's who said the secret to his longevity and good health was lots of sweets, butter and good scotch.....LOL That diet would kill me.

[Rachel--24]

I don't think anyone can realistically make broad sweeping statements like that to apply to everyone.

I agree. I think that its very individual. I dont have as much problems with gluten as I do with fruits and vegetables. Every person is different.

[home-based-mom]

I am just learning about Gluten Intolerance and from what I understand Gluten-free is much more "natural" and less processed (on the same lines as organic foods it seems?) but I could be mistaken or misinterpreting.

"Organic" in this sense means a food grown without artificial pesticides or fertilizers. Gluten can come from wheat that was grown organically or otherwise. If your body cannot digest the gluten molecule, it really doesn't matter if it was grown organically or not.

[LuvMoosic4life]

I think a common misconception of the gluten-free diet is that it is an "all natural" diet. There are many processed gluten free foods, some can be oraganic and some not, just life non gluten-free foods can be either. Many celiacs may eat more "natural" or whole, unproccessed foods simply because they are easier on the digestive system, but gluten-free definitly is not stictly "all natural." And all natural does not mean it is gluten-free.

[gfpaperdoll]

I think I am going to try that sweets, scotch, & butter diet.

[Live2BWell]

gfpaperdoll Yum, sounds good to me! Do they have gluten free ? LOL

MSAU22 Thanks for clearing that up! I know I hear so much about all these different types of "diets" or "lifestyles" ~ it can seriously be mind-boggling

home_based_mom Thanks for the info, definitely helpful for a noob like me

Rachel--24 Ok, I didn't know if it was subjective or theoretical, or if it was more of a proven fact; You hear so much now a days, ya know? I mean, at one point artificial sweetener was a matter of subjective opinion, and now it's pretty much fact how harmful it can be.

Juliebove Thanks, Julie. So how did you know? I mean it's hard for me to say, personally. I know I feel like crap, but I also know I eat so many different types of food, it's impossible for me to say that the problem is one over the other. I know that Hashimotos and Celiac or Gluten Intolerance often go hand in hand, yet it's easier for me to try and overlook that and think it could be anything else. Ofcouse, it's also a bit overwhelming thinking about the elimination diet thing, which I think might be silly on my part. I mean, why wouldn't I want to do everything in my power to figure this out, ya know?

[ShayFL]

I think I am going to try that sweets, scotch, & butter diet.

Sign me up too!!

[Mom23boys]

From what I have read gluten (along with milk and soy) are not being prepared like they were in the older days which is why they are causing more and more problems. Wheat/gluten at one time when through the process (like real sourdough) where the enzymes worked the proteins before they were prepared into foods. This made them much easier to digest (and some articles I have read lately suggest the older process for those with gluten problems). It is said that our convenience/quick processing makes gluten even a problem for "normal" digestive systems.

[Nancym]

Well, do your own research and decide. I read "Dangerous Grains" and a lot of the research on zonulin and decided that gluten is bad for everyone.