Mthe emergence of digestive disorders in some people aftereat food which contains glutenmake This substance is considered harmful to health. However, is it true?
Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat and barley. Because it is found in wheat and barley, gluten is automatically found in foods made from these grains. Examples of foods that generally contain gluten are bread, pasta, cakes, and cereals.
isGluten Dangerous for Everyone?
The dangers of eating foods that contain gluten actually only apply to people who have certain diseases or medical conditions, namely:
1. Celiac disease
In people who suffer from this disease, consumption of foods containing gluten will trigger inflammation and damage the surface of the small intestine, thereby interfering with the absorption of nutrients.
When consuming foods that contain gluten, people with celiac disease can experience diarrhea, constipation, and flatulence. In addition to disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, sufferers can experience anemia, osteoporosis, neurological, skin, and heart diseases. Therefore, people with celiac disease must avoid gluten.
2. Non-celiac gluten intolerance
Some people experience symptoms and complaints similar to those with celiac disease after consuming foods containing gluten, such as digestive tract disorders, headaches, weakness, and joint pain. However, after being examined by a doctor, no abnormalities were found in the intestines.
However, just like people with celiac disease, people with gluten intolerance should also avoid foods that contain gluten.
3. Autoimmune disease certain
Numerous studies have shown that people with certain autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto's disease, Grave's disease, and rheumatoid arthritis, are at risk for developing celiac disease. If you suffer from any of these autoimmune diseases, it is recommended that you follow a gluten-free diet.
4. Other intestinal diseases
Gluten is also suspected to cause complaints in sufferers irritable bowel syndrome and intestinal inflammation. Therefore, sufferers of both conditions need to avoid foods that contain gluten.
Tips for Living a Gluten Free Diet
One study did show that a gluten-free diet could have positive effects on heart health and weight control, but this had more to do with food consumption in general and not specifically.
You can choose to eat gluten-free foods even if you don't have any of the health problems listed above. However, keep an eye on the nutritional content in the food products to be consumed.
When on a gluten-free diet, of course you will avoid all types of foods made from wheat and barley. The danger is that when you avoid these foods, you will be prone to deficiency of B vitamins, fiber, zinc, and iron. Therefore, try to meet these nutritional intakes by eating vegetables, fruits, rice or brown rice, and low-fat meats.
You also need to be more critical of processed food products that claim to be gluten-free, because these foods are not necessarily healthier. Research shows that gluten-free processed foods usually contain a lot of processed carbohydrates, sugar, salt, and fats that are harmful when consumed in excess.
In addition, gluten-free processed foods usually do not contain much protein, folic acid (vitamin B9), niacin (vitamin B3), and other B vitamins that are needed by the body.
In conclusion, eating foods that contain gluten can indeed be harmful to people who have certain medical conditions. If you do have celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or an autoimmune disease, a gluten-free diet can have a positive impact on your health.
But if you don't have these conditions, you can just eat foods that contain gluten. If in doubt, consult with your doctor to be given a diet option that suits your condition.
Written by:
dr. Irene Cindy Sunur