What Is Gluten?

Gluten is the name of a family of storage proteins naturally found in the structure of grains such as barley, rye, wheat, and oats. Each grain contains different types of gluten. Their common characteristic is that they provide a soft, porous, and chewy texture in recipes made from grains, such as bread. Grains provide a wide variety of functional benefits in human nutrition.

Gluten has an elastic structure that can trap air. For this reason, in grain-based recipes, it preserves the moisture structure of the ingredient and helps the dough rise as it takes shape. It has the property of binding all ingredients together. The most well-known examples of gluten-containing foods are bread and pasta varieties.

Gluten can cause some digestive problems for individuals. Celiac disease is among the most serious examples of this condition. Individuals with sensitivity to the gluten protein group are expected to follow a gluten-free diet.

What are the Harms of Gluten?

Gluten is found in many members of the grain family and in all recipes made with these products. As a result of its widespread use in kitchens, we can say that gluten enters our bodies every day. There are also studies suggesting that while gluten, or grain products, have benefits, they can also cause certain diseases. If a person consuming gluten-containing foods cannot digest this protein, this nutrient can be seen as a trigger for many diseases, from diabetes to thyroid dysfunction.

What Foods Contain Gluten?

Barley, wheat bran, wheat germ, whole wheat, mir, rye, couscous, semolina, durum wheat, and bulgur can be counted as examples of grains containing gluten. Gluten is found in many products available in supermarkets. The label "gluten" can be looked for in whole or processed foods. In terms of products, noodles, pasta, bread, breadcrumbs, pastries, cookies, chips, some types of wine, and flours contain gluten.

Gluten is used as a thickener or stabilizer in food production processes. For this reason, this protein family can also be found in some beverages, snacks, soups, or sauces. People with allergies may consume some gluten-containing products depending on their level of sensitivity. Individuals following a strict diet should not consume any food they are not sure is gluten-free.

What is a Gluten Test?

If individuals who cannot digest gluten continue to consume gluten-containing products, some physical discomforts may begin. For example, weakness, digestive problems, headache, weight gain, imbalance in blood sugar levels, bloating, etc. can be given as examples of complaints. While investigating the causes of these discomforts, an allergy to gluten can also be tested.

When tests are conducted in a hospital setting, results are sought by performing certain blood tests and small intestine biopsies. During this period, the person undergoes a trial gluten-free diet. If the person's complaints decrease with this diet, it can be concluded that there is a sensitivity to this protein.

Celiac disease, which has more severe symptoms than gluten sensitivity, can also be diagnosed through certain blood tests and intestinal biopsies, or kits developed for the diagnosis of this disease can be easily used.

How is a Gluten Test Performed?

A gluten test is performed in a hospital setting by examining the results of various blood and intestinal tests. For kits prepared to measure this sensitivity, blood measurement is also used. Blood is simply taken from the finger and placed on the measuring strip in the kit. Then, the result is awaited. This quick and simple test can be performed either in a hospital or at home. The most accurate result is obtained by observing the gluten-free diet period.

What is Gluten Intolerance?

Gluten intolerance can be defined as a food allergy. It is investigated for diagnosis when certain complaints arise in individuals who consume gluten-containing foods. This sensitivity can be temporary or permanent in individuals. The degree of sensitivity can vary from person to person. While some may need to follow a stricter diet, others may balance their health by consuming gluten rarely.

What are the Common Symptoms of Gluten Intolerance?

The root cause of some discomforts experienced by individuals may be a reaction to gluten. Although symptoms and severity vary from person to person, they generally include bloating, indigestion, skin problems, and chronic fatigue. While these symptoms can have other causes, an allergy to gluten may also be underlying them.

What is Gluten Sensitivity?

Gluten sensitivity can be defined as feeling unwell after consuming gluten-containing foods, though not always. If a person's complaints disappear when they follow a gluten-free diet, it can be said that their body is developing an intolerance to this protein group.

What is Gluten Allergy? 

Gluten allergy can be defined as a food allergy. If a person consuming gluten-containing grain products experiences weakness, bloating, body aches, headaches, and various intestinal imbalances, it can be investigated whether they have an allergy to gluten protein. If the result of this investigation confirms an allergy, the person can balance their health by following a diet.

What is a Gluten Diet?

A gluten diet can be applied to individuals suspected of having an allergy. If the person's complaints decrease or even disappear as a result of this dietary model, they can continue their life in a balanced way with a gluten-free diet list. In this diet, the foods to be consumed are determined according to the person's allergy level. Many products, from soups to salad dressings, are consumed after checking for the "gluten-free" label. Today, there are many healthy, natural products developed for this sensitivity. For some of these products, you can visit Naturiga's website to find gluten-free products such as psyllium husk powder, cocoa powder, wheatgrass powder, maca root powder, spirulina powder, chlorella powder, pea protein powder and brown rice protein powder, breakfast granolas or mini snacks.

Why Should You Eat Gluten-Free?

Gluten-containing grains certainly have benefits. If you don't have any sensitivity, according to many experts, you can consume gluten-containing foods in reasonable amounts. If you experience various discomforts when you consume gluten, you can establish a gluten-free diet for yourself to improve your quality of life, that is, to avoid feeling constantly sick. If you have celiac disease, you are expected to follow a strict gluten diet as the consequences will not be mild.

What Should Be Considered When Cooking Gluten-Free?