So What's The Big Deal About Gluten?
Is Gluten Bad? Gluten just is. The problem is, it generally is not being used in the correct proportions any more. So let's take a moment to explore what gluten really is.
Is Gluten Bad?
Gluten just is. Is music bad, no but it could be used to promote bad things or good things. Is water bad? Depends on the proportions- good is 8 glasses a day, bad is a Tsunami, both are water. The point is, gluten is a naturally occurring part of a plant that in the right proportions will not harm most people. The problem is, it generally is not being used in the correct proportions any more. So let's take a moment to explore what gluten really is.
What is GLUTEN?
Gluten is a natural part of many different grains including wheat, barley, and rye. It is naturally "gooey" in texture, holds gasses in, and absorbs water, but is not soluble in liquid. Practically speaking, it gives dough and other products a "glue-like" texture when raw, allows the product to rise when cooked, and makes a chewy texture when consumed. That's great in it's natural state. The problem is, farmers and food manufacturers have found that this natural part of grains, when genetically altered and/or distilled down and put into foods in higher than naturally occurring proportions causes a "feeling of fullness".
According to The Natural History of Wheat, "...what is on our table has been selectively bred over time to increase the gluten content for baking or pasta-making. Most are hexaploid, octoploid, double hexaploid, or hexaploid-octoploid hybrids. This means that they have 6, 8, 12, or more sets of chromosomes. Some of this extra DNA is coding for amino acid sequences that human beings cannot break down, including a 33-amino acid sequence named 33-MER." What does that mean to you? Your wheat has been genetically altered to contain more gluten, meaning more of a feeling of satisfied fullness. That's great if you're starving in the Third World, but for most of us, it means trouble. You see, that 33-MER that cannot be broken down can actually cause an auto-immune reaction. When it's full blown, it's called Cilliac Disease, but even if you don't suffer from Cilliac, ingesting things on a regular basis that your body cannot break down is not a good way to live. This 33-MER causes your immune system to hype up and can be part of the package that can lead to auto-immune or gut inflaming conditions.
Where Is GLUTEN?
Gluten has crept into areas you may not expect:
The highest gluten foods are things you would assume, like breads, pastas, crackers, cereals, etc... But did you know there's gluten in all malted beverages, most condiments (like catsup), any kind of cream based soup or sauce (that's not made gluten free), most frozen meals, and even candy like gummy bears. Fresh meats, fruits and veggies, and most dairy products generally do not naturally contain gluten. If they have been canned, breaded, creamed, or otherwise altered, they probably do. Another surprise: oats grown in the USA contain at least trace amounts of gluten (especially the rolled oats). Only Steel Cut Irish Oats contain no gluten.
What to Do With GLUTEN?
First of all, be aware of what you are consuming. This week, as you eat foods that are processed or browse the grocery isles, I challenge you to read the label. You'll be amazed where you find gluten popping up as an ingredient! Second, try and stick to the outside of the grocery store. If you stay on the outside edges of your grocery, you'll generally be alright! Fresh fruits, veggies, meats, and dairy are generally your best bet if you are trying to avoid gluten. Third, be sure your supplements contain no gluten. We strive very hard to keep a wide variety of NuMedica gluten free supplements in our stock at SupplementRelief.com. We also have detailed product information on every single product we sell. We want to help you get better and better, not inflaming your immune system in any way.
SupplementRelief provides the complete selection of NuMedica Supplements for Gluten Sensitivity that help restore gut health!
Libby Wright, mother of four who homeschools, is an original founder of SupplementRelief.com in 2010. She suffered through challenging diseases including Interstitial Cystitis, Graves and Lyme. After years of little progress with traditional medicine, she pursued integrative medicine, applied what she learned, and got healthier. She became passionate about wanting others to experience the same "relief" she had come to know, and SupplementRelief.com was born. She is now managing her illness with a lot of prayer, a lot of nutrition/supplements, and a little prescription medicine. She has been able to resume her normal life and, while there is no cure for her particular conditions, she is able to cope, enjoy every day, and encourage others.
Learn more about Libby Wright.
Related Content
We encourage you to take advantage of these FREE Wellness Resources on our website.
#1 Weight Loss Tip- Don't Read the Labels
Many people ask what diet we recommend, and the answer is simpler, and less expensive than you might first believe.
7 QUICK Tips for hc3 Trim Weight Loss Success
Here are some quick tips for hc3 trim dieters who need a little extra boost for their weight loss!
Affordable Healthy Grocery Shopping in 30 Minutes
Ever wonder what a healthy grocery list would look like? One of the things many people tell us is that it seems too hard to change shopping habits. They feel eating healthy is harder or costlier. I can tell you shopping for whole, natural foods is less expensive, easier and much faster in the grocery store than dealing with a bunch of processed foods.
Everyone Falls Off the Wagon Sometimes
Why is it that no matter how hard I try, the things that are not good for me still end up in my diet? This is a common question I get every week, and the simple answer is, if it's in your environment, you will eat it. Even as we have purged and purged our pantry, we are still tempted by unhealthy foods.
Healthy Living Whole Foods Cookbook
The foods we choose to put into our body should be helping us live more vibrant and productive lives but for many are they are the leading contributor to chronic disease.
Many people know "what" to do to be healthy, but HOW do you do it? One of the best ways we have found is to show people how we eat as a family. This customizable, whole foods cookbook features healthy, affordable, great-tasting recipes that are easy-to-make.
We hope you enjoy these recipes and encourage you to share them with your family and friends!
We also encourage you to browse through the Related Content section on this page to find great articles about nutrition and healthy living.
Help for Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Living
Eliminating or minimizing Gluten and Dairy from your diet isn't necessary for everyone but some certainly benefit from making these lifestyle changes. Regardless, we all benefit from eating more natural, whole foods and less processed foods. Learn more about gluten-free and dairy-free nutrition options and take advantage of the educational resources, shopping list, and recipes.
Pretty Skin Begins Here
Do you wonder, "What else can I do for my skin?" If you've tried over the counter solutions, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, avoiding the sun, and all sorts of other potions, you may need to re-think your skin regimen.
Trick or Treat? Definitely A Trick!
Ok, confession time. We've just moved to a new town, and we're trying to get the kiddos involved etc... This year, we decided to let them trick or treat. In past years we haven't done much in that way because we just couldn't handle the sugar in our house. NEWSFLASH- we still can't handle the sugar in our house!
Understanding Celiac Disease and the Relationship to Gluten Sensitivity
Celiac disease occurs for some people who have a problem processing gluten, which is a protein found in many foods. The gluten triggers an immune response that is not normal and damages the inside of the small intestine. Once that happens it is difficult to absorb the nutrients needed from the foods eaten.
When Did Food Become Our Enemy?
It could be that the primary key to health and wellbeing lay within our gastrointestinal tract. With obesity and childhood behavioral disorders at seemingly epidemic levels and our "healthcare" system lacking answers, where do we turn?
You Can Eat Healthy Without Spending More!
One of the big myths we like to dispel is to talk about the real cost of foods. Most people believe that eating healthy is a lot more expensive than eating processed. The truth is, they cost about the same. Try this experiment and see for yourself!
-
Blog Post
Is Gluten Bad?
Gluten just is. Is music bad, no but it could be used to promote bad things or good things. Is water bad? Depends on the proportions- good is 8 glasses a day, bad is a Tsunami, both are water. The point is, gluten is a naturally occurring part of a plant that in the right proportions will not harm most people. The problem is, it generally is not being used in the correct proportions any more. So let's take a moment to explore what gluten really is.
What is GLUTEN?
Gluten is a natural part of many different grains including wheat, barley, and rye. It is naturally "gooey" in texture, holds gasses in, and absorbs water, but is not soluble in liquid. Practically speaking, it gives dough and other products a "glue-like" texture when raw, allows the product to rise when cooked, and makes a chewy texture when consumed. That's great in it's natural state. The problem is, farmers and food manufacturers have found that this natural part of grains, when genetically altered and/or distilled down and put into foods in higher than naturally occurring proportions causes a "feeling of fullness".
According to The Natural History of Wheat, "...what is on our table has been selectively bred over time to increase the gluten content for baking or pasta-making. Most are hexaploid, octoploid, double hexaploid, or hexaploid-octoploid hybrids. This means that they have 6, 8, 12, or more sets of chromosomes. Some of this extra DNA is coding for amino acid sequences that human beings cannot break down, including a 33-amino acid sequence named 33-MER." What does that mean to you? Your wheat has been genetically altered to contain more gluten, meaning more of a feeling of satisfied fullness. That's great if you're starving in the Third World, but for most of us, it means trouble. You see, that 33-MER that cannot be broken down can actually cause an auto-immune reaction. When it's full blown, it's called Cilliac Disease, but even if you don't suffer from Cilliac, ingesting things on a regular basis that your body cannot break down is not a good way to live. This 33-MER causes your immune system to hype up and can be part of the package that can lead to auto-immune or gut inflaming conditions.
Where Is GLUTEN?
Gluten has crept into areas you may not expect:
The highest gluten foods are things you would assume, like breads, pastas, crackers, cereals, etc... But did you know there's gluten in all malted beverages, most condiments (like catsup), any kind of cream based soup or sauce (that's not made gluten free), most frozen meals, and even candy like gummy bears. Fresh meats, fruits and veggies, and most dairy products generally do not naturally contain gluten. If they have been canned, breaded, creamed, or otherwise altered, they probably do. Another surprise: oats grown in the USA contain at least trace amounts of gluten (especially the rolled oats). Only Steel Cut Irish Oats contain no gluten.
What to Do With GLUTEN?
First of all, be aware of what you are consuming. This week, as you eat foods that are processed or browse the grocery isles, I challenge you to read the label. You'll be amazed where you find gluten popping up as an ingredient! Second, try and stick to the outside of the grocery store. If you stay on the outside edges of your grocery, you'll generally be alright! Fresh fruits, veggies, meats, and dairy are generally your best bet if you are trying to avoid gluten. Third, be sure your supplements contain no gluten. We strive very hard to keep a wide variety of NuMedica gluten free supplements in our stock at SupplementRelief.com. We also have detailed product information on every single product we sell. We want to help you get better and better, not inflaming your immune system in any way.
SupplementRelief provides the complete selection of NuMedica Supplements for Gluten Sensitivity that help restore gut health!
AuthorLibby Wright, mother of four who homeschools, is an original founder of SupplementRelief.com in 2010. She suffered through challenging diseases including Interstitial Cystitis, Graves and Lyme. After years of little progress with traditional medicine, she pursued integrative medicine, applied what she learned, and got healthier. She became passionate about wanting others to experience the same "relief" she had come to know, and SupplementRelief.com was born. She is now managing her illness with a lot of prayer, a lot of nutrition/supplements, and a little prescription medicine. She has been able to resume her normal life and, while there is no cure for her particular conditions, she is able to cope, enjoy every day, and encourage others.
Learn more about Libby Wright.
-
Related Content
Related Content
We encourage you to take advantage of these FREE Wellness Resources on our website.
#1 Weight Loss Tip- Don't Read the Labels
Many people ask what diet we recommend, and the answer is simpler, and less expensive than you might first believe.
7 QUICK Tips for hc3 Trim Weight Loss Success
Here are some quick tips for hc3 trim dieters who need a little extra boost for their weight loss!
Affordable Healthy Grocery Shopping in 30 Minutes
Ever wonder what a healthy grocery list would look like? One of the things many people tell us is that it seems too hard to change shopping habits. They feel eating healthy is harder or costlier. I can tell you shopping for whole, natural foods is less expensive, easier and much faster in the grocery store than dealing with a bunch of processed foods.
Everyone Falls Off the Wagon Sometimes
Why is it that no matter how hard I try, the things that are not good for me still end up in my diet? This is a common question I get every week, and the simple answer is, if it's in your environment, you will eat it. Even as we have purged and purged our pantry, we are still tempted by unhealthy foods.
Healthy Living Whole Foods Cookbook
The foods we choose to put into our body should be helping us live more vibrant and productive lives but for many are they are the leading contributor to chronic disease.
Many people know "what" to do to be healthy, but HOW do you do it? One of the best ways we have found is to show people how we eat as a family. This customizable, whole foods cookbook features healthy, affordable, great-tasting recipes that are easy-to-make.
We hope you enjoy these recipes and encourage you to share them with your family and friends!
We also encourage you to browse through the Related Content section on this page to find great articles about nutrition and healthy living.
Help for Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Living
Eliminating or minimizing Gluten and Dairy from your diet isn't necessary for everyone but some certainly benefit from making these lifestyle changes. Regardless, we all benefit from eating more natural, whole foods and less processed foods. Learn more about gluten-free and dairy-free nutrition options and take advantage of the educational resources, shopping list, and recipes.
Pretty Skin Begins Here
Do you wonder, "What else can I do for my skin?" If you've tried over the counter solutions, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, avoiding the sun, and all sorts of other potions, you may need to re-think your skin regimen.
Trick or Treat? Definitely A Trick!
Ok, confession time. We've just moved to a new town, and we're trying to get the kiddos involved etc... This year, we decided to let them trick or treat. In past years we haven't done much in that way because we just couldn't handle the sugar in our house. NEWSFLASH- we still can't handle the sugar in our house!
Understanding Celiac Disease and the Relationship to Gluten Sensitivity
Celiac disease occurs for some people who have a problem processing gluten, which is a protein found in many foods. The gluten triggers an immune response that is not normal and damages the inside of the small intestine. Once that happens it is difficult to absorb the nutrients needed from the foods eaten.
When Did Food Become Our Enemy?
It could be that the primary key to health and wellbeing lay within our gastrointestinal tract. With obesity and childhood behavioral disorders at seemingly epidemic levels and our "healthcare" system lacking answers, where do we turn?
You Can Eat Healthy Without Spending More!
One of the big myths we like to dispel is to talk about the real cost of foods. Most people believe that eating healthy is a lot more expensive than eating processed. The truth is, they cost about the same. Try this experiment and see for yourself!
The information, knowledge, and experience shared on this website is the opinion of SupplementRelief.com. This site and its content is intended to enhance your knowledge base as YOU MAKE YOUR OWN HEALTHCARE DECISIONS in partnership with your qualified health professional. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any products referred to are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Comments are displayed in order of the last one posted so the most recent Comment is at the top and older Comments are towards the bottom. Replies within a Comment are displayed in reverse order with the oldest Reply at the top and the most recent one at the bottom.
Each post identifies who made the post and the date and time the post was made.
Mouse over the icons for tooltips that explain what the data means.
If you see this icon you can attach an Audio file to your post.
If you see this icon you can attach a Document file to your post.
If you see this icon you can attach an Image file to your post.
If you see this icon you can attach a Video file to your post.
You will see the Ban icon (Report Post as SPAM) immediately following the Timestamp of the post. Click this icon if you feel strongly that the content posted is not appropriate and should be reviewed by the Forum Moderator. You will be provided with a confirmation dialog to be sure you wish to submit this post for review. If submitted, the Forum Moderator will be notified to review the post and will determine what type of action to take.
Click in the upper right corner of this Help modal or anywhere on the web page outside of the modal to exit Help.
×
