Teresa Dupay blog

What Is Gluten?

Gluten  is a protein which is commonly found in rye, wheat and barley. It is also included in daily food products like breads, pastas, cakes, biscuits and cereals. However, it may also found in mayonnaise, mustard, malt vinegar, and as well as alcoholic beverages that includes whiskey and beer. Well, living life with a gluten allergy becomes quite difficult as it needs knowledge and discipline both regarding the foods containing gluten.

How does Gluten Allergy Occur?

Gluten Allergy is also commonly know as Coeliac disease. This is an autoimmune disease.  It is an allergy which makes a person sensitive to gluten. It occurs by a reaction of the immune system to gluten, their immune system reacts by damaging the lining of  the small intestine. Actually, the lining is amenable for absorbing vitamins and nutrients in the body.

This type of allergy can start at various stages of ones life. It can start at a very early age, when the mother starts introducing their baby to cereals. You can also find that you are have an allergy to gluten at later stages of your life, in your late 20’s and early 30’s, this is quite common in men. Although, there is no specific reason to have gluten allery, but once the person is affected, he/she needs to avoid gluten at any additional costs.

Symptoms of Gluten Allergy

The symptoms of gluten allergy may differ from children to adults. Normally in adults, the symptoms of gluten allergy may include diarrhoea, loss of weight, constipation, depression, bloating, nausea, wind, tiredness etc. Beside these, adults who are suffering from gluten allergy may often complain about bone pain and lethargy. In children, the symptoms of gluten allergy may be seen as slow in physical growth, diarrhoea, vomiting, pale etc. Since, the lining of the small intestine is damaged, very few vitamins and minerals are absorbed in the body.

I am currently putting together a 'Gluten Allergy Report', which you will be able to download from our website, very soon.