Gluten -free nutrition: what you need to know

Gluten -free nutrition: what you need to know
## gluten -free nutrition: what you need to know ##
More and more people are opting for a gluten -free diet. But what exactly does that mean and is it really necessary? In this article we will respond exactly to this and provide you with all the important information that you need to know about gluten -free nutrition.
## what is gluten? ##
gluten is a little word with great importance for people with celiac disease and gluten intolerance. It is a protein that occurs in many types of grain, including wheat, rye, barley and spelled. Gluten is responsible for the fact that the dough becomes elastic and bread retains its shape. It is also contained in many processed foods such as pasta, pastries and cereal seals.
## gluten intolerance and Zöliakie ##
people with gluten intolerance have difficulty digesting gluten. This leads to symptoms such as stomach pain, flatulence, diarrhea and weight loss. In contrast, celiac disease is an autoimmune disease in which the body considers gluten to be harmful and the immune system reacts strongly. This can lead to inflammation of the small intestine, which makes it difficult to absorb nutrients. In the long term, this can lead to malnutrition, osteoporosis and other complications.
## Symptoms of gluten intolerance ##
The symptoms of gluten intolerance or celiac disease can be varied and range from gastrointestinal problems such as bloating and diarrhea to rashes and joint pain. Other signs can be fatigue, depression and weight loss. It is important to note that the symptoms can vary from person to person and do not always occur immediately after consumption of gluten -containing foods.
## Diagnosis of gluten intolerance or celiac disease ##
If you suspect that you have gluten intolerance or celiac disease, it is important to see a doctor. The diagnosis is usually made by a blood test on antibodies against gluten or a tissue sample of your small intestine to search for signs of inflammation. Both tests should be carried out under medical supervision.
## gluten -free nutrition ##
The only effective treatment for people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease is a gluten -free diet. This means that all gluten -containing foods have to be avoided. This can be a challenge, since gluten is contained in many foods, even in those that are not expected.
## food that contains gluten ##
gluten is contained in many common foods, such as bread, pasta, cake, cookies and much more. But gluten can also be found in processed foods such as sauces, soups, sausages and even beer. It is important to read the labels carefully and look for gluten -free alternatives. Fortunately, there are many gluten -free foods on the market today that enable a varied diet.
## gluten -free cooking ##
If you have to adhere to a gluten -free diet, you should also be careful when cooking at home. Avoid the use of wheat flour and choose gluten -free flour such as rice flour, almond flour or potato flour. There are also many gluten -free baking mixes and recipes online that can help you to continue to enjoy delicious bread, cake and cookies.
## Possible advantages of a gluten -free diet ##
Although a gluten -free diet is essential for people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, some people also choose a gluten -free diet without diagnosis. They believe that this can lead to more energy, a better digestive system and healthier skin. However, there is no scientific evidence for these statements. A gluten-free diet can also lead to a lack of certain nutrients, such as B vitamins, iron and fiber. If you consider a gluten -free diet, it is important to discuss this with a doctor or nutritionist to ensure that you get all the necessary nutrients.
## FAZIT ##
For people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, a gluten -free diet is essential to avoid symptoms and reduce possible complications. However, gluten -free nutrition requires a lot of attention and planning, since gluten is contained in many common foods. If you consider a gluten-free diet but have no diagnosis, you should discuss the advantages and disadvantages with a doctor. It is important to ensure that you still get all the necessary nutrients.