gluten free logo

Gluten Free Alternatives - What Can I Eat?

The Basics

What is Gluten?

The first thing to know about gluten is that it is a protein compound that is found in certain grains like wheat, barley, and rye. It can also be found in foods that are processed from these grains and other such grains or cereals containing gluten.

It should be noted that not all grains have gluten, so you must not confuse a grain to be synonymous with gluten. Some gluten can be found in cereals too. One thing that all gluten has in common is that they are a composite of a gliadin and a glutelin. Gliadin a glycoprotein found in wheat and several other cereals. Glutelin is also a protein and it is the most common glutelin because it is found it wheat, rye and barley. What does this mean exactly?

Basically, gluten is a type of protein that is insoluble in water and has more elasticity and a chewier texture than none gluten grains and cereals. Which is why wheat is such a great grain to use to make dough, breads, pizzas and other such foods as it sticks together really well and easily keeps its shape. If you try making bread with just rice flower, you will quickly realize that it does not stick together very well and nor does it really rise. You need to have a mixture of different gluten-free grains, yeast and other additives to make a simple loaf of gluten free bread. Hence, why gluten is great for making breads, pastas and pastries.

Who Should Avoid Gluten?

Those who have been diagnosed with Celiac Disease should do their best to avoid gluten at all costs. Those with gluten or wheat intolerances are also advised to avoid gluten, but the side effects of eating gluten is not as sever as those with Celiac Disease. Some naturopath's also recommend avoiding gluten when you have a medical condition with lots of inflammation like Crohn's Disease, Arthritis, Migraines, frequent sinus infections as they say that gluten can cause your body to create more inflammation. Also if you suffer from chronic fatigue and irritable bowel syndrome, it may also be a good idea to follow a gluten free diet.

Please press on the quiz button to find out if the gluten free diet is right for you.

quiz button