When I worked at a bakery during high school and college, gluten was seen as a good thing. It is the protein in wheat that gives bread its texture and improves performance of a product when baking.
Throughout my week here in Ireland I have noticed that gluten is mentioned quite a bit. Most bakeries and cafes have a note posted to ask for gluten free options. I heard a lady at breakfast the other day ask for gluten free bread.
There are conditions where gluten is an actual allergy such as in Celiac disease. In these cases it is necessary to eat a gluten-free diet. However, I know that gluten-free is also a bit of a health move for people wanting to eat a vegetarian diet, or maybe just a healthier diet in general.
Also, I have read information that gluten can trigger depression in some people. I actually worked at that bread store with a girl who blamed her mood swings on the gluten in the bread.
We did make bread with spelt flour for those unable to eat gluten. After reading more about it though, I see that spelt does contain gluten it just appears that it is easier to digest than wheat products for many who are sensitive.
Let me go ahead and say that I’m not at all speaking about people that have to eliminate gluten. I understand the necessity of accommodating food allergies.
I am curious about those that eat gluten-free because they view it as a healthy option.
I am not on a mission to eliminate gluten from my diet. I guess there is a part of me that doesn’t understand the reason for doing this when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle.
To me, it is a natural part of a very natural product – wheat and other grains.
I am wondering if the offering of gluten-free products I am seeing here comes from higher rates of allergies in this area or if there are a lot of people around trying to eat gluten-free diets as part of healthy habits.
I am thankful that I have the choice to enjoy all wheat products. There is really no motivation for me to cut it out of my diet.
How do you feel about gluten? Do you avoid it, and if so, what are the benefits for you?
We gave up gluten when I was breastfeeding my youngest and my gluten consumption (and dairy, egg, and other misc things) would cause blood in her stool (neonatal colitis). I found that it is actually easier to give up gluten than dairy (for me, at least) because there are so many WONDERFUL gluten-free options these days. We even found a great gluten-free bread to make in our breadmaker for sandwiches.
Thankfully, my daughter has since outgrown all of her food intolerances, and gluten and dairy are back in our diet. I am not eliminating gluten for the long term, but having done it for a year and a half, it really is doable!
I’ve read that a lot of people have Celiac disease without even knowing it. I wonder if the people who have depression from gluten really have Celiac. I’m always amazed at how the health of the gut affects every part of the body. Keep your gut healthy, and your body will likely follow!
Thanks for the interesting post!
Thanks for sharing your story, Kathy. It is great to know there are options out there, especially for people who have no choice but to give it up.
I have read that the depression may also be associated with the Celiac disease.