Lifestyle has become so hectic that different types of health problems are creeping up. Scientists and doctors are striving to find out the causes and their solutions to help mankind at large. Nowadays a lot is heard about gluten and gluten-free foods.

Fact 1 What Is Gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in the grains like wheat, barley, and rye. Most of the foods that we regularly have and are our favorites too like breads, and pizzas contain gluten. It makes the dough stretchy and gives them a spongy texture while it is used in soups and sauces to thicken them. But it has been found that those who cannot assimilate the protein content in wheat etc suffer from celiac disease. For such individuals it is best to go for gluten-free foods.

Fact 2 What Is Celiac Disease?
There are many people with chronic digestive disorder who cannot tolerate gluten. This problem is known as celiac disease. It has been found that a gluten-free diet helps such a genuine health problem. Even a tiny crumb can create serious problems according to specialists in celiac treatments. It damages the small intestine that leads to greater complications like gastrointestinal distress and nutritional deficiencies. If precautionary methods are not taken, these responses can even lead to intestinal cancers and complications like infertility and osteoporosis.

Another problem related to gluten is non-celiac gluten sensitivity but it does not however damage the intestines.

Fact 3 Seven Signs of Gluten Sensitivity
The number of people with celiac disease is countless but only a few are diagnosed and treated. It is because people are not aware of the disease and also because the symptoms overlap other health issues. Hence often both doctors and patients get confused.

Gluten sensitivity and celiac disease shows various symptoms like:

• Chronic diarrhea or constipation
• Abdominal pain and bloating
• Weight loss without any specific reasons
• Anemia and paleness
• Fatigue and weakness without much activity.
• Infertility

Fact 4 Who Should Eat Gluten-free Foods
The symptoms of gluten sensitivity are quite common and they are signs of other diseases as well. Hence it is important to get medical help and proper diagnosis of the disease and then go for a gluten-free diet. Only those who are diagnosed with gluten-sensitivity should go on gluten-free diet.

Fact 5 What Does A Gluten-free Diet Consist Of
Meal planning is very crucial for those planning for a gluten-free diet regime. Actually cutting down gluten from foods implies eating fresh and real food in place of ultra-processed packaged food though it may be the tastiest and your most favorite delicacy. A gluten-free diet should consist of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean protein, dairy products and gluten-free grains ;like amaranth and quinoa.

Fact 6 Problems Related To Gluten
People who cannot tolerate gluten face serious trouble when even a bit of this protein content enters the bloodstream. It triggers an immune response that damages the lining of the small intestines. This interferes with the absorption of nutrients from food, innumerable symptoms become severe and the individual becomes a prey to diseases like osteoporosis, nerve damage and seizures.

Fact 7 How Is Gluten Sensitivity Diagnosed
Gluten sensitivity and celiac disease was diagnosed by a process of elimination. Recently new methods are being used for diagnosis through a blood test that reveals if anti-bodies against a protein called trans-glutamines are present in the bloodstream or not. Further confirmation is obtained by a biopsy of the intestines.

Fact 8 Gluten And Weight Gain
It has been found that people who have gluten-sensitivity often gain weight after they start on a gluten-free diet because the intestines regain strength to absorb nutrients and the digestive system functions properly.