The most important question is:what is gluten?
1. What exactly is gluten? Gluten is a protein that occurs in, for example, wheat, rye, barley and spelt. Gluten is also found in products made from these grains. Think of bread, crackers, pizza, pasta, breadcrumbs, biscuits, cake and pie. Gluten is also used in products where you do not immediately expect it. For example, in the ingredients of soups (binder, vermicelli or meat), in sauces, some sweets, ice cream and beer. Oats are often 'contaminated' with gluten and therefore not always safe to use in a gluten-free diet.
2. What is celiac disease?
People with celiac disease cannot tolerate gluten, they are gluten intolerant. When someone with celiac disease eats gluten, an inflammatory reaction occurs in the small intestine, which causes unpleasant symptoms. In the event of long-term damage to the small intestine, nutrients are no longer properly absorbed into the body, with all the associated consequences.
3. What is gluten sensitivity?
Some people don't have celiac disease, but they do have a hypersensitivity to gluten. Do you suspect that you cannot tolerate gluten well? Do not just start a gluten-free diet, but first ask your doctor and a dietician for advice.
4. How is gluten sensitivity determined?
The symptoms are varied and can differ from person to person. You may suffer from diarrhea or constipation. If you have not been able to tolerate gluten for a while, but still eat gluten, you can even suffer from anemia or osteoporosis. You may suffer from headaches, digestive problems, fatigue. Gluten sensitivity can cause all kinds of problems, so it can be difficult to recognize gluten intolerance or gluten sensitivity. It is best diagnosed by a doctor.
5. Why have I been hearing a lot about gluten-free lately? Not so long ago, little was known about gluten sensitivity and celiac disease. In recent years, more has become known about it and more and more gluten-free products are hitting the shelves. In addition, people are actively concerned with their health and the effects of food, so that more people are taking the step to try gluten-free food and discover what it does for their body.
6. Where can I buy gluten-free products? Because more and more is known about gluten-free food and more and more people follow a gluten-free diet, the range of gluten-free products is increasing. Schär is one of the producers of gluten-free products. Schär has an extensive range, with products for every taste and occasion. Schär sells, among other things, bread, pasta, flour, cereals and pastries. You buy Schär online or at Albert Heijn.
This article is a collaboration with Dr. Schär.
