Why is Gluten and Dairy Demonized?

Allergenic

What food allergens must be declared on food labels?

The FDA requires food manufacturers to declare food allergens on their labels in one of two ways: by listing the allergen's food source or by identifying food ingredients or additives that pose a significant health risk. Via the FDA, this regulation was implemented in October 20, 2022. Gluten is one of the most common food allergens.

What are the symptoms of gluten intolerance?

Gluten intolerance can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and nausea, according to Medical News Today, on medicalnewstoday.com, 2020. It is important to note that gluten intolerance is different from celiac disease.

What is gluten?

Gluten is a protein found in the wheat plant and other grains that is used to add protein, texture and flavor to food and other products. As mentioned in Rajagopal from Johns Hopkins Medicine, gluten acts as a binding agent to hold processed foods together and give them shape. Gluten is also found in many processed products, such as breads, pastas, cereals, and other baked goods.

Inflammatory

Do dairy products have anti-inflammatory benefits?

Dairy may not be as inflammatory as some people believe, as research has suggested it may have anti-inflammatory effects. Via Healthline in 2020, some people have linked dairy to inflammation due to its saturated fat content, but studies indicate that dairy could be beneficial for reducing inflammation. Dairy may contain beneficial compounds, such as conjugated linoleic acid and probiotics, which are thought to have anti-inflammatory effects.

Can eating gluten-free improve health?

Eating gluten-free can improve health, especially for those with celiac disease, as it triggers an immune reaction which can cause inflammation and damage in their intestinal tracts. This has been shown by Harvard Health, who estimate that up to 1% of the population has this condition. Gluten provides no essential nutrients, making it a good choice to avoid for improved health.

Dairy products have the potential to modulate inflammatory processes in humans, as suggested by the increasing evidence from clinical studies. From a review published in Inflammation in August 2017, the immune-regulatory properties of breastfeeding further support this notion. Real data also shows that dairy consumption is linked to improved markers of inflammation in both healthy people and those with chronic diseases.

Intolerance

What is food intolerance?

Food intolerance occurs when the body is unable to digest certain types of food or ingredients, such as lactose, gluten and other grains. This is according to NHS, the UK's public health service, on nhs.uk. It is also important to note that food intolerances can vary from person to person.

Can cutting out gluten and dairy reduce inflammation for those with Celiac disease?

Cutting out gluten and dairy can help reduce inflammation in those with Celiac disease, according to experts at the National Institutes of Health. On nih.gov, it is noted that casein, a milk protein, can cross-react with gluten. Research suggests that dairy proteins can contribute to inflammation.

Is non-celiac gluten sensitivity real?

Non-celiac gluten sensitivity is a real thing, according to Dr. Benjamin Lebwohl from the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University, although it is difficult to diagnose due to the lack of a test. Research suggests that this sensitivity affects up to 6% of the population.

Unhealthy

Is gluten safe for people with celiac disease?

Dr. Weil believes that gluten is generally safe for most people, but those with celiac disease should avoid it as it can trigger an autoimmune response. Cited from a study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology in 2019, gluten can cause inflammation in people with celiac disease, leading to damage in the small intestine.

Although Celiac disease affects roughly one percent of the population, millions of people without the condition have quit gluten which may be a mistake. As indicated by Freakonomics podcast, The Demonization of Gluten, released in October 2017, celiac patients can be treated by quitting gluten, but many have not been diagnosed. Studies have found that gluten-free diets may lack essential vitamins and minerals.

Are dairy products good for bone health?

Dairy products are a beneficial source of calcium and protein which can reduce the risk of fractures and maintain bone density. From Harvard Health, dairy products such as milk, yogurt, cheese, and cottage cheese are healthy dietary choices. Research has shown that dairy consumption can help to improve cardiovascular health.

Unnatural

Do you have gluten sensitivity?

Gluten sensitivity is much more common than previously thought, with 18 million Americans estimated to have it and only 2 million having Celiac Disease. Despite this, many doctors will only rule out Celiac Disease and wheat allergy when presented with gluten sensitivity symptoms. An info from research by the National Institutes of Health, this leaves over 16 million people without an accurate diagnosis.

What is gluten?

Gluten is a protein found in wheat and some other grains that is used to add texture, flavor and protein to processed foods. An info from Rajagopal from Johns Hopkins Medicine, gluten also acts as a binding agent to give processed foods shape. Gluten has been linked to digestive issues, inflammation and other health concerns.

What is gluten?

Gluten is a type of protein responsible for the texture of popular baked goods such as bread, pasta, cake, and biscuits, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is also found in some processed foods and ingredients, including certain cereals, sauces, and condiments. Gluten is present in several types of grains, including wheat, rye, and barley.

Unsafe

Do I have gluten sensitivity?

Gluten and dairy sensitivity affects millions of Americans, yet most doctors only rule out celiac disease or wheat allergy when diagnosing gluten sensitivity. Cited from research estimates, 18 million Americans have gluten sensitivity, with only 2 million having Celiac Disease. Over 16 million gluten-sensitive patients remain undiagnosed. This issue is further highlighted by the fact that most Functional Medicine Practitioners advise against consuming gluten and dairy.

What is gluten?

Gluten is a naturally-occurring protein found in wheat and some other grains, and it is used to add protein, texture and flavor to various foods. From Rajagopal from Johns Hopkins Medicine, gluten can also be used as a binding agent to hold processed foods together and give them shape. Avoiding gluten might help improve some digestive issues.

Can humans digest gluten?

All humans can digest gluten, according to Forbes in 2017. Some individuals may have difficulty metabolizing gluten due to an intolerance or celiac disease. Dietary fiber is an important part of one's diet that cannot be metabolized by humans.

Unsustainable

What are the risks of unsustainable dairy farming?

WWF works to ensure that dairy production is as sustainable as possible, engaging dairy farmers, co-ops, companies and others in their efforts. As indicated by WWF's website (wwf.org, 2020), unsustainable dairy farming and feed production can lead to the loss of ecologically important areas such as prairies, wetlands, and forests. Sustainable dairy farming can provide a number of other benefits, including improved natural resources management and increased biodiversity.

Do you suffer from gluten or dairy sensitivity?

Gluten and dairy sensitivity is much more common than previously thought, with an estimated 18 million Americans suffering from gluten sensitivity and only 2 million having Celiac Disease. Mentioned in research, this leaves 16 million individuals without a diagnosis, which is why many Functional Medicine Practitioners suggest avoiding these foods. On Rupahealth.com (2021), research estimates that 18 million Americans have gluten sensitivity.

What are the environmental and social impacts of the growth in demand for gluten-free grains?

The growth in demand for gluten-free grains puts pressure on the environment and on the livelihoods of workers, according to the Guardian, 2015. While gluten-free diets may be beneficial for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, the production and consumption of gluten-free grains requires more resources than traditional grains.

Unbalanced

What is gluten?

Gluten is a protein found in wheat and other grains which is added to food and products for protein, texture and flavor. Johns Hopkins Medicine explains that it also works as a binding agent to hold processed foods together and give them shape. People with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease must avoid gluten to prevent potential health issues.

Should those with celiac disease avoid gluten?

Dr. Weil does not believe that gluten is bad for everyone, but rather that those with celiac disease should avoid it as it can cause an autoimmune attack. As reported by Dr. Weil in his article on prevention.com in 2020, gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, and those with celiac disease should avoid it to prevent any negative health impacts. It is important to note that gluten-free products are not necessarily healthier than products with gluten.

Can gluten intolerance be diagnosed with a single test?

People with gluten intolerance, who do not have a wheat allergy or celiac disease, should exclude gluten from their diet for six weeks in order to receive proper diagnosis, according to the Cleveland Clinic (on my.clevelandclinic.org, 2020). Gluten intolerance is not diagnosable through a single test, but instead through a combination of blood tests and skin tests. It is important to note that gluten intolerance is distinct from non-celiac gluten sensitivity.

Inconvenient

What is gluten?

Gluten is a naturally occurring protein found in wheat and other grains, that is used to add protein, texture and flavor to food and products, and as a binding agent. From Johns Hopkins Medicine, gluten can be extracted, concentrated and added to food and other products. It has been found that gluten has a significant effect on human health.

Can humans digest gluten?

Humans can digest gluten, though it may not be properly metabolized. According to an article on Forbes, published in 2017, all humans can digest gluten, but the body may not be able to completely break it down and absorb its nutrients. Foods high in dietary fibers such as cellulose are also not completely metabolized by humans.

Is gluten safe to consume?

Gluten is generally safe for consumption, according to Dr. Weil, a medical doctor and professor at Harvard Medical School. He suggests that only people with celiac disease should avoid gluten, as their bodies mount an autoimmune attack on the small intestine when they consume it. In addition, research has shown that gluten can cause inflammation in the gut, leading to digestive issues such as bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Unpalatable

Do you experience symptoms of gluten sensitivity?

Research estimates that 18 million Americans suffer from gluten sensitivity, and only 2 million have Celiac Disease, meaning that most doctors are not diagnosing over 16 million gluten-sensitive patients accurately. As reported by a study published by Functional Medicine Practitioners, gluten and dairy should be avoided for those who experience symptoms of gluten sensitivity. This research has shown that a gluten and dairy-free diet may reduce symptoms in those with gluten sensitivity.

What is gluten?

Gluten is a protein found in wheat and some other grains that can be extracted, concentrated and added to food to add texture, flavor, and binding ability. As reported by Rajagopal from Johns Hopkins Medicine, gluten is naturally occurring and gives processed foods shape. Research has found that gluten may also play a role in the digestion of other foods.

Can humans digest gluten?

Humans can digest gluten, although the digestion process varies from person to person. According to Forbes in 2017, while all humans can digest gluten, some may have difficulty in doing so due to certain conditions or sensitivities. Gluten-free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to manage certain digestive issues and improve overall health.

Source:

• Fda : Food Allergies, FDA.
• Healthline : Dairy.
• Www : Food intolerance - NHS.
• Prevention : Gluten, You, What, Dr. Weil.
• Rupahealth : Most Functional Medicine Practitioners, Gluten, Dairy.