What is Gluten?
Gluten is a protein that is soluble in alcohol. It is divided into two groups: prolamins and polymeric glutenins. Prolamins are referred to as gliadin in wheat, secalin in rye, hordein in barley, avenin in oats, and zein in corn. In developed and developing countries, energy derived from wheat and its products constitutes a large part of daily energy intake. Additionally, gluten can be found in products such as flavorings, food colorings, lipsticks, shampoos, toothpaste, lotions, postage stamps, beer yeast, ice cream, desserts, and candies. This indicates that we are exposed to gluten at every stage of our daily lives.
Concept Confusion: Celiac Disease, Wheat Allergy, Gluten Sensitivity
Celiac Disease: Celiac disease is a genetically inherited condition characterized by an extreme sensitivity to gluten and related prolamins found in wheat, barley, oats, and rye. It plays a role in immunological factors, especially if there is a family history of celiac diagnosis, making it more common in children. Symptoms of celiac disease include diarrhea or constipation, abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, weight loss, and anemia (deficiencies in iron, B12, and folate).
Wheat Allergy: Wheat allergy is a reaction mediated by the immune system against wheat proteins. Wheat contains over 100 proteins, some of which are identified as allergens. Individuals with wheat allergy are treated with a gluten-free diet. However, since their allergies are specific to wheat, they typically do not need to eliminate grains like oats, barley, and rye from their diets, unlike those with celiac disease.
Gluten Sensitivity: Although allergic or autoimmune mechanisms are not commonly observed, conditions that cause discomfort as a result of gluten consumption are referred to as "Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity." Unlike celiac disease and wheat allergy, gluten sensitivity is not typically immune-related.
Gluten-Free Eating is Now Very Easy
With the development of the food industry, accessing gluten-free grains and products has become much easier. Various gluten-free alternatives such as grains, flours, and starches are available, allowing for the creation of delicious recipes ranging from main dishes to desserts. For example, it has become possible to make quinoa salad with chicken, buckwheat pilaf with mushrooms, gluten-free cakes, and even gluten-free ashure. All you need is information about which products you can use.
Important Considerations for Gluten-Free Eating
For individuals following a gluten-free diet, it is not sufficient to simply remove gluten-containing foods from their meal plans. To prevent contamination, they should pay attention to the following important points:
- The area and utensils to be used should be thoroughly cleaned.
- It should be checked that the materials used do not contain gluten.
- If frying oil is reused, the oil used for gluten-free foods should be separate.
- Gluten-free foods should be labeled and stored on higher shelves than gluten-containing foods.
- Foods should be prepared in separate areas or thoroughly cleaned if the same area is used.
- Gluten-free foods should be cooked first.
A Fashion Diet: 'Gluten-Free Eating'
Over the last decade, many "fashion" diets have entered our lives, from Atkins to the Alkaline Diet. However, gluten-free eating has become more popular among those following the clean eating movement than among sick individuals. This dietary model has also become a trend applied even without any underlying disease in recent years. It is important to note that gluten-free diets can often be high in saturated fats and calories, have lower fiber content compared to standard diets, and may lead to deficiencies in B vitamins, iron, folate, and micronutrients. Gluten-free diets can also increase exposure to toxic metals.
In determining an individual-specific diet program, clinical findings, anthropometric measurements, lifestyle, and dietary habits are crucial. One should not allow fashionable diets to jeopardize their health; it is known that scientifically designed, individualized diets can treat diseases.
