Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, is widely debated in the health and wellness world. While some can eat it without issue, for many, gluten can trigger inflammation and health problems—even without celiac disease. Let’s take a closer look at how gluten may contribute to inflammation in the body.
What Is Gluten?
Simply put, gluten is a protein found in certain grains that helps give foods their texture and structure. While gluten itself isn’t harmful, many people struggle to digest it. For these individuals, gluten can cause an immune response that leads to inflammation.
How Gluten Contributes to Inflammation
1. Damaging the Gut Lining Gluten can increase zonulin, a protein that regulates gut lining. When zonulin levels rise, the gut becomes more permeable—leading to a condition known as "leaky gut." This allows undigested food and toxins to enter the bloodstream, triggering an immune response and increasing inflammation.
2. Triggering an Immune Response For people with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, consuming gluten causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the body’s tissues. This response leads to widespread inflammation, manifesting as joint pain, skin issues, digestive discomfort, and brain fog.
3. Contributing to Chronic Conditions Chronic inflammation is the root cause of many health issues, including autoimmune diseases, digestive disorders, skin conditions, and neurological issues. For people with these conditions, gluten may act as a hidden trigger that worsens inflammation.
4. Affecting Hormone Balance Gluten sensitivity has also been linked to hormone imbalances. As inflammation impacts the adrenal glands, thyroid, and gut—key players in hormone metabolism—gluten may contribute to symptoms like PMS, irregular cycles, and menopausal symptoms.
Should You Go Gluten-Free?
If you suspect gluten is causing inflammation or health issues, try eliminating it for a few weeks and observe your body’s response. Many people report improvements in digestion, energy levels, mental clarity, and skin health after removing gluten from their diet.
For our family, going gluten-free made a significant difference. It began when my husband self-diagnosed as a Celiac, and when my daughter struggled with chronic hives, we eliminated gluten from her diet and mine as well. Removing gluten has helped us lower inflammation and improve our overall health.
Final Thoughts
Gluten affects people differently, but if you’re dealing with chronic inflammation, digestive issues, or unexplained symptoms, it’s worth considering gluten as a potential cause. The good news is that there are now many delicious gluten-free options available, making it easier than ever to support your body’s healing process.
Have you noticed any changes in your health after eliminating gluten? I’d love to hear about your experience!
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