How do we make sense of wheat as an allergy, as causing coeliac disease, as affecting cooking softness, and as producing wind in some people? And there is a report saying that many people are eating more gluten-free products as they wrongly believe they are better for their general health and weight control. Let us think through all the issues involved. We have to consider the starch part of wheat which contains the fructans that can cause wind, and the protein part which is the gluten. Fructan … [Read more...]
Should you go on a gluten-free diet?
If you suspect wheat as a possible cause of your symptoms should you exclude it? What if others say they feel better on a gluten-free diet, or an alternative practitioner suggests it? First, consider what symptoms you have. If you have gut discomfort or IBS, excluding gluten may help. But first have your symptoms checked by a doctor. Even if you went on a gluten-free diet and it helped a bit, that would be no use if, underneath that, you had some serious problem growing. Many people use the … [Read more...]
The delightful wickedness of eating wheat on a wheat free diet
Most people think that wheat or gluten has to be completely excluded where it is thought to be a problem. This is not so except for those who are coeliacs or those who have anaphylaxis or symptoms that would land them in hospital. They should read no further. Everyone else can read about how they can get away with small amounts of foods containing wheat. They are such a pleasure. The crunch and taste of even one crisp wheat cracker, or the enjoyment of the smell and feel of very fresh crusty … [Read more...]