Let us first consider what gluten actually is. Gluten is a type of protein that causes chronic disease and health problems and can be found in your typical daily foods such as wheat, rye and barley. Gluten intolerance or sensitivity may lead to a variety of symptoms including but not limited to feeling bloated and suffering from nausea, respiratory problems, congestion (in the nose) and rashes.
Although gluten intolerance can lead to serious health hazards, it is often mistaken with celiac disease. While gluten intolerance is described as an allergic reaction to gluten in the digestive tract, celiac disease is an inherited autoimmune disorder in which gluten leads to intestinal inflammation and long-term damage to the small intestine. Since there is no cure for the disease, those living with it can control it by observing a strict gluten free diet.
For individuals diagnosed with Celiac disease or an allergy to gluten, the market provides a wide array of gluten-free alternatives that are just as tasty, and in some cases, a lot better for your health!