Most people have at least one friend who has told them, "I'm going gluten-free." The food industry has jumped into the craze, earning an estimated $23 billion in sales of gluten-free products per year. While many claim that avoiding gluten is the latest diet fad, for the millions of people in the United States who have celiac disease, eating gluten can cause them hours of misery.
Celiac disease is an autimmune disorder that causes an abnormal response when gluten is eaten. Gluten is a protein that is found in barley, rye and wheat. When those with celiac disease or who have a gluten sensitivity eat gluten, they can experience constipation, diarrhea, anemia, pain in the bones and severe skin rashes. Over time, gluten can harm the lining of the intestine in those who are sensitive to gluten and cause permanent damage.
While the food industry has begun …show more content…
Corn is a crop that is commonly genetically modified (GMO). Many of the GMO crops are enginnered to withstand being sprayed by pesticides and herbicides, making them highly toxic for humans.
4. Refined Sugar
When grains are removed from food, the flavor that is lost is often replaced by refined sugar. Refined sugar causes blood sugar levels to rapidly spike and can worsen digestive symptoms. Though sugar is contained in most gluten-free foods, avoiding it as much as possible is the best way to have a well-balanced diet.
5. Soy
Much like corn, soy is another crop that is genetically modified. The pesticides and herbicides that are commonly sprayed on GMO crops have been shown to reduce the healthy bacteria in the gut, which can cause digestive problems.
6. Xantham Gum
Xantham gum is an additive that mimics the texture and softness that can be found in breads. While it isn't inherently dangerous on its own, it is often derived from GMO corn crops, so it should be avoided as much as possible.
7. Processed
Celiac disease is an autimmune disorder that causes an abnormal response when gluten is eaten. Gluten is a protein that is found in barley, rye and wheat. When those with celiac disease or who have a gluten sensitivity eat gluten, they can experience constipation, diarrhea, anemia, pain in the bones and severe skin rashes. Over time, gluten can harm the lining of the intestine in those who are sensitive to gluten and cause permanent damage.
While the food industry has begun …show more content…
Corn is a crop that is commonly genetically modified (GMO). Many of the GMO crops are enginnered to withstand being sprayed by pesticides and herbicides, making them highly toxic for humans.
4. Refined Sugar
When grains are removed from food, the flavor that is lost is often replaced by refined sugar. Refined sugar causes blood sugar levels to rapidly spike and can worsen digestive symptoms. Though sugar is contained in most gluten-free foods, avoiding it as much as possible is the best way to have a well-balanced diet.
5. Soy
Much like corn, soy is another crop that is genetically modified. The pesticides and herbicides that are commonly sprayed on GMO crops have been shown to reduce the healthy bacteria in the gut, which can cause digestive problems.
6. Xantham Gum
Xantham gum is an additive that mimics the texture and softness that can be found in breads. While it isn't inherently dangerous on its own, it is often derived from GMO corn crops, so it should be avoided as much as possible.
7. Processed