Page 20 - Dainfern Precinct Living Issue 7_2023

Health & Wellness

The scrutiny of

'GLUTEN FREE'

B Y CAYTLIN GOODCHILD

contain gluten are also fortified. This
You’ve probably found yourself walking through grocery aisles can be a problem for anyone but is most

finding more and more ‘gluten-free’ food products. You may have concerning during pregnancy, as this is
when women require vitamin B9 (folic
also noticed that these products aren’t cheap. Are these foods acid) in order to prevent birth defects.
necessary for individuals free of medical conditions, or do these It may therefore be important to take a
gluten-free multivitamin-multimineral
foods provide a way to increase profits obtained from sales? supplement, if trying to avoid gluten.

It is also important to ensure an
luten is a protein found damage. Celiac disease can be identified adequate intake of fibre, if you’re
in wheat, rye and barley. through a blood test for the presence avoiding gluten-free foods. Fibre plays
People have been converting of antibodies against a protein called an important role in digestion and bowel
Gto gluten-free diets to lose tissue transglutaminase. A biopsy of movements. And it improves cholesterol
weight, enhance energy, treat autism or the intestine is used to confirm the and blood sugar levels. However, it is
improve general health. The problem diagnosis. still possible to get the fibre you need
is that there is little or no scientific from fruits, vegetables, beans and other
evidence that these benefits exist. It must be noted that following a gluten- grains, such as brown rice and quinoa.
free diet is very challenging. Not only
In individuals with celiac disease, does gluten exist in breads, cereals, The bottom line is, if you suspect
gluten causes an immune response that pasta, pizza and beer, but also in many that you may have celiac disease or
attacks the small intestine. The result is other products, including soups, sauces, gluten sensitivity, first consult a doctor.
damage to the villi, the small finger-like salad dressings, vitamin and mineral Thereafter, see a dietitian to assist you
projections that line the small intestine supplements, certain medications, and in excluding certain foods and including
and promote nutrient absorption. When even some toothpastes. The words you others to avoid any deficiencies.
the villi get damaged, nutrients cannot would want to look out for on labels Remember, it is important to make an
be effectively absorbed. This can lead would be barley, yeast, durum, spelt, informed choice when changing to a diet
to problems, including osteoporosis, wheat, malt, matzo, semolina and that you plan on following for the rest of
infertility, nerve damage, seizures, heart triticale, to name a few. your life.
disease and intestinal cancer.
An associated condition called gluten By excluding these kinds of foods, one For more info, contact Caylin Goodchild,
sensitivity or non-celiac gluten sensitivity needs to be aware of the possibility of Dietitian (MSc Dietetics) on 011 465 2419
can cause symptoms similar to celiac having certain nutritional deficiencies. or visit her practice at the Concourse
disease but without the intestinal This is because most foods which Medical & Dental Centre, Lonehill.
20 DPL issue 7 2023