What are the benefits of Gluten Free?

CoachReddy · February 2013

Gluten free is totally a fad. Most people can safely eat gluten! People have been eating wheat, rye and barley for thousands of years. Gluten free foods are trendy and profitable because everyone wants to think they're doing something extra for their health, but in reality, there's nothing significant going to be gained from going on a gluten free diet unless you are part of the small percentage of people with a serious gluten sensitivity or a disease.

If you're wanting to do something to improve your health, do something you KNOW will- like more organic foods, more whole foods.

the wheat we ate thousands of years ago is essentially a completely different species than the wheat we've genetically engineered today. there are very few similarities, and today's wheat is much more difficult for the human body to digest.

If this is so, why were the statistics I learned in, what was it, 2008, in my sophomore year in high school biology, so different today? Seems as though this "gluten free" thing picked up the last few years, not the last 50.

because where did that information come from? the FDA and USDA, who have a vested interest in the selling and consumption of wheat.

CoachReddy · February 2013

Farina:

http://www.nuts.com/cookingbaking/grains/rice/organic-farina-gluten-free.html

For pasta making -- http://www.schaer.com/en/gluten-free-products/farina/

Orzo -- http://www.delallo.com/products/delallo-gluten-free-pasta-–-corn-rice-orzo

they CAN be made as gluten free varieties, but the typical orzo you buy in stores, see on restaurant menus, etc contain gluten.

you're splitting hairs for no reason. there's gluten free pasta too!

rm7161 · February 2013

Farina:

http://www.nuts.com/cookingbaking/grains/rice/organic-farina-gluten-free.html

For pasta making -- http://www.schaer.com/en/gluten-free-products/farina/

Orzo -- http://www.delallo.com/products/delallo-gluten-free-pasta-–-corn-rice-orzo

they CAN be made as gluten free varieties, but the typical orzo you buy in stores, see on restaurant menus, etc contain gluten.

you're splitting hairs for no reason. there's gluten free pasta too!

Yes a reason, because people get confused which makes my life difficult when ordering gluten free food. I know this isn't your problem, but it IS one for many of us.

Seriously, I think your posts border on conspiracy theory. There is no new wheat order forcing people to eat wheat. Yes, the food industry has latched onto gluten free as a fad... after exhausting the hell out of the organic fad. They also raise the prices on GF foods, I pay more now for many products than I did only some years ago. (quinoa, I am looking at you)

Sabine_Stroehm · February 2013

I think GF replacement foods are a bit of a fad. Being "gluten free" is not.

I'll tell you my situation. I had cramping, bloating and chronic constipation my entire life. I saw GI docs, and had tests done. Nada.

Then about 2-3 years ago I decided to cut out WHEAT to see if my nasal allergies would improve (because I always got stuffed up and sneezed when eating).
When I gave up wheat I noticed my stomach cramping and bowels improved immediately.

So I stopped eating all gluten. And instantly, my stomach was happy.

Now I eat some, very limited, very whole grain breads. I still get some issues from that, but by an large, my problems are solved.

For me: soy sauce isn't a problem (it has gluten). My issue was gluten in breads.

Will I always avoid it? I think yes, by and large (with some lapses, I'm sure). We're all human. We all do things we know to be bad for us, so I know I'll "break down" and eat some unknown bread with a meal from time to time. And then I'll pay for it.

But in general, my diet doesn't include breads, and only includes quinoa or rice based pastas (I don't eat a lot of pasta)

It also doesn't include any of the replacement foods. No GF breads, cookies, snacks, etc., except the occasional pasta.

I talked to a holistic doctor (who specialized in nutrition). She said what others have said: the gluten/wheat breads and pastas you buy at safeway bares little resemblance to those we used to eat. They've been genetically modified, over processed, over farmed, you name it.

Perhaps that's why a really simple "ezikiel" type breads cause me fewer issues.

ps: I think GF as a weight loss diet IS a fad, and one that doesn't make much sense particularly if you eat all the replacement foods.

CoachReddy · February 2013

Farina:

http://www.nuts.com/cookingbaking/grains/rice/organic-farina-gluten-free.html

For pasta making -- http://www.schaer.com/en/gluten-free-products/farina/

Orzo -- http://www.delallo.com/products/delallo-gluten-free-pasta-–-corn-rice-orzo

they CAN be made as gluten free varieties, but the typical orzo you buy in stores, see on restaurant menus, etc contain gluten.

you're splitting hairs for no reason. there's gluten free pasta too!

Yes a reason, because people get confused which makes my life difficult when ordering gluten free food. I know this isn't your problem, but it IS one for many of us.

right....... and your initial post that says you facepalmed at orzo and farina could have lead people to believe those DON'T contain gluten!

do you see what I'm saying here?

yes, there are gluten-free varieties of pretty much all the things I listed. Wanna bake? Use almond flour. Want pasta? There's quinoa pasta. And like you mentioned, there are gluten free versions of orzo and farina. Great. But the question wasn't "What gluten free options are there to substitute for grains?", the question was "is gluten in anything besides wheat"? And yes, orzo is made up of wheat and isn't a separate grain, but ask a random person what orzo is? They probably won't know.

What a silly argument this is...

akrnrunner · February 2013

I can safely eat gluten but the fact is I feel so much better when I don't eat it. Just because I don't have debilitating stomach issues when I do eat it so medically... sure I can get along with it. BUT I feel absolutely amazing when I don't eat it! My skin is clearer (less breakouts), I have more energy in general, I perform better during workouts and I PMS less. Medically do I need to do it? No but why wouldn't I? I thought it was just a fad too and did it just to shake things up a bit and I was more then surprised at the results!

CoachReddy · February 2013

Farina:

http://www.nuts.com/cookingbaking/grains/rice/organic-farina-gluten-free.html

For pasta making -- http://www.schaer.com/en/gluten-free-products/farina/

Orzo -- http://www.delallo.com/products/delallo-gluten-free-pasta-–-corn-rice-orzo

they CAN be made as gluten free varieties, but the typical orzo you buy in stores, see on restaurant menus, etc contain gluten.

you're splitting hairs for no reason. there's gluten free pasta too!

Seriously, I think your posts border on conspiracy theory.

simply because you disagree with me doesn't make my opinions a "conspiracy theory".

if anything, my views are based in sound business theory and the realities of capitalism. wheat production and consumption is a driving force to the economy, so the government and the free market supports it and keeps the costs low, while raising the costs of the alternatives. logic - not conspiracy.

rm7161 · February 2013

right....... and your initial post that says you facepalmed at orzo and farina could have lead people to believe those DON'T contain gluten!

I facepalmed because those are styles, not grains. While you didn't even mention rye at all, which is in a significant amount of bread products. (less here in US than Europe, but still a bread grain nonetheless) And barley is absolutely not an issue for most people who are not celiac. I doubt highly it's all that much of an issue for people who are self-diagnosed gluten intolerant.

Rice farina is pretty common. Rice bran is too. These items are gluten free, will always be GF. Rice farina can be found in the infant food aisle, this is a typical first baby food.

BettyIW · February 2013

A grandson of ours has celiac disease. Since he has been on a gluten free diet he has grown so much!! His body was not able to absorb the nutrients he was getting from his 'regular' diet.
As his Grandparents we are very aware of his special diet needs when he comes to our place for a visit. Some of his gluten free foods are delicious; some taste like cardboard.
We've learned the importance of reading labels. We were surprised that even red licorice has gluten in it.

CoachReddy · February 2013

right....... and your initial post that says you facepalmed at orzo and farina could have lead people to believe those DON'T contain gluten!

I facepalmed because those are styles, not grains. While you didn't even mention rye at all, which is in a significant amount of bread products. (less here in US than Europe, but still a bread grain nonetheless) And barley is absolutely not an issue for most people who are not celiac. I doubt highly it's all that much of an issue for people who are self-diagnosed gluten intolerant.

Rice farina is pretty common. Rice bran is too. These items are gluten free, will always be GF. Rice farina can be found in the infant food aisle, this is a typical first baby food.

you're arguing for the sake of arguing. how bout you say "what a good list, although technically orzo and farina are made of wheat, and you forgot rye" instead of all this BS?

I would have replied "ah forgot about that one, and good point as to the orzo and farina"

see how easy that would have been?

rm7161 · February 2013

right....... and your initial post that says you facepalmed at orzo and farina could have lead people to believe those DON'T contain gluten!

I facepalmed because those are styles, not grains. While you didn't even mention rye at all, which is in a significant amount of bread products. (less here in US than Europe, but still a bread grain nonetheless) And barley is absolutely not an issue for most people who are not celiac. I doubt highly it's all that much of an issue for people who are self-diagnosed gluten intolerant.

Rice farina is pretty common. Rice bran is too. These items are gluten free, will always be GF. Rice farina can be found in the infant food aisle, this is a typical first baby food.

you're arguing for the sake of arguing. how bout you say "what a good list, although technically orzo and farina are made of wheat, and you forgot rye" instead of all this BS?

I would have replied "ah forgot about that one, and good point as to the orzo and farina"

see how easy that would have been?

So you don't like my tone... I really don't care, tbh.

Now people know. It's been explained. Carry on with the scaremongering about gluten... gotta keep those prices high so people like me who really need GF food can't afford it.

CoachReddy · February 2013

right....... and your initial post that says you facepalmed at orzo and farina could have lead people to believe those DON'T contain gluten!

I facepalmed because those are styles, not grains. While you didn't even mention rye at all, which is in a significant amount of bread products. (less here in US than Europe, but still a bread grain nonetheless) And barley is absolutely not an issue for most people who are not celiac. I doubt highly it's all that much of an issue for people who are self-diagnosed gluten intolerant.

Rice farina is pretty common. Rice bran is too. These items are gluten free, will always be GF. Rice farina can be found in the infant food aisle, this is a typical first baby food.

you're arguing for the sake of arguing. how bout you say "what a good list, although technically orzo and farina are made of wheat, and you forgot rye" instead of all this BS?

I would have replied "ah forgot about that one, and good point as to the orzo and farina"

see how easy that would have been?

So you don't like my tone... I really don't care, tbh.

Now people know. It's been explained. Carry on with the scaremongering about gluten... gotta keep those prices high so people like me who really need GF food can't afford it.

lol ok. i apologize if attempting a gluten free diet to combat my chronic inflammation constitutes "scaremongering"

WinnerVictorious · February 2013

Farina:

http://www.nuts.com/cookingbaking/grains/rice/organic-farina-gluten-free.html

For pasta making -- http://www.schaer.com/en/gluten-free-products/farina/

Orzo -- http://www.delallo.com/products/delallo-gluten-free-pasta-–-corn-rice-orzo

they CAN be made as gluten free varieties, but the typical orzo you buy in stores, see on restaurant menus, etc contain gluten.

you're splitting hairs for no reason. there's gluten free pasta too!

Seriously, I think your posts border on conspiracy theory.

simply because you disagree with me doesn't make my opinions a "conspiracy theory".

if anything, my views are based in sound business theory and the realities of capitalism. wheat production and consumption is a driving force to the economy, so the government and the free market supports it and keeps the costs low, while raising the costs of the alternatives. logic - not conspiracy.

"capitalism" is a pejorative term coined by the socialists of the mid-19th century as a way to disparage economic individualism.

if you cannot even use proper, non-propagandistic terminology to denote the system of free-enterprise and rational self-interest that Adam Smith explained in "The Wealth of Nations" more than 2 centuries ago, then i'm doubtful you know as much about it as you claim to know.

Lupercalia · February 2013

Well, here's some more "conspiracy theory". I dropped grains and reduced internal inflammation. Health issues I struggled with for YEARS that weren't resolved via conventional western medicine and pharmaceutical drugs all somehow magically went away a couple months after ditching all grains and sugars and changing my diet away from a standard "balanced" diet to one that is full of healthy saturated fats, includes moderate protein, and remains low in carbohydrates.

Here's what I DON'T have any more: arthritis, plantar fasciitis, strange skin rashes, acne, depression, anxiety, mood swings, sleep disturbances, low energy levels, digestive troubles.

For me, giving up grains and sugar has been life changing...not some strange diet fad. I don't miss the grains one bit, and don't use those weird "gluten free" frankenfoods. I don't need them.

I've simplified things by merely substituting all sorts of great veggies in place of the grains. I don't think anyone can tell me how a cup of a grain is healthier for me than a nice big salad, or some sauteed kale, etc.

CoachReddy · February 2013

Farina:

http://www.nuts.com/cookingbaking/grains/rice/organic-farina-gluten-free.html

For pasta making -- http://www.schaer.com/en/gluten-free-products/farina/

Orzo -- http://www.delallo.com/products/delallo-gluten-free-pasta-–-corn-rice-orzo

they CAN be made as gluten free varieties, but the typical orzo you buy in stores, see on restaurant menus, etc contain gluten.

you're splitting hairs for no reason. there's gluten free pasta too!

Seriously, I think your posts border on conspiracy theory.

simply because you disagree with me doesn't make my opinions a "conspiracy theory".

if anything, my views are based in sound business theory and the realities of capitalism. wheat production and consumption is a driving force to the economy, so the government and the free market supports it and keeps the costs low, while raising the costs of the alternatives. logic - not conspiracy.

"capitalism" is a pejorative term coined by the socialists of the mid-19th century as a way to disparage economic individualism.

if you cannot even use proper, non-propagandistic terminology to denote the system of free-enterprise and rational self-interest that Adam Smith explained in "The Wealth of Nations" more than 2 centuries ago, then i'm doubtful you know as much about it as you claim to know.

whoa.

rm7161 · February 2013

lol ok. i apologize if attempting a gluten free diet to combat my chronic inflammation constitutes "scaremongering"

I hear aspirin helps. But you're probably sensitive to that too :P It works for me.

Celiac however starts with gut permeability, and some people have this problem more than others (even non-celiacs). It's not the grain that causes this increase in gut permeability, its bad luck of the genetic dice. It is useful to find out if you even have this issue before self-treating. And as I have repeatedly said, non-celiacs can make gluten containing foods less inflammatory through fermentation, and continue to eat them safely.

lynn1982 · February 2013

lol ok. i apologize if attempting a gluten free diet to combat my chronic inflammation constitutes "scaremongering"

I hear aspirin helps. But you're probably sensitive to that too :P It works for me.

You'd rather use chemicals to reduce inflammation than natural food? Interesting way of thinking...

Arianwyn_T · February 2013

Gluten free is totally a fad. Most people can safely eat gluten! People have been eating wheat, rye and barley for thousands of years. Gluten free foods are trendy and profitable because everyone wants to think they're doing something extra for their health, but in reality, there's nothing significant going to be gained from going on a gluten free diet unless you are part of the small percentage of people with a serious gluten sensitivity or a disease.

If you're wanting to do something to improve your health, do something you KNOW will- like more organic foods, more whole foods.

Really, you KNOW organic foods are healthier? Because a lot to the organic pesticides, although naturally occurring, are much more harmful than synthetic ones that have been developed to replace them. Furthermore, there is no evidence that organic foods are any higher in nutritional content.

http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/science-sushi/2011/07/18/mythbusting-101-organic-farming-conventional-agriculture/

Sabine_Stroehm · February 2013

lol ok. i apologize if attempting a gluten free diet to combat my chronic inflammation constitutes "scaremongering"

I hear aspirin helps. But you're probably sensitive to that too :P It works for me.

Celiac however starts with gut permeability, and some people have this problem more than others (even non-celiacs). It's not the grain that causes this increase in gut permeability, its bad luck of the genetic dice. It is useful to find out if you even have this issue before self-treating. And as I have repeatedly said, non-celiacs can make gluten containing foods less inflammatory through fermentation, and continue to eat them safely.

fermented bread?

Sorry, I'd rather just not eat them (or take aspirin on a regular basis)

rm7161 · February 2013

lol ok. i apologize if attempting a gluten free diet to combat my chronic inflammation constitutes "scaremongering"

I hear aspirin helps. But you're probably sensitive to that too :P It works for me.

You'd rather use chemicals to reduce inflammation than natural food? Interesting way of thinking...

Fallacy "Appeal to nature"

Aspirin is indeed from a natural source, though. It was originally extracted from willow bark. Some people are sensitive to salicylates, however.

ShoshanahM · February 2013

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Gluten+Intolerance

mrsploy · February 2013

I have recently gone gluten free after years of IBS issues and years of avoiding lactose. I miss both food groups and wish it wasn't necessary, but I do feel loads better without those foods. I used to have bloating, pain, etc. It has helped with my osteoarthritis pain. I would never have given up gluten without the advice of my dietician.

rm7161 · February 2013

lol ok. i apologize if attempting a gluten free diet to combat my chronic inflammation constitutes "scaremongering"

I hear aspirin helps. But you're probably sensitive to that too :P It works for me.

Celiac however starts with gut permeability, and some people have this problem more than others (even non-celiacs). It's not the grain that causes this increase in gut permeability, its bad luck of the genetic dice. It is useful to find out if you even have this issue before self-treating. And as I have repeatedly said, non-celiacs can make gluten containing foods less inflammatory through fermentation, and continue to eat them safely.

fermented bread?
Sorry, I'd rather just not eat them (or take aspirin on a regular basis)

I have cardiovascular issues which aspirin is the cheapest way to treat. I suppose I could be making willow bark infusions but I find the pills easier to swallow :P (and if gluten free diet actually worked for this, why would I be taking aspirin?... I have celiac disease, OF COURSE I eat a GF diet, heh)

fermented bread, I guess you've never heard of sourdoughs. Sourdough is the traditional bread making process. In Europe where rye bread is more normal than here, sourdough is how just about all of it is made.

If you don't eat them, fine. But claiming they are bad for everyone is not true.

LilMissDB · February 2013

There are no benefits unless you are intolerant.

The main problem I have with the whole gluten free fad is the whole self diagnosis thing (or barely qualified professional diagnosis). Truth is, many serious health conditions can be mistaken for a food intolerance. Changing the way you eat, can also change your symptoms even if it is not the cause of your symptoms which can delay your diagnosis which is always bad news.

I met a lady in clinic the other day who refused to go and get tested for coeliac disease as she 'already knows she has an intolerance to gluten because of an expensive private test'. News flash - you can't test for gluten intolerance. This is important because for someone with a gluten intolerance, you might be able to get away with a bit. As long as you are symptom-free, no worries. This is not the case for someone with coeliac disease who can be doing permanent damage to their bowel eating gluten even if they have no symptoms. She persisted that it didn't matter as she was strictly gluten free then went on to give a diet history that included rye bread daily...

Similarly, I met another lady on the ward the other day who has been following a crazy, restrictive diet based on intolerance diagnosed by an expensive 'nutritionist'. She has bowel cancer but for some reason never thought to question the nutritionist but rather blamed herself for the symptoms for not being strict enough with the diet.

CoachReddy · February 2013

lol ok. i apologize if attempting a gluten free diet to combat my chronic inflammation constitutes "scaremongering"

I hear aspirin helps. But you're probably sensitive to that too :P It works for me.

yeahhhh you should stop. you have no idea the issues I'm dealing with. the inflammation in my larynx/sinuses, and the hoarseness it causes has not only derailed my career and relationship, but has made my day to day living a giant pain in the *kitten* for more than a year. I can't go to bars/restaurants because it's difficult to speak over the noise. I can't hold conversations for longer than a few minutes without my voice getting tired.

steroids do nothing. reflux meds do nothing. nsaids and painkillers do nothing.

please don't joke about the conditions others may be dealing with that you have ABSOLUTELY no knowledge of. get over yourself.

now_or_never13 · February 2013

I would disagree that it isn't a fad, by definition. But thank you for your post. I don't know much about gluten, or Celiac Disease, so I wanted to better understand. Definitely not trying to knock GF, just really curious, and uninformed.

Is gluten just in wheat, or is it in other products?

Seriously? How is eating Gluten free a fad?

Some people have to eat gluten free or suffer a lot of pain, discomfort, etc.

Gluten is a protein found within wheat. Not everyone has an issue with it. Not everyone who eats gluten free has celiac. Some people have a sensititivty to gluten but don't have it to a point where it is celiac. From what i Know, celiac is a very strong issue with gluten which cause damage the body.

Gluten free is not a fad for those who must eat that way.

It is not a diet to lose weight. It is a diet to help those who have issues with gluten.

rm7161 · February 2013

lol ok. i apologize if attempting a gluten free diet to combat my chronic inflammation constitutes "scaremongering"

I hear aspirin helps. But you're probably sensitive to that too :P It works for me.

yeahhhh you should stop. you have no idea the issues I'm dealing with. the inflammation in my larynx/sinuses, and the hoarseness it causes has not only derailed my career and relationship, but has made my day to day living a giant pain in the *kitten* for more than a year. I can't go to bars/restaurants because it's difficult to speak over the noise. I can't hold conversations for longer than a few minutes without my voice getting tired.

steroids do nothing. reflux meds do nothing. nsaids and painkillers do nothing.

please don't joke about the conditions others may be dealing with that you have ABSOLUTELY no knowledge of. get over yourself.

I'm sorry that you are dealing with this, but is the diet actually helping if its still going on? Reflux meds?

Actually, I do know some things about that, having a relative with GERD. And the joke about aspirin isn't all that much of a joke... some people cannot take salicylates due to allergy or sensitivity. But as I don't have one, I find it to be extremely useful to keep down the inflammation in my veins.

Flowers4Julia · February 2013

Being gluten free for me has completely improved my digestion.

No more acid reflux and the meds I was taking :bigsmile:

No more gassy bloated tummy :bigsmile:

No more holding on to excess water in my system :bigsmile:

No more constipation :bigsmile:

What goes in, comes out in a reasonable time frame. :blushing:

Obviously I was gluten sensitive!

courtneywissman · February 2013

I dont think there is a need to jump on this girl for asking a questions. She is absolutly right it is a fad! She acknowledges that she knows their are health reasons some people cannot have it. IAmericans defintley do consume much more than they should. However it is not neccessary to cut gluten out completley if you do not have a health reason for it. I for one have Celiac disease and having gluten has terrible side effects.

theryan244 · February 2013

What are the benefits of Gluten Free?

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