Gluten: The Unexpected Bad Guy

Hype or Health? 

How easy it is to blame gluten for any kind of abnormal skin rashes, increased weight, hair fall, dull skin, inflammation, poor gut health & what not…

But give it a thought, what really is gluten? Is it the refined cereals, or the pastry you had last night, or the packet of chips at your bedside?

Let’s dig deeper to understand what gluten really is..

Now, gluten is a sticky protein found in grains like wheat, barley, rye & some varieties of oats as well.
Think of gluten as the glue that holds dough together—it gives bread its stretchiness, chewiness, and helps it rise while maintaining its structure.

Where exactly will you find gluten?

• In bread, pasta, cookies, cakes, pretty much anything with flour.
• Whole wheat rotis, maida aka refined wheat based fritters, mathris, namakpare, samosa, momos, patties, kulchas, pizza burger, naan, bhaturas, spring roll, noodles, pasta, & the list is never ending.
• Certain hidden foods like soups, sauces, ketchup, ice cream, and even some soy sauces. 

Who should avoid gluten?

People experiencing the symptoms listed below should avoid gluten-

• Tummy pain
• Bloating or gas
• Loose poop or constipation
• Tired all the time
• Feeling weak or dizzy
• Skin rashes or itchy skin

However, a confirmatory allergen test or gluten intolerance test will show a clearer picture.

Why did gluten get a “bad guy” label?   

• Glyphosate (weed-killer) residues: Often used on wheat crops as a pre-harvest desiccant, glyphosate can disrupt gut bacteria and weaken the intestinal lining (“leaky gut”), making it easier for gluten fragments to penetrate and trigger inflammation
• Pesticides and industrial chemicals: Blood levels of certain pesticides (like DDEs, associated with DDT), PFAs (from nonstick coatings), and PBDEs (from flame retardants) have been linked to higher rates of celiac disease in young people.
• More people got diagnosed with Celiac and Gluten Insensitivity, so more people knew about it.
• Health trends: Some books and celebrities say gluten causes weight gain or brain fog, which leads to the expansion of the anti-gluten wave.
• Gluten-free foods exploded in the market, making it seem like going gluten-free is better.

Glyphosate is inflammatory & can cause severe damage to the gut & impaired nutrient absorption if gluten intolerance/sensitivity is confirmed. However, those who aren’t diagnosed with celiac disease & do not have any problem with gluten intake need not avoid gluten for the sake of weight loss or just because some health influencer or celebrities are doing so. 

Gluten Free Grains-

• Amaranth also known as Rajgira/Chaulayi
• Buckwheat aka kuttu ka atta 
• Millets like Jowar, Ragi, Bajra, Quinoa, etc. 
• Rice 

Gluten-Free Flours & Starches

• Arrowroot
• Banana flour
• Chia flour
• Chickpea flour
• Coconut flour
• Soy flour

Cereals containing Gluten

• Whole wheat flour, aka Atta
• Refined wheat flour, aka Maida 
• Semolina aka Sooji
• Cracked wheat, aka Daliya
• Wheat vermicelli aka Seviyaan
• Rye & Barley 

Gluten and Women: Hormones on a Rollercoaster?

For many women, especially those with gluten issues like celiac or gluten sensitivity, gluten can stir up inflammation. This can then disrupt the balance of hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, cortisol (your primary stress hormone), insulin, and even thyroid hormones. Here’s what happens in plain terms:

1. Inflammation and gut leaks:
   Gluten damages the gut lining, causing a “leaky gut.” That opens the door for inflammation, which can disturb hormone-making glands like an unexpected guest messing up your kitchen.
   
2. Nutrient drain:
   A damaged gut also means poor absorption of essential nutrients like fats and vitamins needed to make hormones. It’s like having all the ingredients for a cake, but then you spill most of them!
   
3. Hormone ripple effect:
   Disruptions in hormone balance can lead to irregular periods, mood swings, energy slumps, and even fertility challenges 

How Glyphosate Can Sneakily Harm Your Body
Glyphosate is a weed killer commonly used by farmers. A study on farm workers in Thailand showed that after spraying glyphosate:

• Their bodies faced more “oxidative stress”  which is like rust forming inside your body and can lead to inflammation.
• Their lung function dropped a bit, meaning breathing became slightly harder. 

All in all, gluten isn’t a toxin but the varieties of gluten grown now is impacting the gut & immune system of people, especially females. One doesn’t need to avoid gluten if not intolerant & do not have symptoms of poor gut, skin & low immunity. However, a moderate consumption of gluten is advisable. 

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