Gluten is the common name for the protein found primarily in wheat, rye, and barley. Simple gluten intolerance can be uncomfortable, but more severe intolerance could also be celiac disease.
With celiac disease, gluten triggers the body’s immune system by damaging the small intestine preventing it from properly absorbing food. When gluten is ingested, the tiny hair-like projections called villi that line the wall of the small intestine are damaged. These damaged cells are then unable to absorb basic nutrients including proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals and make one more susceptible to several other complications including iron deficiency and osteoporosis.
Gluten intolerance and celiac disease are far more widespread than first thought, can develop at any age and many, like myself, can live undiagnosed for several years. Presently the only treatment is the adherence to a gluten-free diet as when the gluten is removed from your diet, the small intestine can heal and as a result overall health improves.
While it easy to remove the obvious forms of gluten; breads, cereals and oats, gluten is also hidden in many commercially prepared foods including salad dressings, gravy, soups, beer and some spirits. In addition, ingredients such as food starch, vegetable protein and malt flavoring, common in many things, make gluten a bit more difficult to avoid then one might have first thought.
The good news is the primal diet is naturally gluten free making it easy for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease to follow. By completely eliminating gluten and shifting your focus to eating healthy fresh foods like our ancestors ate, you’ll be sure to notice an improvement in your overall energy levels, health and general well-being.
