• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
G-Free Foodie logo
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Baked Goods
    • Beverages
    • Dairy Free
    • Desserts
    • Kid Zone
    • Main Dishes
    • Paleo Friendly
    • Quick & Easy
    • Recipes & Techniques by Cooks We Love
    • Salads & Dressings
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
    • Tips & Tricks
    • Vegan
  • Articles
    • Dining Tips
    • G-Free Foodie Guides
    • G-Free Foodie Mommies
    • G-Free Foodie Product Reviews
    • Gluten Free Advice + Experts
    • KC's Blog
  • About
  • Shop
  • Help!
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Browse Recipes
  • Articles
  • About
  • Shop
  • Help!
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home / Articles / Gluten Free Advice + Experts

    What Is Gluten? Simply Explained, Please!

    Posted On Jul 14, 2010 · Updated On Dec 13, 2021

    What Is Gluten? Simply Explained, Please!

    Wondering what gluten actually is? Here are the basics.

    G-Free Foodie GuidesGluten Free Advice + Experts

    Share

    Updated December 2021 to correct links

    Gluten is simply the protein part of wheat, rye, barley, and other related grains. Some people cannot tolerate gluten when it comes in contact with the small intestine. This condition is known as celiac disease. There is also evidence that a skin disorder called dermatitis herpetiformis is associated with gluten intolerance. There are also several forms of non-Celiac gluten intolerance.

    In patients with celiac disease, gluten injures the lining of the small intestine. This injury results in weight loss, bloating, diarrhea, gas, abdominal cramps, or vitamin and mineral deficiencies. When patients totally eliminate gluten from the diet, the lining of the intestine has a chance to heal.

    In patients with gluten intolerance or gluten allergy, the symptoms are varied and also respond well to the reduction, severe limiting or removal of gluten from the diet.

    Removing gluten from the diet is not easy. Grains are used in the preparation of many foods. It is often hard to tell by an ingredient’s name what may be in it, so it is easy to eat gluten without even knowing it. However, staying on a strict gluten-free diet can dramatically improve the patient’s condition. Since it is necessary to remain on the gluten-free diet throughout life, it will be helpful to review the diet with a registered dietitian.

    What about Oats?

    Oats deserve special attention and mention. Oats are believed to be safe for patients with celiac disease, although this was not always the case. The problem with oat products lies not in the grain but in the manufacturing process. When oats are processed in the same facilities as wheat, CROSS-contamination can occur even with the best cleaning protocol. Oat products can now be found that are not cross contaminated. These may be tried after an initial period of six months to see if they can be tolerated. Most, but not all, patients are able to tolerate pure oat products.

    A Gluten-Free Life Diet and Lifestyle!

    Eating a gluten-free diet can be a gradual process of learning, though some people simply have sufficient nutritional or cooking experience and have acquired enough knowledge to make a rapid transition. If you are diagnosed as celiac or gluten intolerant, it will most likely be recommended for your overall health and well-being that you make a change in diet as quickly as possible. The transition may be a bit of a learning process, yet once it is acquired, there will be a welcome improvement in health.

    Here's what happens when we asked the public what gluten is:

    YouTube video
    We asked people what gluten is, and if gluten-free is healthier. Their reactions were mixed! KC shares what gluten is at the end of the video.

    Gluten-Free References and Resources

    There are many good people, companies, and Internet resources to help keep us well informed. Here are a few of my favorites that are concerned with celiac disease, gluten intolerance and gluten sensitivity.

    Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University
    http://CeliacDiseaseCenter.columbia.edu

    American Celiac Society
    P.O. Box 23455
    New Orleans, LA 70183-0455
    (504) 737-3293

    National Celiac Assoc./USA, Inc.
    http://www.csaceliacs.org

    Celiac Disease Foundation
    http://Celiac.org

    Gluten Intolerance Group of North America
    31214 124th Ave SE
    Auburn, WA 98092-3667
    (253) 833-6655
    www.gluten.net

    Celiac.com
    4927 Sonoma Hwy., Ste C1
    Santa Rosa, CA 95409
    (707) 509-4528
    Fax: 707-324-6060

    R.O.C.K (Raising Our Celiac Kids)
    http://www.celiackids.com

    Kids with Food Allergies, Inc.
    http://www.KidsWithFoodAllergies.org

    American Celiac Disease Alliance
    http://www.americanceliac.org

    Beyond Celiac/National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA)
    http://www.celiaccentral.org

    Article Courtesy: G-Free Expert Tina Turbin

    You may find these two G-Free Foodies Guides useful: Ingredient Names for Gluten & Ingredients that MAY Contain Gluten

    You May Also Like

    • peanut butter and peanuts
      What are Lectins; and could I Be Allergic to Lectins?
    • Understanding Celiac Disease - Whole Foods Market
      Understanding Celiac Disease - Whole Foods Market
    • loaf of gluten-free coconut bread
      What is Gluten-Free?
    • is rice gluten free, bowl of Ming Tsai's 50-50 rice
      Is Rice Gluten-free? Plus Ming Tsai's Rice Recipe
    « G-Free Foodie Reviews: Gluten Free Hot Dogs & Sausages
    Understanding the Link between Osteoporosis and Celiac Disease »

    Share

    Reader Interactions

    Let Us Know What You Think Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    K.C. the G-Free Foodie

    K.C. is a farm-grown foodie, born and raised in the fertile fields of California’s San Joaquin Valley. After being diagnosed with Celiac Disease following years of unexplained illness, she has infused her gluten-free life with flavor, fork in hand. Learn more about K.C.

    Featured Recipes

    Brown sugar bacon on a wire rack

    Brown Sugar Bacon - The Best Pig Candy Recipe To Try Now

    gluten free coconut layer cake recipe

    The BEST Gluten-Free Coconut Cake

    tomato water

    Tomato Water | The Fresh Tomato Recipe You Didn't Know You Needed

    Colcannon- Mashed Potatoes With Kale

    Colcannon - Irish Mashed Potatoes with Kale

    SHOP GLUTEN FREE FAVES

    Popular Categories

    • Appetizers + Snacks
    • Beverages
    • Desserts
    • Dining Tips
    • Main Dishes
    • Quick + Easy
    • Salads + Dressings
    • Soups
    • Tips + Tricks

    Footer

    People

    • About Us
    • K.C. Cornwell
    • G-Free Foodie Gluten Free Advocates + Experts

    Business

    • Partnerships
    • Contact
    • Gluten Free Consulting Services
    • Privacy Policy & Disclaimer
    • Links & Cool Stuff

    Follow Me

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • TikTok

    G-Free Foodie © 2023 · All Rights Reserved