
Often, I was asked
what is Gluten.
Basically, Gluten is a type of protein found predominantly in wheat. Gluten becomes sticky and malleable when combined with water, meaning that it is ideal for bread-making.
Gluten itself comprises many different proteins, the best known of which is
gliadin. This is the part of gluten that triggers the immune reaction.
You should know that proteins in rye, barley and possibly oats are very similar to gliadin and they too can damage the bowel of people with
coeliac disease. When people with coeliac disease eat gluten-containing foods, their immune system fights the gluten, causing inflammation of the delicate cells lining the intestine. In this process, the small intestine's villi become flattened and cannot perform their job, resulting in digestive and nutritional upsets.
Coeliac disease runs in families and can begin at any age, even if the person has previously eaten gluten without problem. Triggers such as a bad accident or a viral infection may set if off.
Check with your family members whether they have this disease. It helps to know. With the information available, you can better manage the allergies and prevent it even before its onslaught.