Gluten is in a lot of foods that people eat each day. Some people limit how much they consume or eliminate it entirely due to a gluten allergy or sensitivity, such as celiac disease. To help avoid the side effects of consuming the substance, they typically go on a gluten-free diet. Before deciding whether or not you should eliminate gluten, you need to understand what it is, what types of problems it can cause, and how you can go about removing it from your diet.

What Is Gluten?

Gluten is a type of protein found in a variety of products like wheat, rye, and even vitamins. When people follow a gluten-free diet, they usually aren't doing it because it's the newest trend. For people with a sensitivity or allergies, gluten can damage the small intestinal lining, causing abdominal pain, fatigue, headaches, or nausea. A physician can make this diagnosis with a simple blood test and biopsy of the intestine. 

How Can People Remove It from Their Diet?

Due to gluten’s nature, it’s often difficult for people to find foods that won't interfere with their intestinal systems. When shopping for food in stores, the package will usually have a label from the Food and Drug Administration if a product contains gluten or is produced in a facility that handles it.

Just because someone has to go on a gluten-free diet doesn't mean that they have to eliminate everything that they used to eat before. Swapping out items can be a fun and easy way to get creative. For people who like pasta, for example, they can choose options that are gluten-free like quinoa. 

Following a gluten-free diet doesn't mean you have to sacrifice the flavor. Urban Wok is a St. Paul, MN, hot spot that serves creative and colorful dishes for any and every type of diet. They are completely customizable to give you the flavor you're craving. To discover their full selection of menu items, visit them online, or call (651) 493-4717 today to speak with a staff member.