Should You Be Gluten-Free? A Comprehensive Guide

Do you feel tired or bloated after eating gluten? Or do you have a chronic skin problem, brain fog or joint pain? If yes then you should read this article.

Some people thrive while eating gluten, while others experience symptoms like digestive discomfort, fatigue, or joint pain. So, how do you determine if gluten is an issue for you? 

In this article, I will break down the complexities of gluten, discuss why testing is often better than guessing, and explore the best ways to find out if gluten is affecting your health.

The Ultimate Test: The Wheat Zoomer

One of the most effective ways to determine should you be gluten-free is through the Wheat Zoomer test by Vibrant Wellness.

This test is far more comprehensive than typical lab work, like a standard LabCorp celiac panel, which only checks for celiac disease markers. 

The Wheat Zoomer not only checks for markers of celiac disease but also for gluten sensitivity, leaky gut, and other inflammatory markers that may be related to gluten consumption.

The Wheat Zoomer helps take the guesswork out of identifying gluten issues and provides a clear picture of how gluten impacts your body.

As a naturopathic doctor, I have been using the Wheat Zoomer for several years to identify if gluten is an issue with clients and help to interpret their results to develop personalized plans. 

Why Gluten Can Be Problematic

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, giving bread its chewy texture and making dough stretchy.

However, gluten isn’t always friendly to everyone’s body. It can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:

• Digestive discomfort (bloating, gas, diarrhea)
• Brain fog
• Fatigue
• Joint pain
• Skin issues
• Autoimmune conditions
• Depression and Anxiety

The key here is that not everyone responds to gluten the same way.

Some people can digest it perfectly fine, while others may have underlying sensitivities or conditions like celiac disease.

Should You Go Gluten-Free?

The decision to eliminate gluten from your diet isn’t straightforward.

Factors like the quality of the flour, your gut health, genetics, and any underlying medical conditions all play a role.

To check your genes I recommend SelfDecode, if you have a different DNA result from an ancestry company you can upload these to SelfDecode and get the health information. Or buy one of the SelfDecode test kits.

• Genetic Factors: If you carry specific genes like HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8, you are more likely to develop celiac disease. However, having these genes does not guarantee that you will develop celiac, but it does indicate a higher risk. Genetic testing can help determine if you’re at an increased risk.
• Quality of Flour: Different types of wheat can affect how your body handles gluten. In the U.S., we often grow hard red wheat, which is high in gluten. Meanwhile, Europe uses softer varieties like spelt or einkorn, which some people find easier to digest.

Elimination Diet vs. Testing

One common method for determining gluten sensitivity is the elimination diet.

This involves cutting out gluten entirely for 4-6 weeks and then reintroducing it to see how your body reacts.

While this can be effective, it can also be challenging to stick to, and it’s often difficult to pinpoint whether gluten is truly the culprit.

This is where testing comes into play. Instead of guessing, testing provides definitive answers.

The Wheat Zoomer is the gold standard for identifying not just gluten sensitivity but also related gut health issues, including leaky gut.

Testing helps take the guesswork out and allows you to make informed decisions.

The Role of Gut Health and the Gut Zoomer Test

Gut health plays a significant role in determining how your body reacts to gluten.

Issues like dysbiosis (an imbalance of gut bacteria) can contribute to increased gluten sensitivity.

The Gut Zoomer test is another valuable tool that provides insights into the health of your gut microbiome.

It can identify imbalances or overgrowths of bacteria, yeast, or other pathogens that may be contributing to your symptoms.

By understanding and addressing dysbiosis, you can often improve your tolerance to foods like gluten.

Differences Between European and American Wheat

You may have heard people say that they can eat all the bread they want in Europe without any issues, but feel awful when they eat bread at home.

There are a few reasons for this:

1. Wheat Variety: In North America, hard red wheat is commonly grown, which has a higher gluten content and can be harder to digest. In contrast, European wheat varieties, like einkorn and spelt, have different protein structures that may be less inflammatory.
2. Processing Methods: Wheat in the U.S and Australia, is often processed with chemicals like glyphosate, which is used as a drying agent before harvest. European regulations are stricter about pesticide and chemical use, which might make their wheat less irritating to those with sensitivities.
3. Fermentation Methods: Traditional bread in Europe is often made using longer fermentation methods, like sourdough, which helps break down gluten and make the bread easier to digest. In the U.S., quick-rise methods are commonly used, leaving more undigested gluten.

FODMAPs and Gluten Sensitivity

It’s also possible that the FODMAPs (a group of fermentable carbohydrates) in gluten-containing foods may be the real culprit behind digestive issues for some people.

FODMAPs can be challenging for those with IBS or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO).

In these cases, it may not be the gluten itself causing the problem but rather these carbohydrates.

Conditions Related to Gluten

1. Celiac Disease: An autoimmune condition where consuming gluten causes your immune system to attack the lining of your intestines. This condition requires a lifelong gluten-free diet.
2. Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity: Does not involve an autoimmune response but can cause symptoms like bloating, fatigue, and headaches.
3. Wheat Allergy: A typical allergic reaction to wheat proteins, which can be quite immediate.

The Downsides of Going Gluten-Free Unnecessarily

Many gluten-free alternatives are made with refined starches and are low in nutrients, which can negatively impact your gut health and overall nutrition. 

Gluten-free does not always mean healthy—many gluten-free products are highly processed and contain additives that may not support optimal health. 

This is why it’s crucial to understand whether gluten is truly an issue for you rather than just following the trend.

Consulting a Healthcare Provider

If you think gluten might be affecting your health, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider who understands food sensitivities.

As a naturopathic doctor, I guide clients through testing and help interpret the results.

Whether it’s using the Wheat Zoomer, Gut Zoomer, or helping with an elimination diet, I can assist you in making the best decisions for your health.

FAQs Related To Should You Be Gluten-Free

Conclusion

Gluten isn’t inherently bad for everyone. However, if you suspect it might be affecting your health, there are effective ways to find out for sure.

Testing, like the Wheat Zoomer, Gut Zoomer, and genetic tests, can provide the insights you need to stop guessing and start feeling better.

If you’re interested in learning more about how to determine if gluten is affecting you, or if you want to explore testing options, feel free to schedule a consultation. Let’s take the guesswork out of your health journey together.