Why Gluten-Free is Becoming a Trend? My Personal Story.
Introduction
Lately, I have noticed a surge of interest in gluten-free diets. As the co-founder of Pimp My Salad and someone who loves exploring food trends, I found myself curious about this movement. I do not have celiac disease, and for years, I did not think twice about gluten. But over time, I started feeling uncomfortable after certain meals, and I wanted to understand why.
Celiac Disease: The Medical Necessity of Avoiding Gluten
First, it is important to recognize that celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disorder. When people with celiac consume gluten, their small intestine gets damaged, leading to symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, fatigue, and more. For them, avoiding gluten is non-negotiable to prevent severe health issues.
While I do not have celiac disease, I could not ignore the similarities between their symptoms and mine. It made me wonder if gluten was affecting me more than I realized.
My Personal Gluten-Free Journey
For years, I indulged in bread, pasta, and pastries without any noticeable problems. I assumed that without a diagnosis of celiac disease or a gluten allergy, I had nothing to worry about.
But then subtle changes started to emerge:
Skin Issues: I began experiencing unexpected breakouts on my face and back, which was unusual given my skincare routine and lifestyle.
Bloating and Belly Discomfort: After meals loaded with gluten — like a hearty pizza or a sandwich on white bread—I noticed my stomach felt uncomfortably swollen.
Mental Fog: On days when I had eaten a lot of gluten, I found it harder to concentrate. My thoughts felt sluggish, and tasks took longer to complete.
Curious and a bit frustrated, I decided to cut out gluten temporarily to see if it made a difference.
Within weeks, the results were remarkable. My breakouts lessened, and my skin felt healthier. The bloating subsided, and I felt more comfortable after meals. The mental fog lifted, and I regained my usual sharpness.
Why Gluten Might Be Bad for You — Even Without a Diagnosis
I learned that gluten can cause low-level inflammation in the gut, even in people without celiac disease. This inflammation might not be severe, but over time it can lead to bloating, discomfort, and skin issues.
Gut-Brain Axis
Emerging research suggests that our gut health is closely linked to our brain function — a concept known as the gut-brain axis. Gluten might disrupt this connection, leading to symptoms like brain fog and difficulty concentrating.
Personal Connection
While my symptoms were not extreme, the combination of digestive discomfort, skin problems, and mental haze was enough to make me rethink my relationship with gluten.
Different Types of Gluten and Their Effects
Highly Processed Gluten
I noticed that foods like white bread, pizza dough, and pastries — high in processed gluten — were the biggest culprits. They were harder to digest and left me feeling bloated and sluggish.
Sourdough Bread
Discovering sourdough bread was a game-changer. Its fermentation process reduces gluten content and breaks down compounds that can cause bloating. I found I could enjoy sourdough without the unpleasant side effects, making it a delightful exception.
Whole Grains vs. Refined Grains
Whole grain breads seemed kinder to my system than refined white breads. They provided more fiber and nutrients, aiding digestion and keeping me satisfied longer.
Modern Diets and Gluten Overload
Our modern diets are filled with processed foods that often contain hidden gluten. From sauces to snacks, gluten sneaks into many items, contributing to an overload that our bodies might struggle to handle.
Consuming too much gluten, especially from processed sources, can tax the digestive system. It is no wonder that more people, like me, are noticing sensitivities.
By reducing heavily processed gluten products, I felt a significant improvement in my overall well-being. My digestion improved, my skin cleared up, and I had more energy throughout the day.
Delicious Gluten-Free Alternatives and Recipes
Embracing New Ingredients
Going gluten-free opened up a world of new foods. I started experimenting with ingredients like quinoa, buckwheat, almond flour and vegan cheeses.
My Favorite Gluten-Free Recipes
Middle Eastern Salad sweetened with dates, a savoury sprinkle of Nutritional Yeast, and complete with the irresistible crunch of our Gluten-free croutons, it's a favourite at any table!
Warm Veggie Salad packed with nutrients, flavour and texture. Use our Cashew Parmesan, Super Seeds and Vegan Bacon Bits to make it amazing!
Broccoli Soup — thick, creamy and delicious, topped with vegan and gluten free Cashew Parmesan and Vegan Bacon Bits for even more flavour.
Tips for Transitioning to a Gluten-Free Lifestyle
Start Slowly
Gradually reduce gluten to see how your body responds.
Replace one meal at a time with gluten-free options.
Read Labels Carefully
Gluten can hide in unexpected places. Check ingredients on packaged foods.
Explore Naturally Gluten-Free Foods
Fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds are all gluten-free.
Get Creative in the Kitchen
Experiment with new recipes and ingredients.
Embrace cooking as a fun adventure rather than a restriction.
Conclusion
My journey to going gluten-free was not about following a trend; it was about listening to my body and making choices that improved my health. Even without a formal diagnosis, reducing gluten made a positive difference in my skin, digestion, and mental clarity.
If you are experiencing unexplained discomforts, consider exploring how gluten might be affecting you. Sometimes, small changes can lead to significant improvements.
Products Mentioned:
Cashew Vegan Cheese: A protein-rich, heart-healthy cashew parmesan made from 100% natural cashews.
Organic Nutritional Yeast Sprinkles: A delicious vegan seasoning with a savoury, cheesy flavour made from inactive, toasted, and organic nutritional yeast.
Super Seed Sprinkles: A gently baked mix of 5 crunchy gluten-free seeds that will transform any meal — perfect as a salad topper
Vegan Bacon Bits: A crunchy and delicious meal topper made with whole food ingredients, our Bacon Bits will add plant based protein and nutrients to your dishes, while giving them that next level flare.