Leaky Gut Syndrome and Gluten-Free Living

The gluten-free product trend is growing within the food manufacturing industry. More and more consumable goods are labeled, "wheat or gluten free." Also, an increasing number of restaurants are offering gluten-free options on the menu.

The facts are undeniable, each year a growing segment of the population determines to live gluten-free. But the question arises, why are so many people sensitive to gluten products? Unlike a food allergy, which is an immune system disorder within the body, gluten intolerance is a reaction caused by biological issues within the small intestines. This disorder is labeled, Leaky gut syndrome. As is well known, our digestive tract break down and rearranges food into its most basic elements: proteins, amino acids, fatty acids, and carbohydrates. At this point, the food nutrients are absorbed into the body. The inner lining of the small intestine is lined with tiny finger-like projections, called villi, which essentially capture nutritional elements and pass them along to microscopic blood vessels within these projections. Microscopic openings in the villi act as filters allowing only properly digested and processed nutritional material, or chains, through to the bloodstream.

Larger than normal opening within the villi allows unprocessed or incompletely disassembled food molecules to enter the bloodstream. Villi openings of this sort allow possibly risky material to "leak" through, thus the term, leaky gut syndrome.

Nutrients and proteins (peptides) not properly broken down, that enter the bloodstream, are often identified as unfamiliar and therefore are attacked by the body's immune system. Such a reaction is similar to a food allergy reaction and can cause any number of physical or behavioral issues.

Another popular theories is that eating gluten leads to high levels of protein byproducts. These byproducts are said to adversely affect behavior in much the same way as drugs. Some doctor's even hypothesis that inadequately processed peptide is decoded by the body in the same manner as morphine. Gluten can therefore act as a sort of opiate, drastically affecting behavior. These same doctors surmise that if gluten is taken out of the diet, it will reduce the body's mishandling of the gluten-morphine misread, thus improving behavior.

Leaky gut syndrome can lead to behavioral and social difficulties. Depression or irritability is often the most apparent non-physical symptoms. Children especially may exhibit strong, negative emotional outbursts.
Physical symptoms associated with gluten or wheat sensitivity include: gas, bloating and stomach pains, cramps or diarrhea, or even vomiting. These may indicate that you may suffer from gluten-intolerance associated with leaky gut syndrome.

Sensitivity to wheat/gluten can also lead to headache or a generally feeling run-down.

In a very real sense, we are what we eat. If numerous studies confirm that a gluten-free diet improves the quality of life for gluten intolerant people, isn't a change of diet worth the effort? Any remedy, however slight, is beneficial!

At the very least, a gluten-free diet will not only make you feel a lot healthier but increase energy and concentration levels as well.

Brian Trimmer is an established entrepreneur and CEO of FoodConsciousKids. His passion is educating families with children who suffer from gluten intolerance. His online network supports and educates gluten-free families so they can thrive. Brian has numerous e-Books and articles to his credit, many dealing with gluten issues and gluten-free living. To learn more about gluten intolerance and becoming a gluten-free family or to join his online gluten-free community, go to Click Here And Weight Loss !!!