Gluten

[Thinker_Truth_Seeker]

Would someone know in simple language what exactly gluten is?  Does it commonly cause some allergic condition of sorts known as gluten intolerance?   My aunt has it.  She's been talking about it since long but I don't quite follow her.  Whenever we go to the grocery stores and she's with us, I see her trying to look for gluten-free stuff.

[Heba]

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley.  Subsequently it's also found in all food products processed from them.

Yes, gluten can cause negative reactions in some people but it isn't common.  However, for those who do have gluten intolerance need to keep away from products containing gluten.  It's generally found in breads, pizza, pastas and donuts.  But nowadays in many good grocery stores, you'll find a variety of gluten free breads and pastas.   For those who are gluten intolerant, gluten causes inflammation in the small intestines resulting in frequent diarrhea.   This is called celiac disease (spelling?).   Those having minor intolerance might often feel bloated.   Gluten is generally considered to interfere with the digestive process causing upset stomach and also presumed to be bad for the skin.  For these reasons, even those who are gluten tolerant are often advised by diet experts to avoid it.    However, important food items like fruits, veggies, meat, eggs, fish, nuts and dairy products don't contain gluten.  Therefore, even if gluten free breads and pasta aren't available in your location, going on a gluten-free diet isn't as difficult as people make it sound .. particularly for those who are in the habit of going to the kitchen and cooking from scratch.

Tell your aunt to visit some of those speciality health food stores.   They also carry gluten-free versions of foods that traditionally contain gluten.

[Thinker_Truth_Seeker]

Okay, much thanks sister.  As usual you've mentioned it very articulately and simply.  There are a few health food stores here.  I'll check them out.   Though everyone in my family believes in 'cooking from scratch,'  we're all fond of plenty of snacks too      Cakes and pies, cookies and crackers, croutons with soups etc. are big favorites of my "dynasty"         So yes, it does mean cutting down on a lot of eating pleasures.  But I agree, it's not as hard as a restricted diet for those who suffer from heart ailments or diabetes etc.

[Zeynab]

BTW, has anyone ever heard of gluten intolerance affecting a person's mind and making them agitated, rude and bullying?  LOL .. asking this question because that word 'gluten' reminds me of a bad & funny story.  A weird cousin of mine notorious for her cranky temperament once claimed she's "gluten intolerant."   OK, that was unfortunate.  But what was most unfortunate & silly was that she made that an excuse to justify her atrocious behavior.  Everyone preferred to stay far away from her .. including me of course     A couple of years later when she observed that she went too far with her 'shaytani,' she contacted everyone on email saying her bad behavior was a reaction of "gluten intolerance."  I laughed my a** off !!

Br. PT,  I hope your aunt doesn't have any such problems    just kidding.  I'm sure she doesn't.

[Heba]

Hahaha Ahahaha  !!     interesting one sister Zeynab.   I must say I've never heard of gluten intolerance making people cranky and moody.  Your cousin's "diagnosis" should come into the guinness book of world records!   Well, every health issue causes anxiety and affects one's quality of life, no doubt about that.  But that sort of nasty behavior ensues from just one disease known as "being a jerk"    which is nothing uncommon.   Poor 'gluten' became an innocent target this time 

[Zeynab]

   Spot on!  u got the words out of my mouth sis ....