The gluten-free movement has become something of an epidemic. Whether you're eating your burger on a bun or wrapped in lettuce, it's important to understand what gluten is and how it affects the body, and in this case, your skin.
In layman's terms, gluten is a protein found in wheat and other grains, and it acts like the glue that holds the ingredients together. It's also responsible for the doughy texture of pizza crust, dougnuts, and many more mouth-watering treats. If you have coeliac disease, then you can't eat it without getting very ill, as the gluten causes the body to mount an immune response that attacks the small intestine. Though most people do not have this rare disease, many can still be sensitive to gluten.
Here's where the big range of confusion and controversy comes in. It's difficult to test whether or not you have sensitivity to gluten, but one way is an elimination diet. You can read about it here.
Not only does gluten make us feel the need to unbutton our trousers after a big pasta dinner, but it can also result in skin inflammation.
"Although it may sound surprising, food sensitivities often show up on our skin," explains Dr. Frank Lipman of the Be Well brand. "Everything from acne to eczema can be an indicator that what we are eating isn't agreeing with our body, and most often, we find that gluten is the culprit of many skin imbalances. This is because of the effects that gluten has on our body, and in turn, on our skin."
We must point out that we are not telling you to give up bread, but rather informing you about gluten so you can make the right choice for your skin, body, and overall health. If you're unsure, consult a doctor. Keep reading to learn exactly how gluten is tied to your skin.
