Gluten Free is just a fad...

... said a lady recently in a cafe near us. Although I've heard it from plenty of folk, other waitresses in other cafes, medical staff and pretty much anyone really. Though there seems to be a growing awareness that gluten isn't always the good stuff, and to be fair, I don't yet know if gluten is the demon or the processing and chemicals that are used to create the product we know and consume today. 

I'm not about to delve deep into the research here - mainly because I waffle away in between my getting on with reading with my daughter, tidying up from the day, sorting the washing and the rest. But should you be interested in more research around it and well referenced text exploring issues around gluten - from anxiety, depression, inflammation, bones crumbling as well, of course of intolerance reflected in gut symptoms, and Celiac Disease.

I think we're on the tip of the iceberg with seeing issues related to gluten, and if I could ban just one type of food... nope it'd still be dairy. But with it if I could ban more it'd be meat, fish and gluten. Clearly most of the sandwich, pizza, pasta eating world will be glad I have no magic wand. But it's worth an experiment or two if you're struggling with random aches and pains (with the proviso that you should always get to a Dr and get them properly checked out).

I went over 2 years with a ache in my back that would drift off by 11am or so and I'd think I should get it looked at then wouldn't as if felt better - you know what they say about cobblers wives - but then doing a week of juicing and no more back pain led me to wonder if there could have been something I was eating. And it turns out my joint pain and gluten go together hand in hand (quite literally - my fingers feel still and sore and it's harder to use them), presumably caused my inflammation in my body in response to something in the gluten.

No I'll not die if I have it, but if I can feel good or less good... Yes sometimes I slip but it's bit boring for those around me as I complain and groan about my 'gluten hangover'. So nicer not to bother. 

I'm not a fan of the whole 'gluten free' ranges of everything - which often have a zillion other things in that don't sound good to me. But perhaps a potato, sweet potato or rice instead of pasta? Easy GF swaps making me smile.

Love to hear what you think and if you feel better without it - or even if you think it's a fad too :) 

Happy Thursday!

Em x