Gluten Intolerance Awareness

We all know that eating a nutritious diet is very important; it helps your body to function as it normally should, helps with muscle repair, and gives you energy.

While those with Gluten Intolerance often eat a nutritious diet, their bodies are not able to absorb all of the nutrients. Gluten is a protein found specifically in wheat, barley, and rye.

“When this happens you’re not getting all of the vitamins and minerals you’re putting into your mouth. They might not actually be absorbed into your bodies systems,” said Trent Tangen, Rec Sports assistant director for fitness and wellness.

This can lead to vitamin, mineral, and other macronutrient deficiencies. Regardless of weight, in many cases this could lead a person to become malnourished.

Junior Political Science and Legal Studies major Alex Kinzinger was diagnosed with celiac disease last year. It is an autoimmune disease that prevents the body from processing gluten, therefore you do not absorb all of the nutrients your body needs.

“Awhile ago I started feeling really tired and fatigued all of the time, even though I got a full night of sleep,” said Kinzinger. “I went to the doctor and had some blood work done and they found out I was anemic, I had an iron deficiency, which was caused by having celiac disease.”

Now to remain as healthy as possible, Kinzinger does not eat any products with gluten in them, such as wheat, pasta, cookies, bread, or anything that contains flour. The good news is you can find a lot of products in stores that are gluten free.

A lot of people in the United States have gluten intolerance, but do not know it. Complications from gluten intolerance include fatigue, depression, headaches, anxiety, and other long-term health problems. If you are experiencing any of these problems you should talk to your doctor, especially before starting a gluten free diet.