All About Gluten & Grain Free, What You Need to Know!

Thanks for taking a few minutes to learn about gluten and grain free living. At AWG Bakery, this is our life. We love helping people enjoy bread again. We are here to help you eat with confidence! Let’s start…

What is gluten?

Gluten is a protein composite found in wheat and related grains like barley and rye. It forms when glutenin and gliadin, two proteins present in wheat flour, combine with water during kneading or mixing, creating a sticky and elastic dough. This elasticity is what gives bread its chewy texture and helps it rise during baking, trapping air bubbles and giving baked goods their structure. Gluten also plays a crucial role in binding ingredients together and contributing to the overall texture and consistency of bread and other baked products.

How does gluten affect people?

For people who react to gluten, consumption can lead to various symptoms and health issues. The most severe reaction is seen in individuals with Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder where gluten ingestion triggers an immune response that damages the lining of the small intestine. This can result in symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, fatigue, and nutrient deficiencies due to malabsorption.

Others may have non-celiac gluten sensitivity, experiencing similar symptoms like digestive discomfort, headaches, joint pain, and fatigue. Additionally, some individuals with autoimmune conditions may find that gluten exacerbates inflammation throughout the body, leading to symptoms beyond the digestive system.

Why has gluten intolerance become more of an issue than in past decade?

In the U.S., wheat flour is one of the top genetically engineered crops. What this means is that the flour has been completely stripped of its nutrients and naturally occurring enzymes that actually assist the gut in breaking it down properly. The wheat crops are also heavily sprayed with pesticides, one of them being Glyphosate, which has raised concerns because of its potential links to health issues, including inflammation and even cancer.

How many people have issues with gluten?

Over the past decade, the prevalence of people needing to eat gluten free has significantly increased. In fact, recent studies suggest that approximately 1 in 100 people worldwide suffer from Celiac disease, a serious autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten consumption. Beyond Celiac disease, even more individuals are opting for gluten free diets due to gluten sensitivity or simply to support a clean and healthier lifestyle.

What is grain free?

Grain free eating involves cutting out grains such as corn, wheat, oats, and rice from your diet (please see full list below). Most gluten free products are made with grains other than wheat and can still cause issues like digestive inflammation.

Why are people choosing grain free?

Many people have reported significant health improvements after adopting a grain free lifestyle. These benefits often include better digestion and a reduction in symptoms related to autoimmune conditions. By removing grains, which can be inflammatory for some individuals, people are finding they have more energy and feel better overall.

What are the benefits to grain free ingredients?

Eating grain free ingredients offers several potential benefits for health-conscious individuals. Firstly, grain free diets often lead to lower carbohydrate intake, which can be beneficial for managing blood sugar levels and promoting weight loss. Secondly, grain free alternatives like almond flour, coconut flour, and flaxseed meal are typically higher in protein, fiber, and healthy fats compared to traditional grain flours, providing more nutrients per serving. Additionally, these ingredients are nutrient dense, so you just need a little to feel satisfied. To learn more about AWG Bakery’s clean and healthy ingredients, please click here.

Is gluten free and grain free the same?

Many customers ask us this question. They are not the same. If a product is grain free it is also gluten free but not all gluten free products are grain free. While both avoid gluten containing grains like wheat, barley, and rye, gluten free diets may still include non-gluten grains such as rice, corn, and oats. On the other hand, grain free diets eliminate all grains entirely, including those that do not contain gluten, opting instead for alternatives like nut flours, coconut flour, and tapioca flour.

Did you know going organic can be a game-changer for your health?

Organic foods are grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which means fewer chemicals making their way into your system. Choosing organic can also mean higher nutrient levels in your produce and dairy, since the soil they’re grown in tends to be richer and more balanced. 

Ready to learn even more?

Please head over to our Blog article, You Need To Understand - Wheat, Celiac, Gluten Intolerance, Labels, to learn more about gluten free living, please click here to read.

Also, there is a fantastic podcast with Dr. Greg and Hanna talking about understanding gluten free ingredients, reading labels, the importance of organic (you will be shocked!), her health story, and SO much more, please click here to listen.

Whether you choose a gluten free, grain free, or traditional diet, paying attention to ingredients and opting for organic choices can greatly impact your health. Reading labels helps ensure you're making informed decisions about what you put into your body, avoiding unnecessary additives and pesticides. Embracing organic options promotes overall wellness by reducing exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. Thank you for your time, and cheers to healthy eating!