What Good Is Wheat If It Is Bad Because It Contains Gluten?

Wheat is a staple food for many cultures. Whole wheat and wheat flour contain three basic components: starch, bran and protein. Wheat provides fiber; it offers carbohydrates for energy. Also, it's typically fortified with folic acid. While wheat offers a high-fiber option to fill your needs for whole grains, you may react poorly to the protein found in wheat.

Gluten

Gluten is the protein component in wheat. When flour is exposed to moisture, gliadin and glutenin in the flour combine to form gluten. Gluten is stretchy and elastic, creating stable loaves of bread with a chewy texture. Kneading and mixing the dough activates the gluten. Cakes and pastries must be worked carefully to minimize the development of gluten.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition. If you have celiac disease, gluten causes the immune system to attack the villi or small protrusions lining the small intestine. The villi are essential for nutrient absorption. Celiac disease causes a wide variety of systemic symptoms, including digestive upset, fatigue, depression and joint pain. Malnutrition is common. Your physician can test for celiac disease with blood tests and endoscopic biopsies. The only treatment for celiac disease is a gluten-free diet. You must avoid all sources of gluten, including wheat, rye and barley.

Gluten Sensitivity

You can react to gluten without a diagnosis of celiac disease. Symptoms of gluten sensitivity resemble celiac disease. However, blood tests and biopsies do not confirm this diagnosis. You may show antibodies to gluten without intestinal damage or may not show any signs of sensitivity on tests. If you feel better without gluten in your diet, your doctor or a registered dietitian can help you to plan a healthy, balanced and gluten-free diet.

Wheat in Your Diet

If you do not have a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, wheat can be a healthy part of your diet. Enriched and fortified wheat products, including breads and cereals, provide iron, riboflavin, thiamine and folate. Whole wheat is an excellent source of fiber. Opting for a gluten-free diet when you have no medical reason for it may leave you lacking in fiber and nutrients. You may also find a gluten-free diet restrictive and socially isolating.