If we go back some 20 years ago nobody knew a thing about gluten unless you were a health professional. Those of us that suffered from intolerance to gluten had to buy our gluten-free food in special stores or even pharmacies. And the selection was really based on a couple of items.

If you went to a restaurant and ordered a gluten-free sandwich or a pizza they would have asked you what planet you’re from. So what is it now that gluten-free had started to rule the globe? How come now we have hundreds of thousands of people demanding that even small-scale restaurants deliver their gluten-free options? Since when did we become a gluten-free nation? If you are interested in more things that we change our views on read Got Milk – I Think I Will Pass.

Give us our daily gluten

Gluten is a protein naturally found in some grains, including wheat, barley, and rye. It can also be found in traces in oatmeal, especially if they are processed or grown close to grains that contain gluten. It’s a protein that makes grain dough stretch and look smooth. Other grains contain gluten such as wheat berries, spelled, durum, emmer, and such. But gluten has become most associated with wheat and wheat products. It came to such an extent that wheat products got a really bad rep in healthy nutrition.

The main problem with gluten is that people react differently to it. The most serious condition of intolerance to gluten is called celiac disease. It happens when the body’s immune system overreacts when gluten is introduced to it. It’s an autoimmune disorder and the only thing that can be done is to reduce the consumption of gluten in the person’s diet.

There is another condition that is not only connected to gluten but people often when reducing gluten intake notice they are feeling better. Wheat allergy is an allergy to one or more wheat proteins. This condition is most often seen in children, most will outgrow it by adulthood. But is important to note that gluten is a problem only for those who have an intolerance to it. Most people have been eating gluten all their lives without any adverse side effects. So why have we all become gluten-free?

The rise of the gluten free movement

For me, I blame the food industry. But how can you actually blame an industry that just tries to make money? They saw an opening in the market and took the opportunity to make a trend. Specifically targeting the young, smart millennials who are trying to stay healthy and fit. Suddenly eating gluten-free has become a way of life. A must-do thing. Before we had invasions of superfoods (which were not that super after all), avocado and raw food movements (thank goodness I can stop eating avocados for a while), chia seeds, and cold press juices and now we will all be gluten-free.

But if you really believe that your gluten-free bread is healthier or your gluten-free pizza will make you live longer you are in a world of hurt. The thing about the food industry is that they deliver just what they say. A gluten-free product. Just remember all the popularity of light, sugar-free, zero calories they have shoved down our throats just a couple of years ago. Were they more healthy? Did they make us live longer?

No. They were packed with extra sugars, stabilizers, and additives to give us a better taste of something that from the start wasn’t supposed to taste that great. And now they are doing this all over again with gluten-free products. Sticking with a gluten-free diet is not going to do much harm to your body. Yes, there are some side effects but if it makes you feel better in the long run go for it. Just make sure you check your ingredients label from time to time to see what are you actually being served under the whole gluten-free package.

So, what is the verdict?

Like so many things in life, we should take everything with a grain of salt. If you want to embark on a gluten-free diet, good for you. Just remember that most beers contain gluten. So next time you order a Corona or a Stella Artois you will be breaking your vow of gluten purity.

But for me, I’m really happy that there are so many gluten-free options around now. And so many different foods to choose from. Imagine if you really suffered from celiac disease and couldn’t manage to find anything good for yourself. By taking this trend we are actually making life a little bit easier for the people who have to be gluten-free to survive. And that’s enough to make me smile a little bit wider when I hear someone complaining that there are no gluten-free options. Maybe we can all be gluten-free for the weekends only. At least for me, Friday night is pizza night.