For most of us grains form the largest part of our diet, yet the consumption of these grains can be quite hazardous for people with gluten allergies and celiac disease. A high grain diet is also responsible for several other health problems. Here is a list of the various issues that are associated with the consumption of grains.
Gluten Allergy: A gluten allergy is among the most common types of allergic reactions with 0.6% children and 0.11 percent adults afflicted by it. Gluten allergy is caused when gluten, a harmless substance found in grains like wheat, barley and rye, finds its way into the blood stream. In normal people, this does not create any problems but the immune system of people who suffer from gluten allergy perceives this as a threat. The gluten in food items prepared from these grains sticks to the mast cells and causes an adverse reaction with the IgE antibodies which are found on the surface of the mast cells.
This reaction in turn leads to a hyperactivity in the mast cells and causes the release of antihistamines and other chemicals that are responsible for the visible symptoms of allergic reactions like itching, inflammation and swelling. Gluten allergy is an autoimmune disorder like all other allergic reactions.
Celiac Disease: As opposed to the mild symptoms of gluten allergy celiac disease can be a serious and chronic condition which is also caused due to gluten ingestion. This disorder has a strong genetic link and individuals whose parents suffer from the ailment stand a high chance of suffering from it as well. Like gluten allergy this is also an autoimmune ailment. When normal people eat gluten it is processed in the stomach with the help of digestive enzymes; this is then sent to the small intestines where tiny protrusions called villi on the inner surface of the intestine absorb the nutrients.
However, when people who suffer from celiac disease consume gluten it triggers an autoimmune response which leads to the inflammation of the intestinal lining. With the intestines inflamed the villi flatten and do not absorb the nutrients. The condition can be very serious because it can lead to acute weight loss, wasting, fatigue and several other gastro intestinal problems.
Excessive Carbohydrate intake: All grains are rich in carbohydrates so a diet high in grains can lead to excessive calorie intake leading to weight gain. This specifically holds true for items made from refined flour. Even though grains provide a lot of calories they provide very few nutrients in comparison.
Digestive Problems: Several digestive problems can be attributes to the consumption of grains such as constipation, bloating, flatulence, aches and pains, improper absorption of nutrients etc.
Other Ailments: People who consume a diet that is high in grains are known to suffer from various health related issues such as several auto immune disorders including allergies, autoimmune thyroid and even some types of cancer. A grain rich diet may also cause type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular problems and bone related issues like osteoporosis.
Since we started consuming grains only a few thousand years ago, it can be safely suggested that the human anatomy is still not prepared to digest the complex and simple carbohydrates found in grains. If you are looking for a well balanced meal, do not forget to cut back on the grains and substitute them with fresh vegetables, lean meats and fruits all of which provide the essential minerals, vitamins and other nutrients.