Sometimes, we have to make choices that are based on our physiology and any medical conditions or challenges we face. Gluten has been in the limelight for a few years now. but why do people choose a gluten free diet?

Here, we break down the difference between essential and optional gluten avoidance, and how it can impact individual’s health.

What is gluten?

Gluten is the name for the general proteins found in wheat, rye, and barley. Gluten acts like a ‘glue’ to help food maintain its shape – it can be found in many types of foods, even ones that you might not expect. The good news is that for most of us, gluten will have no impact on our health or our bodies, so you can enjoy all the foods that contain gluten and it will not impact your wellbeing or how you feel.

Wheat is by far the most common food that contains gluten and is one of the main ingredients in staple eats such as bread, pasta, cereals, baked goods and sauces. Gluten is also found in beer, some ice creams, cookies, and flavoured tofu.

Why people need, or choose gluten free diets

So we’ve covered what gluten is, but the question remains on why people choose to avoid gluten, and how it makes them feel when they do eat it.
People follow a gluten free diet for a number of reasons.

The most well-known reason that someone may avoid or remove gluten in their diet is celiac disease. People with this condition cannot eat gluten because it triggers an immune response that damages the lining of their gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In adults, symptoms of celiac disease are less prominent than in children, but may include unexplained anaemia, bloating, constipation, bone or joint pain, fatigue, liver disorders, and migraines, and can even result in depression or anxiety. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of these symptoms and seek medical attention so you can make lifestyle changes and start to feel a whole lot better.

Other people may be sensitive or intolerant to gluten, but not have celiac disease. This means they may experience some of the symptoms that those with celiac also suffer from, but gluten does not cause damage to their stomach. For these people, they may choose to avoid gluten as it causes them upset tummies or a feeling of bloating, and we’re all for making good food decisions that make us feel better in our day-to-day lives.

Some people choose to follow a gluten free diet as they feel it helps them with problems such as headaches, fatigue and weight gain, however these health claims are not scientifically proven and may vary from person to person and be impacted by other lifestyle choices and factors, too.

Gluten free breakfast cereal

So, if you look to avoid gluten in your diet, picking a healthy, high fibre, cereal can be a challenge! Here at Lizi’s, we don’t think people should miss out on a great breakfast.

Many breakfast cereals contain wheat. Therefore, if you’re someone who lives with celiac disease or who avoids gluten in their diet, it can be difficult to find a breakfast cereal that not only tastes great, but also is tested and certified gluten free.

The whole Lizi’s range uses oats, not wheat, in its tasty granola range. Therefore, if you are not celiac, and simply like to follow a no (or low) gluten diet, our whole range of high fibre, GL-tested granolas could be perfect for you.

However, if you are someone who lives with celiac disease, our Gluten Free granola is tested and proven completely gluten free.

Lizi’s Gluten Free Granola

Our Gluten Free offering provides the perfect crunch with indulgent ingredients including desiccated coconut, cashews, hazelnuts, and almonds, all paired with gluten-free oats.
Although we’ve dropped the gluten from this cereal, it’s still packed with fibre to help keep your digestive system in tip top shape, and GL-tested to make sure you stay full and energised until lunchtime.

Therefore, if you’re looking for a gluten free breakfast cereal that’s also great as a high-fibre snack, yogurt or ice cream topping, or as an ingredient for your baking creations, our Gluten Free granola is the perfect choice.