Healthy Rebel

Should You Avoid Gluten? A Health Coach’s Perspective

In my practice as a health coach, clients struggling with bloating, stomach discomfort, and irregular bowel movements often ask the same question:

“Should I avoid gluten?”

The answer is not as straightforward as many believe. While gluten is often blamed for digestive issues, its impact depends on individual tolerance, underlying health conditions, and even the quality of the wheat consumed.

Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, is essential for food texture and elasticity. However, its relationship with gut health, inflammation, and modern agricultural practices makes it a controversial topic in nutrition and wellness.

Let’s examine who truly benefits from avoiding gluten, whether it's necessary for overall health, and how pesticide use in wheat farming in the EU and UK plays a crucial role in this discussion.
Who Should Avoid Gluten?
1. Coeliac Disease – A Non-Negotiable Gluten-Free Condition

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune disorder where gluten triggers intestinal inflammation and damage. Affecting around 1% of the population, coeliac disease requires strict lifelong gluten avoidance, as even trace amounts can cause long-term harm.
2. Non-Coeliac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS) – A Growing Concern

Many people experience bloating, fatigue, brain fog, and joint pain after consuming gluten, despite not testing positive for coeliac disease. This condition, known as NCGS, is associated with increased zonulin levels, which regulate gut permeability (leaky gut).
3. Autoimmune and Inflammatory Conditions – Can Gluten Be a Trigger?

Some individuals with autoimmune diseases (Hashimoto’s, rheumatoid arthritis, IBS) report improvements after eliminating gluten. A 2019 study found that a gluten-free diet reduced thyroid antibodies and improved gut function in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis patients.
Beyond Gluten: The Glyphosate Factor in the EU & UK

A crucial but overlooked aspect of the gluten debate is the presence of glyphosate, a widely used herbicide in European and UK wheat farming.

EU Regulations: In 2023, the European Commission extended glyphosate approval for another 10 years (until 2033), though France and Germany have implemented restrictions.
UK Regulations: The UK allows glyphosate use until at least 2025, with several councils limiting its application due to environmental and health concerns.
Health Impacts: Studies suggest glyphosate disrupts gut microbiota, contributes to inflammation, and may act as an endocrine disruptor.

Beyond glyphosate, other herbicides like flufenacet and metribuzin are used in wheat farming, raising concerns about chemical exposure through diet.
Should Everyone Avoid Gluten?

For those without coeliac disease, gluten sensitivity, or autoimmune conditions, there is no strong evidence that gluten is inherently harmful. However, the quality of wheat matters:

✔ Refined wheat (white bread, pasta, processed baked goods) is often stripped of nutrients and contains preservatives, additives, and pesticide residues.
✔ Whole grains (whole wheat, barley, rye, spelt) provide fibre, B vitamins, and antioxidants, supporting gut health and metabolic function.
✔ Many who think they are gluten-intolerant actually react to FODMAPs (fermentable carbohydrates in wheat) rather than gluten itself.
The Verdict: Should You Cut Out Gluten?

For those with coeliac disease or confirmed gluten sensitivity, strict avoidance is essential. If you have an autoimmune or inflammatory condition, trialling a gluten-free diet may provide insight into symptom triggers.

For the general population, eliminating gluten isn’t necessary—but prioritising organic, whole-grain sources over processed wheat is a more balanced and health-conscious approach.

Given the widespread use of glyphosate and other herbicides in European and UK wheat farming, choosing organic or traditionally milled grains may reduce exposure to agricultural chemicals that could contribute to gut disturbances.

Ultimately, gluten itself is not inherently harmful—but the way it is processed, grown, and consumed makes all the difference.

SugarDetoc tips

Sugar is EVERYWHERE, and even if you think you’re only consuming small amounts of it, it can add up quickly.

Look for sugar in salad dressings, sauces (like pasta sauce), yogurt, nut milk, granola, cereal, and more.

Whenever possible, buy unsweetened versions of yogurt and milk. When choosing pre-made cereals, sauces, and snacks, aim for below 10 grams per serving, or better aim for 0 refined sugar.

Segar Detox tips

Just like any addictive substance, the more you use, the higher your tolerance becomes.

Take, for example, coffee. When you were young, just a cup might be enough to push you through the whole day and keep you up at night. Now, you might need a whole pot in the morning just to get you to 1 PM.

The same goes for sugar. For children, just a piece of candy or a scoop of ice cream can have them bouncing off the walls. These days, if you’re eating sugar regularly, you might still be unable to feel that ‘sugar rush’ even after eating a sleeve of cookies and a can of soda.

When you detox, you’ll cut your tolerance way down.

If you are ready to free yourself from this addictive substance click on the link below and start your freedom journey today!

Sugar Holiday QUEST-9 Days to Break Free from SUGAR

https://buff.ly/3tzikrP

Sugar Detox tips

Our bodies are created to crave sugar because it provides us with instant energy.

This is especially true when we don’t feed ourselves enough nutrients, like protein and fiber.

When our body is running low on those important nutrients, it sends signals to ‘get energy quick’! Usually, this means you’ll crave something sweet and refined that’s easy for the body to break down and absorb.

Unfortunately, this quick pick-me-up isn’t actually satiating or fulfilling, so we usually eat more, or immediately crash once that temporary fix wears off.