ARE OATS GLUTEN-FREE?

BY RACHEL VAVRO

So, there is a lot of debate around the subject and the verdict still remains a little fuzzy...are oats really gluten-free?? Well, I'll give you my take on it...

I'll start with the basics; what is gluten? Gluten is a storage protein that is found in cereal grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. While a majority of the population can tolerate gluten just fine, there are many that do suffer from adverse effects of eating gluten, and see positive changes when following a gluten-free diet.

So who should be gluten-free? Certain medical conditions, such as Celiac Disease and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), typically require or recommend a gluten-free diet in order to minimize symptoms. While IBS is a functional bowel disorder, Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disorder which causes the immune system to mistakenly attack its own healthy cells and tissue. In patients with Celiac Disease, when gluten is ingested it is registered as a foreign invader which triggers an immune response. This causes a variety of negative symptoms such as inflammation and gastrointestinal problems. While the gluten is under attack, the gut lining often sustains collateral damage in the process. This can lead to a condition known as "leaky gut" and cause other issues such as poor nutrient absorption, anemia, digestive issues, and chronic fatigue. Celiac Disease patients may have the most severe reaction to gluten, however there have been numerous studies showing negative symptoms in those with other autoimmune issues as well. I personally suffer from autoimmune issues and have found avoiding/limiting gluten to be very beneficial for reducing symptoms.

Okay, back to the oats! In their natural and pure form, oats are 100% gluten-free. The problem is, oats are very susceptible to cross-contamination due to the fact that they are often grown and/or processed right alongside wheat, barley, and rye products. Even oats that are labeled as "Gluten Free" can still pose the risk of containing traces of gluten. Because everyone is unique and our bodies react differently to things, I would advise proceeding with caution when it comes to oats. Now, I am not a doctor, but if you have a severe gluten intolerance and you know that your body cannot handle even the slightest traces of gluten, then you may be better off avoiding oats altogether. Otherwise, I would recommend opting for oats that are certified as "Gluten Free" and seeing how your body responds. As I said, we are all unique, so I suggest figuring out what feels best for you and going with that!

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