This allergy that is so "in fashion" has its rules; to help you understand better and manage your diet with or without this food, here are five cardinal points you need to know.

1.- Dangerous protein

We know that gluten is found in various grains and is also present in all forms of wheat and barley. What many do not realize is that in its protein form, it can appear in many other ingredients we wouldn't imagine. Many brands of chocolate, soy sauce, surimi, and some processed meats like chorizo also contain gluten. In fact, some toothpaste also carry it.

2.- It's not always necessary to avoid it

For 1% of the global population, gluten can be a matter of life or death, but this is rare, and for the rest, it may cause minimal discomfort, so it doesn't need to be completely removed from the diet. It is said that if you have issues with gluten, you should eliminate it from your life entirely, but only those who are 100% celiac need to do this, and only a medical diagnosis can tell you if you are one of them. If not, avoiding it is good, but there's nothing wrong with having some pasta or bread occasionally.

3.- You should reduce it, though

Problems with gluten are relatively new. Our ancestors did not suffer from these issues as the consumption of flours was not as massive as it is today. This does not mean it is poison, but it is important not to consume it daily; our bodies are not designed to receive it in large quantities. It’s best to gradually reduce consumption or eliminate it for a couple of weeks to cleanse the system.

4.- Living without gluten can lead to weight gain

Many people stop consuming gluten in an attempt to lose weight. The reality is that the substitutes used and gluten-free products often contain a lot of rice flour, preservatives, and colorants that can lead to weight gain. Eating only these foods or overindulging in a specific product guarantees you will go up a few sizes. If you are trying to reduce gluten, it is best to go for natural ingredients like meat and vegetables before heading to the gluten-free aisle in supermarkets.

5.- There’s no need to fear gluten

The reality is that everyone’s tolerance to gluten is different. Some people are not affected by it at all, while for others, it can be dangerous. An example is some professional tennis players who never suffered any problems with gluten, but after eliminating it, significantly improved their game. It all depends on the individual, and while consuming less can be beneficial for some in their daily tasks, it is not a toxin to be feared.

Recipes for Celiacs

Recipe for Chicken Tacos with Corn Tortillas

Ingredients: - 1 package of boneless chicken breast strips, cooked fajita-style, frozen - 1 small zucchini, halved lengthwise, sliced - 1 small green onion, sliced - 1/2 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced - 1 package of frozen whole corn kernels - 1 large round tomato, chopped - 1/2 jalapeño peppers, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon of fresh cilantro, chopped - 4 to 8 corn tortillas to taste Click here to see how to prepare this recipe.

Recipe for Tomato and Panela Cheese Salad

Ingredients: - 4 medium round tomatoes - 2 cups of panela cheese - basil - 3 tablespoons of olive oil - 1 tablespoon of white vinegar - 1/2 lemon - pepper If you want to see how to prepare this recipe click here.

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