What exactly is gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, rye and triticale (a cross between wheat and rye). It is also frequently mixed in, processed, or used as a binding agent in many common processed foods, sauces, drinks, medications, supplements, even Play Dough!
So what should I be watching out for?
Many people don't know that many common kitchen essentials have gluten in them! Soy sauce, salad dressings, marinades, vanilla extract, and seasoning blends all contain gluten as a binding agent or preservative. So if you still use regular vanilla extract in your hard-earned paleo chocolate chip cookies, regular soy sauce on your paleo beef stir fry you slaved in the kitchen for, dried garlic powder on your pricey grass-fed steak, etc... cut it out!
So what can I do to purge my pantry?
Making your own sauces and dressings while using fresh herbs and spices is best. That way, you know exactly what you are eating. Avoid any packaged or processed products like the ones discussed unless they have one of these seals:
So, how long does it take my gut to heal once it has been exposed to gluten?
This may vary from person to person, but the gut can heal itself from the damage of gluten in a few months time with the help of a clinical nutritionist and a strict gluten-free diet.