Gluten

Q: What is gluten?  Why are some foods gluten-free?

A: Gluten is a naturally occurring protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, rye, and oats.  Its unique structure results in the elastic consistency found in the dough derived from these grains. 

Over the centuries, the elastic consistency led to the use of these grains in breads and other baked goods which are staples in most diets.

Some people have intolerance to gluten.  Symptoms of the intolerance range from headaches, bloating, diarrhea, weight loss, and malnutrition.  People with the worst cases of intolerance are sometimes diagnosed with celiac disease.  This is an autoimmune disorder and is characterized by the reduced ability of the small intestine to properly absorb nutrients from certain foods.

A gluten-free diet is prescribed to minimize or eliminate the symptoms of the intolerance.  Some foods are naturally gluten-free (including some grains) while others are made to be gluten-free.  The link below from the Mayo Clinic provides a list of gluten-free foods.

References:

http://www.celiac.com/

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gluten-free-diet/my01140

Energy Shots

Q: What is the 5-hour ENERGY® drink and is it good for you?

A: 5-hour ENERGY® is marketed as an “energy shot” that provides a quick and convenient boost of energy without the calories and sugar of full-size energy drinks, coffees, and sodas.

The 5-hour ENERGY® website lists the follow ingredients for their original energy shot:

•         Vitamin B (B6, B12)

•         Niacin

•         Folic Acid

•         Caffeine -  contains as much caffeine as a regular cup of coffee

•         Other ingredients including:  Citicoline, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Taurine, Malic Acid, and Glucuronolactone

Is it good for you?  The “energy” in the shot comes from the caffeine.  Ingesting a single energy shot on an infrequent bases is most likely not problematic.  In reality, people are regularly consuming the energy shots with other caffeinated drinks and this is leading to caffeine overload.  Too much caffeine can lead to several health issues including:  insomnia, nervousness, nausea, increased heart rate, and high blood pressure. 

If you are regularly fatigued, it is recommended that you look for natural ways to boost energy levels.  Suggestions include:

•         Eat several small meals vs. infrequent large meals

•         Don’t skip meals, especially breakfast

•         Avoid large amounts of sugar and fat

•         Take quick exercise breaks throughout the day to shake off drowsiness

•         Exercise regularly

•         Stress management

•         Quality sleep