Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards

There is no downside as far as I know. As you know gluten is found in other grains such as rye and barley not just wheat.

Not sure that it can be shown that wheat or gluten, a protein, are hard to digest. In fact, I suspect white flour is quite easy to digest.

On the other hand wheat does contain 1-4% fructans by weight which are indigestible soluble fibers. However, they can be fermented by the bacteria in the colon to produce gas and bloating. Fructans are one of the five FODMAP groups that are known to exacerbate IBS symptoms in many individuals with functional GI disorders like IBS. It is recommended that individuals with IBS reduce the amount of wheat they eat and in some case eliminate it completely. However, unlike gluten problems many of the other grains don't have have high fructan content and they don't treated the same way. You can read more about them in the two links in my signature.

--------------------
STABLE: ♂, IBS-D 50+ years - Science of IBS

The FODMAP Approach to Managing IBS Symptoms
Evidence-based Dietary Management of Functional GI Symptoms: The FODMAP Approach
FODMAP Chart & Cheatsheet
The Role of Food & Dietary Intervention in IBS

Print Remind Me Notify Moderator