Gluten is a protein found in many grains such as wheat, barley and rye.
Some individuals can experience a strong allergic reaction to ingested gluten and as a result they are forced to live a gluten free lifestyle.
Such an extreme allergy is at one end of a food sensitivity spectrum.
It is thought that many individuals experience a less extreme reaction to ingested gluten.
This less extreme gluten sensitivity is still harmful, but is much harder to spot or diagnose.
Gluten sensitivity may be a contributing factor in many chronic and difficult to treat conditions in the human body.
Acne, migraines, lethargy and poor concentration have all been attributed to gluten sensitivities.
Gluten sensitivity is especially difficult to diagnose due to the fact that two people may exhibit completely different reactions to ingested gluten.
One may develop a migraine, the other may experience an acne outbreak.
How does gluten sensitivity cause acne? Gluten causes damage to the small intestine which then leads to other proteins being absorbed before they have been properly broken down.
The immune system thinks it is under attack by these unexpected proteins and releases histamine in response.
Histamine causes inflammation which, in turn, can cause acne breakouts.
Gluten is found in so many places.
This ranges from the obvious (bread, pasta, biscuits and cake) to the less obvious (soy sauce, semolina, beer and some cosmetics and medicines).
Going gluten free can seem a daunting prospect, but the health benefits often far outweigh the inconvenience.
Gluten could well be the most common food sensitivity out there.
Are you having trouble shifting your acne? Why not try a gluten free diet for a few weeks and see it your skin clears up?