You’ve probably heard about gluten at some point in your life. Well, this is a protein present in the wheat plant and some other grains. Actually, it is naturally occurring though it can be extracted, concentrated and added to food and other products to add protein, texture, and flavor. It also works as a binding agent to hold processed foods together and give them shape.

But how much do you know about gluten and the resulting complications individuals may develop? In this simple guide, we examine some of the most frequently asked questions about gluten. Read on below to uncover more!

How Long Does Gluten Stay in Your System?

First things first; how long does gluten stay in your system? It is worth mentioning that consuming gluten can put your digestive system out of whack and your immune response in jeopardy. The period between the time you take a male and when it gets out of your system depends on your body’s transittime.

In most instances, gluten-containing food can take 40-50 hours or two days to be flushed from your system. Typically, gluten transit time revolves around 4 hours in the stomach, 6 hours in the small intestine, and 59 hours in the colon.However, the gluten transit time increases for persons with celiac disease, wheat allergy, and gluten intolerance. The increase is a result of damaged small bowel malabsorption.

How Can I Avoid Gluten?

Avoiding gluten can be difficult, especially if you constantly dine in restaurants or eat pre-prepared foods. While increasing awareness about gluten means are more gluten-free choices available on the market, you still have to be vigilant and ask lots of questions.

Moreover, you must be wary of cross-contamination. Products made with gluten-free ingredients but prepared in the same kitchen or facility with gluten-containing ingredients are easily contaminated with gluten and can trigger a reaction in sensitive people. In this regard, you need to settle on restaurants that are gluten-free friendly and can be sure to speak about your needs before sitting down and ordering your favorite meal.