Is Too Much Wheat Bad for You?

Wheat is listed in the bread and starches category on the USDA food guide pyramid. If you are wondering if wheat is bad for you, the answer is, it depends. Wheat contains fiber and other nutrients that are beneficial for health and wellness. However, for some people the health benefits do no good because the ingredients found in wheat causes destruction in their body. Gluten is a protein found in wheat that is bad for some people, but not all people. Severe gluten intolerance is also called celiac disease.

History

• Wheat initially came from southwestern Asia. Wheat expanded to the other regions of the world such as China. Egyptians were one of the first civilizations to add wheat to beer. Wheat was brought to America by Columbus in the 15th century. People began to grow wheat in several parts of the United States during the colonial years. Wheat began to flourish in the 19th century and Russians brought over new types and varieties such as turkey red wheat.

  Wheat sensitivities have been around as long as wheat. Gluten intolerances were most common among people of European decent. Civilizations who ate wheat for thousands of years did not seem to have as much of a problem with wheat as some Caucasian peoples. The theory is that lighter skinned people in general have a harder time digesting wheat because their ancestors did not consume enough wheat.

Types

• Wheat is found in processed foods, baked goods, breads, pastas, cereals, cakes, sandwiches and many other foods. However, there are several types of wheat. The three main types of wheat include soft red winter wheat, hard red winter wheat and hard red spring wheat. Other not-so-common varieties are white wheat, turkey red wheat and durum.

  If you do not have a wheat intolerance, you can benefit from wheat as a quick source of energy. However, choose wisely, the best sources are whole wheat used to make sandwiches and some pastas. If you are sensitive to wheat, avoid all types of it.

Benefits

• Whole grains are good for people who do not have a wheat allergy. Wheat provides several nutrients, such as fiber and B vitamins. B vitamins are beneficial for nervous system health, and fiber improves digestion. Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital conducted a study that revealed how whole grains reduce blood pressure.

Effects

• Too much wheat for a person with an allergy to wheat can cause stomach aches, bloating, gas and pain. An intolerance to gluten can also cause a person to have poor digestion and inflammation. Severe forms of a wheat allergy can also cause a person to develop hives or the inability to absorb nutrients from other food. This happens because gluten can leave behind a sticky substance that coats the digestive tract, blocking out the majority of nutrients, however these effects are not the same in every person. If you suspect gluten intolerance, ask your doctor to test you for it. The effects of too much wheat depend on the individual.

Considerations

• If you have a family history of gluten intolerance or if you display any of the symptoms of allergic reaction to wheat, consider seeing a doctor. Another option is to keep a food diary to record how your body reacts after consuming wheat. If you notice regular symptoms of wheat allergy or gluten intolerance, try removing wheat from your diet to see if your symptoms disappear.