by Claire Bennet | Easy Gluten Free

Hey friend,
If you’ve ever tried explaining your gluten-free lifestyle and been met with “But what even is gluten?” — trust me, you’re not alone.

Whether you’re gluten-free because of celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or because you feel better without it — understanding what gluten actually is (and why it matters) can give you more confidence in your journey and help you answer questions without rolling your eyes.

So today, we’re going back to basics — science, symptoms, and all the sneaky ways gluten shows up where you least expect it.

Pull up a stool in the Sunday Light Kitchen, pour yourself something lemony and fizzy, and let’s get into it.

What Is Gluten, Really?

Gluten is a type of protein found in three grains:

• Wheat
  
• Barley
  
• Rye
  

It acts like a binder — giving bread its chewy texture and helping dough rise. Basically, gluten is the reason your old croissants were flaky and those store-bought cookies were just so soft.

But for many of us, gluten does way more harm than good.

Why Is Gluten a Problem?

For people with celiac disease:

Eating gluten triggers an autoimmune reaction.
Your body sees gluten as a threat and attacks the lining of your small intestine, damaging the tiny villi that absorb nutrients. Over time, this can lead to:

• Fatigue
  
• Anemia
  
• Malabsorption
  
• Skin rashes
  
• Infertility
  
• Neurological issues
  

This isn’t a “just a tummy ache” situation — it’s serious. Even tiny amounts can cause damage.

Dive deeper: “Celiac Disease vs. Gluten Sensitivity: What’s the Difference?”

For people with non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS):

There’s no intestinal damage, but eating gluten can still cause:

• Bloating
  
• Brain fog
  
• Joint pain
  
• Headaches
  
• Digestive issues
  

Doctors don’t fully understand why NCGS happens — but we do know that removing gluten often leads to major symptom relief.

Claire confession: I personally don’t have celiac, but gluten wrecked my digestion and energy. Going gluten-free changed everything for me.

Where Is Gluten Hiding?

You’d think it would be obvious, right? Bread, pasta, cookies?

Well… yes — and no.

Here’s where gluten often lurks:

• Soy sauce (unless labeled GF)
  
• Salad dressings
  
• Soups
  
• Bouillon cubes
  
• Spice blends
  
• Fried foods (hello, shared oil)
  
• Candy bars
  

Which is why learning to read labels is crucial.
Check out: “Is It Really Gluten-Free? How to Read Labels Like a Pro”

Why Are More People Sensitive to Gluten Now?

Let’s talk about the elephant in the bread aisle.

It’s not just your imagination — gluten intolerance is way more common than it used to be.

Researchers believe it’s a mix of:

• Modern wheat strains (higher in gluten)
  
• More processed foods
  
• Changes in gut health
  
• Better awareness and diagnosis
  

So no, you’re not “making it up” — and you’re definitely not alone. In fact, millions of people are going gluten-free for their health, energy, and well-being.

Welcome to the club

So… What Do You Eat Instead?

Friend, the gluten-free life is far from boring.
Here are just a few pantry swaps to get you started:

Want a full pantry list + meal plan?
Download my free “Gluten-Free Made Easy” guide right here

Claire’s Favorite Gluten-Free Recipes to Try First

• Fluffy Gluten-Free Pancakes – made with certified GF oats
  
• Claire’s Creamy GF Mac & Cheese – cheesy, comforting, and totally crave-worthy
  
• Fudgy Gluten-Free Brownies – no one will believe they’re GF
  
• Oven-Baked Chicken Tenders – perfect for family dinner
  

Final Thoughts from the Sunday Light Kitchen

Gluten is everywhere — but knowledge is power.

Whether you’re navigating a new diagnosis, exploring the lifestyle, or simply trying to feel better, knowing what gluten is and how it affects your body is the first step toward reclaiming your energy, your gut, and your joy.

And don’t worry — you’re not doing this alone. I’m here, apron on, wooden spoon in hand, and ready to help you every step of the way.

— Claire

Read Next:

• “The First Week Gluten-Free: What I Wish Someone Told Me”
  
• “Are Oats Really Gluten-Free? What Every Beginner Should Know”
  
• “Top 10 Gluten-Free Grains That Aren’t Just Rice”