Bake Without the Ache: Dr. Nichols Highlights Gluten Intolerance Signs

As the popular television show The Great British Bake Off captivates audiences throughout September, health professionals are urging fans to be aware of potential gluten intolerances that could affect their baking experiences. Dr. Dave Nichols, a General Practitioner and resident doctor for MyHealthChecked, warns that symptoms such as diarrhoea and headaches may indicate an undiagnosed condition that could worsen without proper attention.

Dr. Nichols explains that common signs of gluten intolerance include bloating, abdominal pain, and fatigue. He notes, “People may also experience fatigue or ‘brain fog’, headaches, and joint pain. These symptoms are often caused by the body struggling to break down gluten-containing proteins.” While these symptoms can be associated with Coeliac disease, they may also indicate a gluten intolerance, which does not involve immune damage to the gut but can still lead to significant discomfort.

According to Coeliac UK, approximately half a million individuals in the UK live with undiagnosed Coeliac disease. However, even those testing negative for Coeliac can still experience gluten intolerance. Dr. Nichols highlights the need for individuals to understand the distinction between the two conditions, noting that Coeliac disease triggers an autoimmune response that can damage the small intestine.

One individual who experienced confusion regarding her symptoms is Nerissa, a 26-year-old Bake Off enthusiast. After suffering painful stomach issues, she underwent a Coeliac test with her GP, which returned negative results. “After my Coeliac test came back negative, I was back at square one with my diet,” she shared. Subsequently, she turned to DNA testing with MyHealthChecked, discovering a gluten intolerance. Since eliminating gluten from her diet, her symptoms have significantly improved.

“I love to bake, and recently, I made some gluten-free chocolate chip cookies. They came out really well and other than being a little more crumbly, you couldn’t tell they were gluten-free,” Nerissa said. She also experimented with gluten-free brownies, which she described as “incredibly gooey and tasty.”

Dr. Nichols further elaborated on the benefits of the MyHealthChecked Intolerances and Sensitivities DNA Test, which analyzes genetic markers related to food processing. “By identifying variants linked to gluten and lactose sensitivity, the test provides personalised insights into foods you may struggle to digest or metabolise,” he explained.

To assist fans eager to enjoy baking this autumn without discomfort, Dr. Nichols offered several gluten-free alternatives. For flour, he recommends using gluten-free blends made from rice, maize, or potato, or single flours such as almond or buckwheat. A combination of these flours, along with a binding agent like xanthan gum, can help replicate gluten’s elasticity.

For self-raising flour, Dr. Nichols suggests a gluten-free blend with added baking powder or creating your own by mixing 2 teaspoons of baking powder with 150 grams of gluten-free plain flour. He also advises using gluten-free breadcrumbs, ground almonds, or polenta for texture in recipes. For thickening sauces and custards, alternatives such as cornflour or tapioca starch can be effective.

The insights from Peter Sawkins, the 2020 winner of The Great British Bake Off and a gluten-free baker, further reinforce the message that intolerances do not mean sacrificing taste. “A lot of people don’t know this, but almost half of the recipes I created for The Great British Bake Off were gluten-free,” he stated. Sawkins noted that with practice, baking gluten-free can become a manageable skill, encouraging others to explore gluten-free options.

“The easiest things to bake gluten-free are definitely cakes, and then some biscuits are pretty simple as well,” he added. For those venturing into gluten-free baking, Sawkins recommends following specific gluten-free recipes, which can be found in his cookbooks and those by other authors like Becky Excell.

As fans indulge in baking during this season, being aware of gluten intolerance can lead to a more enjoyable experience. With helpful tips and insights from experts, it is possible for enthusiasts to create delicious treats that cater to their dietary needs, ensuring that the joy of baking remains untainted by discomfort.