Why You Might Want to Eliminate Gluten After 50

|Nourish to Flourish Coaching|Health & Wellness, Nutrition

If you’ve been paying more attention to how food affects you, there’s a good chance you’ve wondered about gluten. Is it something you need to avoid, or just another health trend? Let’s break it down and take a closer look at what gluten really does in the body—and why some women feel so much better without it.

To understand why gluten matters, let’s first take a look at what it is and where it commonly shows up in our diets.

So, What Exactly Is Gluten?

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It’s what gives bread that chewy texture and helps dough rise. Think of gluten as the glue (glue… gluten!) that holds many baked goods and processed foods together.

But while it makes for a fluffy muffin, it’s not doing our health any favors—especially when it comes to long-term wellness and aging well.

Why Avoid Gluten?

Even if you don’t have celiac disease or a diagnosed sensitivity, there are still some solid reasons to avoid gluten. Here’s why:

1. It’s linked to a variety of health issues.

More research is showing that gluten might be contributing to chronic health issues in some people. For women over 50, gluten is often linked to inflammation, digestive issues, brain fog, and fatigue. For many, cutting it out can feel like a game-changer in terms of energy and clarity.

2. Most gluten-containing foods aren’t very nutritious.

Ans let’s be honest—gluten-rich foods like white bread, pasta, pastries, and crackers aren’t exactly bursting with nutrition. They’re usually highly processed, low in nutrients, and full of refined carbohydrates. Compare them to real, whole foods like veggies, fruits, and lean proteins, and it’s easy to see why gluten might not be helping us feel our best.

3. They’re usually high in carbs.

If you’re trying to manage your weight, balance blood sugar, or reduce cravings, cutting back on carbs can be helpful. Gluten-rich foods tend to be higher in carbohydrates, which can spike blood sugar and leave you feeling sluggish later on.

4. Modern grain farming isn’t doing us (or the planet) any favors.

The way grains are grown today often involves pesticides and farming methods that aren’t exactly sustainable. By cutting back on gluten, you’re taking a small step toward eating more intentionally, supporting both your body and the environment.

Where Gluten Might Be Hiding

Even if you’re avoiding bread and pasta, gluten can sneak into foods you wouldn’t expect. It’s not just the obvious stuff to watch for—gluten can show up in processed foods, sauces, and even drinks.

Here are some surprising places gluten might be hiding:

Salad dressings and marinades (sometimes thickened with wheat-based ingredients)
Soy sauce (most traditional soy sauce contains wheat)
Canned soups (especially creamy soups, where flour is used to thicken them)
Processed deli meats (some are made with fillers or seasonings containing gluten)
Granola bars and protein bars (many contain wheat or other gluten-rich grains)
Flavored chips and snacks (seasoning blends can often include wheat)
Beer (unless labeled gluten-free, most beer is brewed with barley)
Candy (some candies use wheat starch or flour)
Imitation seafood (like imitation crab meat, which can contain gluten)

If you’re working to cut gluten out of your diet, it helps to stick with whole, minimally processed foods as much as possible. And when you do buy packaged items, just get in the habit of checking the labels—look for the certified gluten-free mark or any gluten-free alternatives.

The Bottom Line

Even if you don’t feel obvious symptoms when you eat gluten, that doesn’t mean it’s not impacting your health behind the scenes. Many women notice more energy, better digestion, clearer skin, fewer aches and pains, and even improved mood when they remove gluten from their diets.

At the end of the day, you don’t have to be perfect about cutting out gluten, but being mindful of how it makes you feel can be a simple, yet powerful, step toward better health.

Whether you choose to limit it or remove it completely, your health is in your hands, and every small step counts.

XO, Lisa