Busting Myths About Bread’s Impact On The Gastrointestinal System

Some major myths are clouding our perception of the benefits and liabilities of eating bread. British dietitian Lucy Jones is determined to bust those myths, especially ones having to do with "bloating". Among the facts she assembles from scientific studies: yeast in bread does not cause bloating; increased fiber intake from bread may cause temporary bloating, but the gut eventually adjusts; a tiny percentage of people are allergic to gluten, but for the rest of humanity, there is no evidence that a wheat-free diet provides long-term health benefits; and there is no evidence to show that artisanal bread has a different gastrointestinal effect – less bloating, for example – than industrial (supermarket) bread, though whole grain flour may be more nutritious.