Seitan

🌾 What is Seitan?
Seitan, often called wheat meat or wheat gluten, is a high-protein meat alternative made from gluten — the main protein in wheat. It has a firm, chewy texture and is widely used in vegetarian and vegan dishes.

🤔 Why Might Sensitivity to Seitan Occur?
Because seitan is made almost entirely from gluten, some individuals may find it more challenging to process. Sensitivity may be linked to naturally occurring components such as:

• Gliadin: A component of gluten that may be harder for some individuals to digest.

• Fructans: Naturally occurring carbohydrates in wheat that may contribute to bloating or gas.

• Gluten Proteins: Seitan contains highly concentrated gluten, which may be more difficult to break down than gluten found in other wheat-based foods.

🛠️ What Can I Do About It?

• Avoid seitan and gluten-containing foods for 8 weeks.

• Choose gluten-free alternatives listed below.

• After 8 weeks, gradually reintroduce seitan and observe how you feel.

• Use a food diary during reintroduction to track any changes.

💊 Supportive General Supplements

You may consider:

• Digestive Enzymes: Support the breakdown of gluten proteins.

• Probiotics: Encourage balanced gut health.

• L-Glutamine: Helps support the intestinal lining.

• Anti-Inflammatory Nutrients (e.g., turmeric, omega-3s): Promote general digestive comfort.

🌟 Why Might Sensitivity to Seitan Occur but Not with Other Wheat Products?

Key differences include:

• High Gluten Concentration: Seitan is almost pure gluten, unlike bread or pasta which contain starch and fiber that buffer digestion.

• Lack of Fermentation: Foods like sourdough undergo fermentation that may partially break down gluten and fructans.

• Processing Differences: Whole grains contain fiber and additional nutrients that may alter how they are tolerated.

🍽️ Popular Dishes with Seitan

• Vegan stir-fry

• Seitan BBQ “ribs”

• Plant-based “chicken” nuggets

• Seitan kebabs

🍽️ Alternatives (if tolerated)

• Tofu

• Tempeh

• Lentils

• Chickpeas

• Jackfruit