I often hear from patients that they can enjoy bread while traveling in Europe, but back home in the U.S., the same food leaves them feeling bloated, achy, or foggy-headed. Intrigued by this recurring pattern, I decided to dig deeper—and what I found confirmed there are indeed several reasons why bread in Europe is often easier to digest.
1. Different Wheat Varieties & Less Gluten
Much of U.S. bread is made from hard red wheat, which is high in gluten; in contrast, Europe often uses soft wheat or spelt with lower gluten content. Some people with gluten sensitivity (without celiac disease) report better tolerance abroad
2. Stricter Farming Regulations
The EU has phased out or banned certain additives like potassium bromate and restricted glyphosate. This results in flour with fewer chemical residues compared to U.S. products, which may include preservatives, bleaching agents, and added nutrients
3. Traditional Processing & Fermentation
European artisan bakeries often rely on slow, fermented techniques (e.g. sourdough)—sometimes over 24 hours—that break down gluten and FODMAPs, improve mineral absorption, reduce glycemic impact, and enhance digestibility. U.S. factory bread is typically made with rapid commercial yeast, dough conditioners, and added sugar for shelf life and softness
4. Lower Sugar & Fewer Additives
Many popular U.S. loaves (e.g. Wonder Bread) contain added high fructose corn syrup or sugar—as much as double that of similar European breads. Added sugar and fillers may contribute to gut discomfort and digestive pain. Common U.S. additives like azodicarbonamide, potassium bromate, and titanium dioxide are banned or limited in Europe.
5. Culture & Context Matter
Eating habits and context play a role: Europeans shop more frequently and buy fresh daily, leading to bread with less preservatives. Meanwhile, travelers are often more relaxed, active, and less stressed, factors that can boost digestion—even on unfamiliar food
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Since 2005, Dr. Fey has helped women, men, and children find real solutions to their health concerns. She truly believes that giving the proper care and nutrients your body has an amazing ability to heal. She is committed to finding the root cause of illness by utilizing a whole body approach not just focusing solely on presenting symptoms. With her scientific background, Dr. Fey uses science based natural approaches to treating disease.
Dr. Amanda Fey is the owner and practicing Naturopathic Doctor at Complementary Medicine & Healing Arts, the Southern Tiers Center for Natural Healthcare located in the Binghamton NY area. The office website is www.naturallywell.us. Dr. Fey is currently offering telemedicine for patients all across the US. To contact the office, call 607-729-0591 or email cmhahealth@gmail.com.
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