Although they're necessary for people with celiac disease or wheat allergies, wheat-free diets may also help people suffering from irritable bowel disease or chronic intestinal disorders. The main component of wheat is a thick protein called gluten. Eliminate it from your diet and you may also eliminate some inconvenient digestive problems.
Improved Digestion
Wheat contains gluten, a thick protein that's hard for your body to digest. According to Britain's Wheat and Dairy Free Supermarket, gluten gets sticky when it's wet. It adheres to the wall of your stomach, prolonging the processes of digestion and absorption. Because it stays in your gut so long, gluten can actually cause bacterial growth---the type of bacteria responsible for digestive problems like gas, bloating, diarrhea and constipation.
Healthier Diet Options
When you eliminate wheat from your diet, you're eliminating processed foods like breakfast cereals, breads, cookies and cakes---not to mention foods like hamburgers, hot dogs and pizza, which all come bundled with wheat-based buns or crust. The landscape of food products you have left to choose from generally include natural choices like fruits and produce, choices with a higher potassium-to-sodium ratio. According to Melissa Diane Smith in "Going Against the Grain," foods with low potassium and high sodium increase your risk for heart disease, cancer, stroke and high blood pressure.
Less Bone and Joint Pain
Some people who have celiac disease---an autoimmune disease characterized by a gluten intolerance---have no digestive symptoms at all. Instead, they experience bone or joint pain, bone loss, arthritis or osteoporosis. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, adult sufferers of celiac disease are much less likely than children to have the typical digestive symptoms. As a result, the disease is often hard to diagnose. If you have unexplained bone or joint pain, talk to your doctor about a wheat- or gluten-free diet as a possible remedy.
Weight Loss
People who cut wheat from their diets can drop a few unwanted pounds; if they stick to their diets, the pounds often stay off. "Marie Claire" magazine profiled a woman with a wheat allergy who gave up all wheat-based products at the suggestion of her allergist. Once she made the switch, the woman lost 30 pounds from her 5-foot 8-inch frame. New York City nutritionist Joy Bauer lauds the woman's dietary choices---her healthy diet includes lots of lean protein and vegetables.
