Gluten-free & Caffeine-free Diets

Gluten and caffeine are present in many commonly eaten foods. Gluten is a sticky form of protein that is found in products that contain wheat, rye, barley, spelt and contaminated oats. For people with celiac disease and other gluten sensitivities, eating even trace amounts of gluten can be detrimental. Caffeine is a stimulant that occurs naturally in coffee, tea and chocolate. It is also an ingredient in some colas and many energy drinks. Caffeine's stimulant properties can lead to sleeplessness, irritation, anxiety and mood changes. Many gluten-free diets also recommend minimizing caffeine intake.

PaNu

PaNu stands for "Paleolithic nutrition." This diet was developed by Dr. Kurt G. Harris, a radiologist who believes that modern humans should eat in the same manner that ancient man ate. According to Dr. Harris, the diet is based on the knowledge of evolutionary biology and paleoanthropology. Our modern diet is high in chemicals, processed grains, sugar and other foods that early humans didn't eat. Dr. Harris believes that we have not evolved to eat these foods, and their consumption is responsible for many of the diseases of modern society like obesity, type 2 diabetes, autoimmune diseases and cancer. The diet advocates eating as early hunter-gatherer societies did, taking protein from ruminant animals and eating fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables. It recommends avoiding gluten, dairy products, sugar and caffeine.

Protein Power Lifeplan

The Protein Power Lifeplan is a diet that was developed by Drs. Michael and Mary Dan Eades. Like PaNu, it is based on evolutionary nutrition. The Eades believe that obesity and other diseases came into being at the onset of agrarian society, and that a return to eating in a manner similar to early man can help to control and prevent those diseases. The diet is a plant- and animal-based diet that calls for the elimination of grains, sugar, caffeine and artificial foods. Along with dietary changes, the Eades also recommend getting adequate sunlight for vitamin D absorption all year round and exercising in a manner similar to hunter-gatherer societies.

G-Free Diet

Television host Elisabeth Hasselbeck, who suffers from celiac disease, developed the G-free diet. It teaches you how to avoid gluten in your every day life, provides strategies for eating in restaurants and explains how to create and maintain a gluten-free home. Hasselbeck also provides resources for gluten-free living including showing you how to obtain gluten-free beauty and personal care products. While the G-free diet isn't strictly a caffeine-free diet, it can easily be turned into one with the avoidance of chocolate and caffeinated beverages.