Gluten is a protein found in barley, rye and wheat. Gluten is toxic to people with celiac disease, which causes damage to the small intestine when gluten is consumed. Following a gluten-free diet is the only remedy for celiac disease. While a gluten-free diet is beneficial for intestinal health for people with celiac disease, some side effects may also occur.
Weight Gain
If you have celiac disease, your body doesn't properly absorb fats and nutrients from food. It is not uncommon for people with celiac disease to be underweight and have trouble gaining weight. Once you begin the gluten-free diet; however, your intestines may begin to heal and absorb foods better. This may result in weight gain.
Alternately, many processed gluten-free foods are made with ingredients high in fat, carbohydrates and sugars. Premade gluten-free baked goods, breads, pastas and snacks may be low in nutrition and high in calories, states the University of Virginia Health System. Choosing too many processed gluten-free foods may also cause weight gain while not providing beneficial nutrition.
Nutritional Deficiency
Many gluten-free foods are not enriched with vitamins and minerals, which may lead to nutritional deficiencies. The University of Virginia Health System states that many people with celiac disease may not consume enough calcium, vitamin D, folate or iron on a gluten-free diet. Lack of these nutrients may lead to additional medical problems such as osteoporosis, a thinning of the bones, or anemia, low blood iron. Meeting with a dietitian is important when beginning a gluten-free diet, states the UVHS. Learning how to combine gluten-free foods into nutritious combinations may help prevent, or reverse, nutritional deficiencies.
Constipation
Adjusting to a non-wheat based diet may include dealing with constipation. Wheat-based foods are often high in fiber. Fiber is important for moving waste through the intestinal system and promoting regular bowel movements. Gluten-free foods are often made from enriched grains that are low in fiber, such as white rice. Relying on too many processed gluten-free foods, including crackers, bread and pasta, may reduce the amount of daily fiber you consume. Including naturally gluten-free, fiber-rich foods such as whole grain brown rice, quinoa and vegetables, may help stave off constipation.
Increased Cholesterol
A gluten-free diet helps your intestines heal so food absorption becomes more efficient. This means that your body may also begin to absorb fats from the food that you eat, which may increase your cholesterol levels. Choosing low-fat, low-cholesterol, gluten-free foods may help, states the Celiac website.
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