Gluten is the protein that is found in grains like rye, wheat and barley. Avoiding foods that contain gluten may have numerous benefits, especially if your family has a history of conditions like celiac disease. Eliminating gluten from your diet is a challenge for many people as it requires a complete overhaul of normal eating habits.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a disease that causes your body to react negatively to foods that contain gluten. When foods containing gluten are consumed, a reaction to the protein by the immune system slowly causes damage to small intestine until it is no longer able to absorb vital nutrients that the body needs, such as vitamins and minerals. According to TeensHealth, this disease may lead to osteoporosis, anemia or malnutrition. MayoClinic.com states that eating a strict diet that contains no gluten may help those with celiac disease to experience fewer complications and symptoms.
Weight Loss
Because many foods that contain gluten are heavily processed, eating a gluten-free diet may help you lose weight, according to "The G-Free Diet: A Gluten-Free Survival Guide." Some of the more common junk foods that contain gluten include breads, processed lunch meat, candy, gravy, cereal, crackers and cookies. While not all varieties of these foods are unhealthy, it is easy to see that eating from the allowed food list can aid in your weight loss goals. The allowed food list on a gluten-free diet includes, but is not limited to foods such as, fresh fruit, fresh vegetables, and fresh meat, poultry and fish.
Glucose Intolerance and Other Health Conditions
It is possible to have intolerance to gluten without having celiac disease, according to "Going Against the Grain." Common symptoms of glucose intolerance include painful bowel movements, frequent stomach aches, diarrhea, frequent gas and cramps. Eating gluten-free foods will relieve these symptoms if they are the result of an intolerance. The book also states that many doctors are recommending a gluten-free diet to patients that suffer from irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease.
Considerations
Because many grains contain high amounts of vitamins and minerals, following a gluten-free diet may cause you to not get some of the nourishment your body needs. According to MayoClinic.com, you should check with your dietitian or doctor to ensure you are receiving adequate amounts of iron, folate, calcium, niacin, fiber, riboflavin and thiamin. Additional dietary supplements may be required to get your nutrition levels where they need to be.
References
- TeensHealth: Celiac Disease
- FamilyDoctor.org: Gluten-Free Diet
- MayoClinic.com: Gluten-Free Diet
- "The G-Free Diet: A Gluten-Free Survival Guide"; Elisabeth Hasselbeck; 2011
- "Going Against the Grain: How Reducing and Avoiding Grains can Revitalize Your Life"; Melissa Smith; 2009
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