The Benefits Of A Gluten-free Diet

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. These foods are prevalent in the American diet and are found in foods like traditional breads, pasta, cookies, cakes, beer, pizza and soy sauce. Many other commercial products use derivatives of wheat, barley and rye as sweeteners and thickeners and are also off limits when you eat gluten-free. A gluten-free diet offers benefits for certain people, especially those with specific conditions.

Celiac Disease

If you have been diagnosed with the autoimmune condition celiac disease, a gluten-free diet benefits your health. In people with celiac disease, ingesting gluten damages the small intestine and can lead to multiple symptoms, including nutritional deficiencies, poor growth, digestive distress and an increased risk of death. Following a gluten-free diet alleviates symptoms of celiac disease and leads to better health.

Gluten Intolerance

Gluten intolerance may be characterized by bloating, gas, headaches, poor concentration and irritability. Although not everyone with these symptoms is intolerant to gluten, you may find that following a gluten-free diet gives you relief. Consult your physician if you suspect gluten intolerance as it may be a precursor to celiac disease.

Weight Loss

Losing weight requires you to eat fewer calories than you burn. Wheat products make up a lot of the calories in most people's diets. By following a gluten-free diet and eliminating packaged cereals, breads, cookies, crackers, pasta and beer, you automatically reduce your calorie intake -- provided you do not replace them with gluten-free versions of these foods.

Other Disorders

A gluten-free diet can sometimes benefit people with mood disorders, such as Attention Deficit Disorder or Autism. Gluten-free diets may also help reduce the symptoms of autoimmune diseases, including Raynaud's phenomenon, scleroderma, Crohn's disease and lupus. Often, people with these conditions also have celiac disease.

Considerations

A gluten-free diet is not always convenient to follow. You may have trouble ordering in restaurants or enjoying social gatherings. You may also feel deprived of many of your favorite foods. Gluten-free baking requires special flours and thickeners, which can be pricey. If you are medically required to stay off gluten, you can learn to live with these challenges. Going gluten-free to follow a fad is not recommended as it may make you feel deprived and lead to binges.