Gluten-free Diet Benefits

Gluten is the protein found in cereal grains including wheat, rye and barley. It is what makes dough sticky. When mixed with water, gluten becomes a continuous elastic network that provides dough its strength and makes it a desirable ingredient in many types of food. In some people, gluten stimulates the immune system to attack the cells lining the small intestine, leading to a medical condition known as celiac disease. Those who suffer from celiac disease must follow a gluten-free diet. This type of diet may also provide other health benefits.

Prevents Symptoms of Celiac Disease

Celiac disease affects one in every 133 people in the United States, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. The symptoms vary from person to person depending on age and the degree of damage to the small intestine. Symptoms include abdominal pain and bloating, chronic diarrhea, vomiting, constipation and weight loss. The only treatment for celiac disease is to follow a gluten-free diet for a lifetime. Consuming small amounts of gluten may not cause symptoms, but damage to the small intestine will continue, which can lead to long-term complications such as osteoporosis, arthritis, depression and seizures.

Aids Autism

Autism spectrum disorder, usually referred to as autism, includes a range of complex disorders that affect the development of the neurological system. Autism causes social impairments, communication difficulties and stereotypical behavior patterns, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Because autism may involve the metabolic breakdown of peptides -- a molecule similar to but smaller than proteins -- changes in diet may aid in the treatment of autism. A study published in "Autism" reveals that a gluten-free diet may help control some behaviors characteristic to autism. Although evidence is not conclusive, many parents continue to use this as one tool to help their children cope with the disorder.

Helps With Weight Loss

A gluten-free diet involves removing any foods containing wheat, rye or barley and their associated flours. This includes most processed foods and foods that contain refined flours and simple sugars. If your diet currently includes these types of foods, switching to a gluten-free diet will likely lead to weight loss. In addition, because fruits and vegetables contain no gluten, eating these foods not only promotes weight loss but also improves overall health.

Foods to Avoid

Beginning a gluten-free diet can be difficult. Although most people realize that bread and pasta contain gluten, not everyone realizes that many other foods contain gluten. To get the benefits of a gluten-free diet, you must remove all sources of gluten including beer, bread, candy, cake, pies, cereals, cookies, crackers, croutons, gravies, imitation seafood, oats, pasta, processed lunch meat, salad dressing, sauces and soups. Following a gluten-free diet requires you to read food labels to determine all ingredients.