The availability of gluten-free products is on the rise, according to a 2008 "U.S. News & World Report" article, as more people start following a gluten-free diet. Although the best evidence for benefits from following this type of diet relate to individuals with celiac disease, some people without this condition believe going gluten-free will improve their health as well.
Features
A gluten-free diet requires you to avoid all foods containing wheat, barley, rye, bulgur, farina, durham, matzo meal, graham flour, semolina, kamut, triticale and spelt. These grains contain gluten, which is a type of protein. A lot of products you wouldn't expect also contain gluten, including many beers, sauces, salad dressings, imitation meats, processed lunch meats and candies. Soy, corn and rice are gluten-free, as are quinoa, amaranth and tapioca.
Celiac Disease Benefits
If you have celiac disease, avoiding all gluten can greatly diminish your symptoms and help heal your intestines, which are damaged by gluten, causing bloating, abdominal cramps, gas, diarrhea, weight loss and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Avoiding gluten also lowers your risk for other conditions associated with celiac disease, including intestinal cancer and osteoporosis.
Other Benefits
A gluten-free diet may also be beneficial for those with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers who followed a vegan gluten-free diet had improvements in their symptoms over those who followed an ordinary diet, according to a study published in "Arthritis Research & Therapy" in 2008. Although some people follow a gluten-free diet in the hopes of minimizing autism symptoms or losing weight, the evidence does not yet support these uses, according to "U.S. News & World Report."
Considerations
Following a gluten-free diet isn't easy. Even though gluten-free products are more readily available in 2011 than in years past, it can still be difficult to find all of your favorite foods in gluten-free versions. Going out to eat is particularly difficult since most restaurant entrees contain some form of gluten, and the people working in the restaurant might not be able to advise you on what they serve that is gluten-free.
References
- Jackson Sieglebaum Gastroenterology; Gluten-Free Diet; Frank W. Jackson, M.D.
- Mayo Clinic; Gluten-free diet; January 29, 2010
- "U.S. News & World Report"; Gluten-Free Diet: a Cure for Some, a Fad for Most; Adam Voiland; October 31, 2008
- Medical News Today; Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Benefit From Vegan, Gluten-free Diet; March 19, 2008
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