WHY GO GLUTEN FREE?
Once you hear the word “gluten free” for the millionth time, it’s begins to sound intriguing, right? Even if you perceive your body to process gluten without a hitch, try cutting it out of your diet for 3-4 weeks and gauge the results. (And don’t just eat less; cut it out completely. See how your body reacts.) You may notice increased energy, less bloating, and an improved overall sense of well being.
WHAT IS GLUTEN?
Gluten is a protein composite found in foods made from wheat and some other grains including barley, oats and rye. Numerous studies have proven gluten is a difficult protein for humans to digest. Humans have never had adequate stomach enzymes necessary to break gluten down so that it can be properly digested, a problem that has been exasperated by the genetic engineering of wheat over the last 100 years. According to a new study analysis the amount of gluten in todays wheat has increased to 14 percent from 4 percent a century ago.
Below is listed some of the reasons for adopting a gluten-free diet along with a brief summary of each.
CELIAC DISEASE
Celiac disease, also known as nontropical sprue or gluten-sensitive enteropathy, is a hereditary condition caused by an immune response to gluten. In those with Celiac disease, this immune response can damage the lining of the small bowel and lead to malabsorption. Symptoms can stem from the gastrointestinal tract, like diarrhea, excessive gas, bloating, and abdominal pain. They can also emerge from inadequate absorption of critical nutrients, leading to fatigue, anemia, and neurologic and endocrine disorders.
WHEAT ALLERGY
An allergy to wheat is often characterized by an IgE-mediated response within the body. Reactions are often immediate, and can include hives, vomiting, or anaphylaxis.
GLUTEN SENSITIVITY
Sensitivities (or intolerances) to gluten are elusive and often go undiagnosed. They are more prevalent than allergies, but the symptoms are often more varied and gradual than in Celiac or a true allergy. These symptoms can be similar to those of Celiac (digestive issues, fatigue, neurological) or can include headaches, mental fogginess, inflamed joints, depression, bloating, stomach pains, skin conditions etc.
LIFESTYLE
Living a gluten free lifestyle can lead to a number of benefits.
1) Losing weight becomes easier
Another benefit for going gluten-free includes the possibility of losing some of that winter “insulation” that you’ve put on. By avoiding some of these processed and not-so-nutritious foods , you’ll be able to replace them with yummy gluten-free options and opt for fresher, less inflammatory ingredients helping to trim the excess starch and some inches off your waist.
2. Digestion becomes a breeze
Digestive issues can be aided with eliminating gluten from your diet. Gluten can cause your small intestine to not absorb the nutrients from your foods by flattening out the villi (finger like structures lining your small intestine); this makes digestion harder. You can reduce your upset tummies, cramping, gas, bloating, and diarrhea by getting off the gluten and onto some awesome alternatives.
3. Energy restored and improved performance
Relating back to digestion, the vitamins and minerals you ingest could be lost to you when you are coupling healthy foods with gluten. It can also cause malnutrition and a lack of certain important vitamins that increase your energy levels. Anemia also causes people to feel tired, and in the case of Celiac disease, iron isn’t being absorbed and the lack of this important vitamin can also make you feel drained. Try going gluten-free and see if you still need that cup of coffee in the morning.
A gluten-free diet can have a variety of health benefits so why not Give it a go! You have nothing to lose and absolutely everything to gain....
Any questions or need more guidance with nutrition, contact me and let's get your personalised nutrition plan started.
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