It seems like we are constantly reading about studies correlating a gluten free diet with various conditions. When we are told that a food is “healthy” or has “health benefits,” these are two very different things. Most of the time, the phrase “health benefits” is used to justify serving up some processed food that is high in calories and low in nutrients. The fact is that a gluten free diet may not be as good for you as you think, and there is no evidence at all that it has any health benefits.
Is Gluten Free Better for Your Health?
You may wonder if there is any difference between having gluten in your diet and eating a gluten free diet. In general, people who are allergic to gluten typically have much better digestive systems and a better overall health status than those who eat gluten. This is most likely because gluten inhibits the absorption of nutrients and fluids into the body, leading to nutrient deficiencies and poorer overall health.
While it is true that gluten free diets are healthier for people with celiac disease and other gluten allergies, it does not mean that everyone should head to the kitchen and start cooking without gluten. There are several disadvantages to a gluten free diet, as you will see below.
It’s More Than Just The Gluten, Therefore
The fact that gluten free diets are healthier for some people doesn’t mean that they are healthier for everyone. Just like with gluten, there is no evidence that eating without barley, rye, or wheat will make you healthier in all cases. There are dozens of other factors that go into overall healthiness, so it is not wise to generalize and say that everyone should go gluten free. This is especially true when you think about the effect that gluten has on your body’s ability to absorb nutrients.
Gastrointestinal Issues
If you have an autoimmune disease like celiac disease or gluten intolerance, you may experience unpleasant gastrointestinal issues if you eat gluten. The symptoms can range from diarrhea to an upset stomach to bloating and gas. Some people also have problems with their digestion quite simply because they are not getting the nutrition they need from food, so their bodies are fighting an ongoing struggle just to stay alive. While it is true that you will experience fewer gastrointestinal problems if you are gluten free, it does not mean that you will never experience them. If you do, it might be a good idea to try an alternative to wheat and see if that helps at all.
Nutrient Deficiencies
Depending on your overall health status and how much weight you need to lose, you might be deficient in certain nutrients because of your diet choice. One of the biggest issues that people have with a gluten free diet is that they eat plenty of carbohydrates and don’t get the nutrients that they need to stay healthy. The body does not produce vitamin C in adequate amounts on its own, so you will need to supplement your diet with this important nutrient if you don’t eat fruits or vegetables. Vitamin C is also important for maintaining strong bones, so if you are not getting enough of it from food, it might be a good idea to consider taking a supplement.
Depressed Immune System
Gluten inhibits the absorption of nutrients and fluids into the body, causing overall poor health. One of the consequences of this is that it weakens your body’s immune system, making you more vulnerable to illness. If you already have an underactive immune system, a gluten free diet may further weaken it, increasing your risk of infection. If you are interested in trying a gluten free diet for any reason, especially if you have an immune system disorder, it might be a good idea to first consult with your doctor so that he can monitor you for any changes in your condition.
Weight Loss Difficult
For those trying to lose weight, it can be difficult to do so without any of the unhealthy foods that you are trying to avoid. If you are restricting your dietary choices to only allow for the “healthy” foods that you deem acceptable, you may end up losing more weight than you would if you were eating food that you want. It is always better to eat slowly and consciously than to eat when you are feeling emotional or upset, which is often the case when you are on a diet. One way to lose weight and keep it off is to learn how to cook more nutritious meals and snacks that you can feel good about serving your family and friends. If you are able to prepare food that has more vegetables and fewer calories, you may find that you have less of an appetite for the foods that you love, which could lead to weight loss.
While there are numerous advantages to a gluten free diet, it must be followed by someone who understands the repercussions that come with it. If you are wondering if this is the right diet for you, here are a few questions to ask yourself or your doctor:
Does The Food You Eat Affect Your Overall Health?
When you eat a food that you are unfamiliar with, it is normal for your body to have some questions about what it is eating. Due to the lack of nutrients and high levels of sugars and fats in many junk foods, these foods can seriously affect your health. There is no doubt that these kinds of foods are bad for you, and there is also no doubt that your body does not need them. If you feel that you are under a lot of stress at work, you might be tempted to seek relief in food, especially if you are a person who enjoys comfort food. This could lead you to eat more than you need and potentially damage your health. If this sounds like you, you might want to consider preparing healthy meals or snacks instead of eating when you are feeling down or stressed.
Am I Always Required to Follow a Specific Diet?
There are some medical conditions that require you to follow a gluten free diet, but you do not have to be afflicted with one of these conditions to benefit from a gluten free diet. If you want to see how a gluten free diet can improve your health, you do not need to be restricted to eating only the foods that you deem acceptable. There are an abundance of foods that are healthy and can be prepared in a way that does not require you to eliminate gluten from your diet. You might be surprised by what you can eat and how amazing your body will feel with just a small change in what you eat regularly.
How Important Is It That I Follow A Restricted Diet?
If you are a person who needs to keep a certain weight, you might be tempted to cut out the foods that you know are bad for you and eat only the foods that you deem acceptable. If you want to lose weight, there are more than a few ways for you to do so without needlessly harming your health in the process. You should never be afraid to eat the foods that you deem acceptable, but you also should not be afraid to eat the foods that you need. For example, if you need the carbs for energy, you might want to continue eating a lot of veggies to maintain a healthy body. On the other hand, if you need the fats for a certain medical condition, you might want to consider trying a plant-based diet. This way, you will get all the nutrients that you need for a healthier lifestyle but will not end up with the extra weight that you are trying to avoid. It is important to find what works best for you and continues to work even after years of living a healthier lifestyle.
When you are deciding what kind of diet to follow, it is important to ask yourself questions about whether or not the food you eat affects your overall health and whether or not you have the ability to prepare the foods you need in a way that is beneficial to your health. If you need to lose weight, you do not necessarily need to go gluten free. However, you should try to prepare healthy meals and snacks instead of relying on junk food when you are feeling stressed or down. This way, you will continue to see improvements in both your health and your overall appearance. Thanks for reading! We hope this was helpful.