Intro To A Gluten Free Diet:
You must have heard of a gluten free diet on the TV or from a friend. There is a lot of hype in the press about gluten free diets for people who have been diagnosed with Celiac’s disease. At the same time, there are those who wish to go gluten free because of the health benefits involved. Some plan to give it a try just for the sake of it. There are many healthcare specialists and food manufacturers who support a gluten free lifestyle. Also, it is the focus of extensive genetic and biological research. Are there any logical reasons for you to choose a gluten free diet. Does it really have some metabolic benefits or is it just the new trend of the food industry? In the following write-up, we discuss some advantages of saying no to the grain.
What is Gluten Insensitivity?
A gluten-sensitivity means an intolerance for the protein, Gluten. This is the protein that holds the dough of a bread together and gives it its characteristic, chewy and sticky texture. Actually, when you knead wheat flour and add water, the pressing movement of your hands creates a bond between gliadin and glutenin. The formation of Gluten is imperative as it adds strength and integrity to the dough – the reason chefs can twist and twirl dough in the air.
In the past, human beings consumed gluten in extremely small amounts. It was present in wheat but all the gluten they were eating was natural. With the participation of machines in making food came a sudden surge in the amount of gluten we consume today. It has gone from being an occasional component of our kitchen to a product listed on almost every Ingredients list. Nearly every food item made in the factory contains some amount of Gluten. The body doesn’t react very well to such high numbers of this protein. From pasta to crackers and couscous to teriyaki sauce, nearly everything edible on the market has a fraction of Gluten present in it.
How Does The Body React To Gluten?
Now, the human body doesn’t really like anything in excess, be it sugar or gluten. If the quota of gluten in the body rises above that required, the body stimulates an abnormal immune response. Cells of the immune system attack the small intestine, damaging the villi which are the finger-like projections lining the intestine. Thus, the intestine malfunctions and fails to perform its function efficiently. Its function is the absorption of useful nutrients. This malabsorption can cause serious disturbances in the body including the notorious Celiac’s disease.
What Are The Signs That You Have Gluten Intolerance?
Some of the symptoms that can help you identify Gluten allergy are listed below:
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Pain
- Brain Fog
- Inflammation
- Joint pain
- Abnormal immune function
- Headaches and migraines
- Sudden weight gain
- Dental issues
Top Reasons To Go Gluten Free
If you do the groceries or watch the news regularly, you must know that a large number of people are switching to gluten free diets. Whether you are interested in the prospect just because it is the new trend or because a family member has gluten intolerance, we will help you come to a decisive and fruitful conclusion.Following are some top reasons for you to eat a gluten free diet:
You Suffer From A Gluten-Related Illness
If you suffer from a disease related to Gluten-intolerance like Celiac’s disease, Gluten Ataxia, Wheat allergy and gluten sensitivity, it is high time you put down that bowl of spaghetti. In people with celiac’s disease, it can trigger your immune system to attack and severely damage the small intestine. In the same manner, people who have mild gluten insensitivity experience gastrointestinal troubles (gas, bloating, constipation, irritable bowel movements).
You Wish To Reduce Your Weight
Eating a diet rich in gluten can actually increase your weight. Many celebrities have credited a gluten free diet as a useful tip to lose weight. Because ito is present in flour, it increases insulin in the body and spikes Obesity. Hence, you must decrease your gluten intake to fight obesity.
Grains Can Increase Your Blood Sugar Levels
Grains such as wheat, barley, and rye contain gluten but they also contain starch. This makes anything cooked using these grain a high-glycemic food. High amounts of sugar in the body can cause cardiovascular complications. You are at a higher risk of getting Diabetes, hypertension, hypoglycemia, PCOS and insulin resistance.
Celiac Disease Is Very Hard To Diagnose
Around two million Americans suffer from Gluten intolerance and its related diseases but most of them are undiagnosed. A case of gluten intolerance often goes unnoticed. It is very hard to catch. Another reason is that it may take a very long time for symptoms to show. Gradually, people with untreated Celiac’s disease can develop autoimmune disorders, osteoporosis, intestinal cancer, Iron Deficiency Anemia, PCOS, lymphoma of the small intestine and neurological problems.
You Suffer From DH
Dermatitis Herpetiformis or DH is an autoimmune disease in which the skin becomes a target of the immune cells. The main symptom is a symmetrical, painful skin rash that appears after eating a gluten diet. By symmetrical, we mean that if you have a rash on your right forearm, you will necessarily have it on your left forearm as well.
You are autistic
A recent research suggests that children who suffered from Autism showed an improvement in their symptoms when they followed a strict gluten free and casein-free diet. Why this happens is still unknown but we do know that a gluten free diet enhances cognitive function.
You wish to eat healthy
If you plan to lead a long, healthy life, then you have all the reason to go gluten free. Gluten is largely present in processed and junk food. So when you stop eating junk food, you basically get rid of a lot of garbage that does your body little good. Therefore, following a gluten free diet plan is an impetus to cook at home, avoid refined carbs, and eat more fruits and vegetables. Naturally, you erase chemical food additives and other synthetic substances from your diet.
It feels good to ride the bandwagon sometimes
We have seen a number of food trends in the mainstream over the past few years like coffee soda and booze-free beverages. But the gluten revolution is here to stay. This is because of substantial research clearly stating the adverse effects of gluten. So if you just want to go with the flow and try something different in your diet, feel free to drop gluten.
Conclusion
It is true that a sudden shift has occurred in the way people are eating these days. In comparison to stuffing your diet with processed junk food, a gluten free diet is a healthier choice that can improve your overall wellness. In addition to energizing the body, it leads to a stronger immune system. Many mental and reproductive disorders are also associated with gluten. There is extensive research being done that reveals the inflammatory nature of gluten. Finally, science is turning the page on gluten. A gluten free diet is not just a trend or headline news for the media. It is an effective clinical method to treat elusive complaints.
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