Gluten-Free Diet

In a recent publication of a popular daily newspaper I read an article which said that gluten-free diet is going to be the norm of the day in 2014. According to it, a survey of more than 500 dieticians predicted a rise in nutrition trends citing next year’s biggest trend as gluten free. It is mainly because this diet keeps a person not only fit but also slim by controlling his weight.

Let us see what gluten is: It is a protein complex found mainly in wheat. Those who suffer from celiac disease, (an auto immune digestive ailment) are advised to avoid foods containing gluten as wheat is the main source of it. Gluten intolerant person may be known as wheat intolerant person and suffer from the related inflammatory skin condition known as dermatitis and herpetiformis.They must exclude wheat and other gluten containing foods like barley, rye and triticale. Now let us see which foods are safe to take for celiac patients. Foods made from rice, corn, millet, quinoa and sorghum do not contain harmful gluten and can be safely consumed by the Gluten intolerant people.

The main symptoms of this celiac disease are bloating, gas, low appetite, weight loss, stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. Consuming gluten can harm a celiac patient by making him malnourished as the body excretes essential nutrients through the stool rather than absorbing them in the small intestines. This can lead to vitamin deficiencies and weight loss that can in turn contribute to low bone density, neurological problems and stunted growth. If Vitamin D and calcium are allowed to build up in the stool it may lead the patients to experience osteoporosis and rickets in children.

Many of the celebrity athletes are enjoying gluten-free diet and are gaining many benefits out of it such as sound sleep, easy digestion and improved energy levels. These benefits have improved their athletic performance too.

There are some fast food restaurants that offer gluten-free food as early as 2006. They offer food based on their own criteria. So gluten intolerant people can locate these restaurants and can enjoy their food tension free.

BENEFITS

Improves cholesterol levels: According to experts, gluten is the common cause for high cholesterol. So opting for gluten-free diet helps you reduce cholesterol levels and triglycerides (fat in the blood stream).

Intake of fruits and vegetables: In a gluten-free diet you are likely to eat more fruits and vegetables just because they are food sources that are non-starchy and are almost gluten free.

Eliminates junk food: By eating gluten-free diet you avoid eating junk food as well as unhealthy oils, as hydrogenated oils are used in bread products like pastries etc.

Digestion: With gluten-free diet your digestive issues are solved. Cramps in stomach, gas, bloating and constipation, diarrhea are reduced.

Mood changer: It brings about neurological changes like improved mood, better focus and

better thinking.

Reduces skin allergy: Gluten intolerance causes itchy skin, rashes, inflammation of the skin tissues, joint pain, muscle cramps, numbness in legs and skin condition like eczema. These can be considerably reduced by taking gluten-free diet.

Gain in energy levels: If you are not digesting and absorbing vitamins and minerals that means you are gluten sensitive. This makes you prone to malnutrition and less energetic. By taking gluten-free diet you can gain energy levels.

By Nibhanapudi Suguna