Gluten free diets seem to be all the rage these days. Every time we turn around, some health professional is sounding off on this way of life. But what is a gluten free diet? And why are so many people interested in it?

Understanding Celiac Disease: Benefits of a Gluten Free Diet

Celiac disease is an auto-immune disorder that causes the body’s immune system to attack the intestines when the patient eats gluten. The only treatment available is a gluten free diet.

This protein is most commonly found in wheat, barley, and rye. Therefore, foods like flour, bread, pasta, and beer are off limits.

However, there are some pretty sneaky sources of gluten too. Gluten is present in nearly all processed foods. It is hidden on food labels under names like shortening, natural flavoring, stabilizer agent, and thickener. Plus, gluten is also found in many medications and vitamin supplements as a binding agent. Some cosmetic products – like lipstick, lip balm, and chap stick – have gluten too.

As you can imagine, detecting and avoiding gluten is very difficult. Though, for patients who have celiac disease, this task is essential.

If a celiac disease patient consumes gluten, side effects will include painful stomach cramps, digestive problems, gas, bloating, diarrhea, and/or constipation. Other patients report headaches, problems concentrating, and feeling tired. If symptoms are ignored and a gluten free diet is not implemented, long-term effects include the increased risk of colon cancer, anemia and decreased energy.

It is obvious that patients diagnosed with celiac disease must abstain from eating gluten. However, there are several other people who choose this nutritional path too. Why?

Here the top benefits of a gluten free diet

• Treat a Health Condition You Don’t Know You Have

According to a report from Harvard University, as many as two million Americans have celiac disease. However, only about 300,000 patients have actually been diagnosed. The other 1.7 million people are silent suffers.

Additionally, there is new evidence of a condition called nonceliac gluten sensitivity. This condition comes with similar symptoms of celiac disease but without the damage to the intestines.

If you have experienced any of the above mentioned symptoms, you might want to try a gluten free diet. See if the new eating habits improve your health.

• Healthier Food Choices

To be on the safe side, most gluten free dieters avoid pre-packaged and fatty, fried foods. They generally turn to fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, and organic foods. Plus, by avoiding pre-packaged foods, dieters greatly reduce their sugar and fat intake.

Many proponents of gluten free subscribe to this diet for the simple fact it helps them make better food choices. By cutting down on unnecessary carbohydrates, fats, sugar and nutrient-hollow foods, dieters rely on much healthier nutritious alternatives.

• Combat Side Effects of Other Illnesses

While there is still more research that needs to be done, some health professionals claim a gluten free diet can help reduce the side effects of other chronic illnesses. For example, there is a link between gluten free and decreased side effects of ADHD, thyroid disease, cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, anemia, autism, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Overall Better Health Benefits of a Gluten Free Diet

In addition to all the above mentioned benefits, a gluten free diet tends to enhance overall health. Some dieters boast increased energy levels and weight loss. Others report the diet helps lower cholesterol.

While it is difficult to adhere to a strict gluten free diet, it isn’t impossible. It is, however, quite beneficial. If you know of any other benefits of a gluten free diet, let us know in the comment section below!

Image source by en.wikipedia.org
About the author: Jessica Velasco is a health and fitness writer. Right now, she is working with Trim Nutrition, evaluating if vitamin B12 injections can be added to a gluten free diet to help with weight loss. Jessica is trying to determine if the bonding agent present in other vitamin supplements is active in Methylcobalamin, Lipotropic Injections, and B12 shots too.