More and more gluten-free products can be found on supermarket shelves these days. These commodities, as it turns out, are not only beneficial for individuals with celiac disease and gluten intolerance or sensitivity, but also everybody else. In this article, we will take a look at some of the benefits of switching to a gluten-free diet.
Before we discuss what they are, let us briefly tackle what gluten is. It is definitely important to get to know what you are about to eliminate from your life to have a better understanding of such dietary switch.
Gluten is actually a type of protein found in the likes of barley, wheat and rye. Some people, such as those with celiac disease, end up with an assortment of nasty symptoms upon the ingestion of anything with gluten. Stomach pain, bloating, gas, fatigue, depression, skin rash, joint pain — these are just some of the things that individuals with celiac disease have to put up with each time they consume foods containing gluten.
There are also people who are intolerant or sensitive to gluten. Unlike celiac disease, the said problem is not genetic or autoimmune in nature. The digestive symptoms may not be as terrible, too, and they may even show up a few days after the consumption of food products with gluten. Additionally, no damage to the intestines happens. Experts say that kids with autism spectrum disorder may also obtain relief from their symptoms upon opting for a gluten-free diet.
Even if you don’t have any of the problems mentioned above, it is also a good idea to turn your back on anything that has gluten in it. Here are some of the perks to enjoy for switching to a diet that’s gluten-free:
Improved Digestive Functioning
Do you often find yourself suffering from indigestion, abdominal cramping, excessive gas, bloating, constipation or diarrhea? Maybe you have gluten intolerance or sensitivity. Experts say that you should see some improvements after a couple of weeks of abandoning foods that contain gluten.
Boosted Energy Levels
Gluten can keep your intestines from properly absorbing nutrients in food, and this is something that can leave you feeling fatigued. In severe cases, it’s not just constant tiredness that you may suffer from, but also anemia due to the fact that your body is not getting enough iron.
Reduced Incidence of Inflammation
There are numerous people who, after ingesting gluten, suffer from inflamed intestine. However, it isn’t just the gut that may end up inflamed, but also many other internal organs of yours. Other than organ damage, inflammation may also cause problems such as chronic pain, arthritis, eczema and even cancer!
Lifted Mood and Increased Libido
Depression is one of the symptoms of having celiac disease. If you have it, you may also experience problems such as anxiety, headaches and brain fog. No longer interested in having sex? Maybe you should try eliminating gluten from your life to enjoy improved libido.
Eliminated Excess Pounds
Some gluten-free containing commodities are loaded with sugar and carbohydrates, making them highly addicting. We all know that consuming a lot of these foods can ultimately lead to unnecessary weight gain. You will see that most gluten-free products on today’s market are those that are good for your figure.
Lowered Levels of Bad Cholesterol
Similarly, majority of food products that contain gluten are also high in the so-called trans fat. You don’t want this in your diet as it can cause a spike in bad cholesterol by lowering the levels of good cholesterol in your body. If you care about your cardiovascular health, consider eliminating gluten- and trans fat-containing foods from your diet.
These are just a few of the many, many health benefits of embracing a gluten-free life. The next time you are at the supermarket, check that the packaging says “gluten-free” before you put the product in your shopping cart.
