Gluten Free Diet – What Is The Hype All About
Introduction
The gluten free diet is a diet that reduces all sources of gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. It is responsible for the elastic texture of dough and is found in many processed foods.
The gluten free diet has become a popular fad diet in recent years. However, for some people, it is a medical necessity. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that is triggered by ingested gluten. For persons with celiac disease, the gluten free diet is the only treatment.
The gluten free diet is also recommended for people with non-celiac gluten sensitivity and wheat allergy. In addition, the diet may be beneficial for other medical conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and type 1 diabetes.
If you are considering going gluten free, it is important to speak to a doctor or dietitian first. They can help you create a balanced diet that meets your needs.
The gluten free diet defined:
The gluten free diet is a diet that eliminates all sources of gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. It is responsible for the elastic texture of dough and is found in many processed foods. People on the gluten free diet need to be vigilant about reading labels and avoiding foods that contain gluten. It is important to look for hidden sources of gluten in foods such as broth, sauces, and processed meats. Gluten is sometimes found in unexpected places such as medicines, vitamins, and lip balms. The gluten free diet can be challenging. It requires careful planning and a high level of dedication. People on the diet need to focus on eating whole, unprocessed foods such as vegetables, fruits, and proteins. Gluten free grains such as quinoa, millet, amaranth, and buckwheat can also be included in the diet. Celiac disease and the gluten free diet: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that is triggered by ingested gluten. People with celiac disease must follow a strict gluten free diet. For these individuals, even small amounts of gluten can cause inflammation in the small intestine, leading to a wide range of symptoms. These symptoms can include diarrhea, bloating, anemia, malabsorption of nutrients, and even failure to thrive in children. Over time, the damage to the small intestine caused by gluten can lead to nutrient deficiencies and other health complications. For those with celiac disease, the only treatment is a strict gluten free diet. This is not a fad diet; it is a medical necessity. It is important to note that gluten free foods must be consumed to prevent a relapse of symptoms.
The gluten free diet and other medical conditions
The gluten free diet is also recommended for people with non-celiac gluten sensitivity and wheat allergy. In addition, the diet may be beneficial for other medical conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and type 1 diabetes. Research suggests that the gluten free diet can be beneficial for those with these conditions. However, more research is needed to understand how the diet affects long-term outcomes. It is important to note that the gluten free diet is not a cure-all, and it should not be undertaken without the supervision of a doctor or dietitian.
Tips for going gluten free
If you are considering going gluten free, there are a few tips that can help you transition to the diet. First, speak to a doctor or dietitian to make sure the diet is right for you and to create a balanced meal plan. Second, read labels carefully and look for hidden sources of gluten. Third, stock your kitchen with a range of gluten free grains, such as quinoa and buckwheat, as well as other gluten free foods, such as vegetables and fruits. Fourth, watch out for cross-contamination in restaurants and cafeterias. Finally, be patient and give yourself time to adjust to the diet. It can take time to learn about the new foods and recipes that are available on the gluten free diet.
The bottom line
The gluten free diet is a diet that eliminates all sources of gluten; it is the only treatment for people with celiac disease. The diet may also be beneficial for those with non-celiac gluten sensitivity and wheat allergy, as well as other medical conditions. If you are considering going gluten free, it is important to speak to a doctor or dietitian first. They can help you create a balanced diet that meets your needs.
