Over the past couple of years, a unique interest has grown in gluten-free foods. Some of the interest has been brought about by the discovery of celiac disease, a disease caused from the effects of gluten in the body. However, others have simply turned to this type of lifestyle to remain healthy.
Regardless of the reason for your interest, there are some definite benefits of living a gluten-free life. Here are some of the things you should keep in mind when you are considering this type of diet change.
Celiac DiseaseAs before mentioned, this is a main reason that people have switched to gluten-free foods. Celiac disease affects the small intestines, making it difficult for them to absorb nutrients from their food. This could cause issues with a multitude of locations in the body. For example, a person may become very underweight or may struggle to have healthy bones because they are not able to absorb calcium.
Gluten SensitivityEven if you are not diagnosed with celiac disease, it is still possible for gluten to be an issue for your body. Today, many people are discovering an insensitivity to gluten. It can cause fatigue, abdominal pain and even infertility.
DrawbacksUnfortunately, not everything about the gluten-free foods being created today is a good option. For example, many foods are eliminating many of the excellent nutrients that are part of the food when they make it gluten-free. Others are adding additional cholesterol and saturated fat to make up for it. For best results, make sure you read the label to make sure you are getting the healthiest food possible.
Living a gluten-free life can definitely be beneficial to a number of people. If you believe you have gluten related health concerns, make sure you talk to your doctor about the best course of action to take. This is the best way to make sure you continue to eat a healthy diet and remain healthy.