With the growing awareness about Celiac disease and gut health, the gluten-free diet is gaining popularity. Unlike the other modern diet types, going gluten-free is more than just a fad for people with wheat sensitivity, allergies, etc.
Even restaurants nowadays have started adding gluten-free offerings to their menus. And gluten-free food manufacturers are growing rapidly. If you are also thinking about switching to a gluten-free diet, here is something you need to know-
A Gluten-Free Diet Isn’t A Magic Cure!
There are many success stories of people who went gluten-free and felt better. However, there are also people who haven’t felt completely better. Thus, if you jump to the gluten-free diet thinking that it will cure your pains and aches, you may get disappointed.
Many people find that going gluten-free certainly improves things, but it isn’t enough. Another thing to keep in mind is that it may take some time to make your body feel better. Some may experience improvement in a matter of days, while others may take a few months after being gluten-free.
Remember That Ingredients May Lie
One of the biggest mistakes people make is to pick up a product, check ingredients, and assume that it is gluten-free just because they don’t find any gluten-containing product on the list. But, unless a product is marked ‘gluten-free’ or find a reliable company, you can’t rely on scanning the ingredients.
Thus, if you want to include organic and gluten-free oats in your breakfast, or other gluten-free alternatives like buckwheat, millet, etc., check the ingredient list. Or, the company can double-check with them that they produce a completely gluten-free product.
Does Gluten-Free Diet Affect Pregnancy or Child Development?
Well, there have not been any satisfactory studies on how a gluten-free diet can affect pregnancy and child development. However, for those who have gluten sensitivity, it is wise to avoid gluten completely. Any form of gluten intolerance not only cause intestinal issues but can also trigger itching, hives, respiratory infections, nasal congestion, etc.
Is a Gluten-Free Diet For Everyone?
A gluten-free diet is recommended to those who have been diagnosed with celiac disease. But, sometimes going gluten-free may cause nutritional deficiencies. Gluten causes a reaction in the immune system, causing it to attack the small intestine and reducing its ability to absorb nutrients. Therefore, if someone has celiac disease, adopting a gluten-free diet is the best treatment.
So, Who Should Go Gluten-Free?
There are many people who can’t tolerate gluten, especially if they have certain health conditions, such as wheat allergy, celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, etc.
Those who are suffering from Celiac disease experience symptoms like bloating, vomiting, constipation, weight loss, fatigue, abdominal pain, etc. In this situation, the intestine can’t absorb nutrients in the bloodstream properly, causing delayed growth, anaemia, etc.
If the Celiac disease patients continue to eat gluten, several complications, like infertility, multiple sclerosis, or other neurological conditions, may arise. Furthermore, gluten intolerance diagnosed after an immunology test should also avoid gluten.
Thus, if you think you have celiac, it is necessary to talk to your doctor. Whether you are deficient in iron, losing weight, or have any family history of celiac, consult your doctor before going gluten-free.
What To Do If You Think That Gluten Might Be A Problem For You?
If you think that you might have a gluten intolerance, you need to talk to your doctor. Tell your concerns to the physician, and get diagnosed. A blood test with accuracy will help you know whether you have celiac disease. But, remember that test won’t give accurate results if you are not eating gluten.
Whether you have gluten-disorder or find any other symptom, it is best to seek a physician’s opinion before taking health into your own hands. If you are still confused after talking to a physician, you can consult a certified dietician.
