Other than celiac condition, there are many medical situations that a diet free of gluten significantly benefits. Intolerance to gluten covers various aspects, from celiac condition to non-celiac intolerance to gluten (also known as gluten sensitivity). Non-celiac intolerance to gluten could be gluten allergy or an allergy to other food ingredients other than gluten. Some studies have shown that non-celiac intolerance to gluten could also be a placebo result.
Consumption of meals free of gluten can also be beneficial to people suffering from a chronic gastrointestinal disease known as irritable bowel syndrome. A flat FODMAP diet is usually beneficial for somebody with irritable bowel syndrome. Food that is gluten-free is essential to this diet.
There are sugars, and starches readily found in specific foods or combined with foods. Gluten grains such as barley, wheat, and rye are rich FODMAP sources. They comprise oligosaccharides that the intestinal bacteria can quickly ferment. This can lead to diarrhea, bloating, or cramping. Based on publishing in the Gastroenterology and Hepatology journal, irritable bowel syndrome affects 7-20% of the American adult population.
A diet that is gluten-free is vital for people with non-celiac sensitivity to gluten and celiac condition. Having a diet that is gluten-free is the only remedy for these medical situations. A diet that is gluten-free reduces these symptoms and generally leads to a better life. People who adopt a lifestyle that is gluten-free also report an energy increase. When some autistic children were put under a gluten-free diet, they showed considerable improvement in their behavior. In one case, a young autistic man was put on a casein-free and gluten-free diet. The young man was significantly autistic to the point that he wasn’t able to speak. The benefits accrued from adopting a gluten-free diet were remarkable for this young man. Today, he can act and speak like any person who is not autistic. Although he still has some behavioral issues, most of his behavior is much like that of any other child who does not have autism.
Gluten is an important source of protein and should not be eliminated from your diet without consultation with your doctor or dietician. If you do not have any gluten sensitivity or suffer from any gluten-related diseases, then you should carefully think about whether adopting a gluten-free lifestyle is the best thing for you. Although in some instances, a gluten-free lifestyle has been associated with weight loss, energy increase, and greater health, this varies from person to person and may not apply to you. Adopting a gluten-free lifestyle is a commitment both in terms of effort and money.
However, if you suffer from the aforementioned gluten-related sensitivities, it will be best to consult your doctor and enquire about which alternatives to gluten can help supplement nutrition requirements. Adopting a gluten-free lifestyle can be beneficial, especially for people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, as well as other medical conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, autism, lupus, and Crohn’s disease. A gluten-free lifestyle can significantly help people with the diseases mentioned above and sensitivities to gluten, boosting their overall health quality. All in all, whatever gluten alternative that you choose or your doctor recommends should compensate for the reduction in protein consumption that results from giving up gluten products.
Post written by Edna Henry, lead writer at Consumer Bank Report and Gawker.