Should You Try a Gluten-Free Diet?
By Stephen R. Farris
Should you be on a gluten-free diet? It's not designed for everyone, but if your body seems to be having problems breaking down proteins found in gluten-based foods, then you might want to check into switching to a gluten-free diet. Make sure you discuss it with your doctor or chiropractor first to see if that is your condition.
Depending on your body's tolerance to gluten-based foods, it could lead to certain health problems if you are experiencing resistance, such as celiac disease, which affects about 1 out of every 141 people here in the United States. The disease can cause serious damage to the small intestine as well.
Some of the most common foods that are gluten based are pasta, breads, crackers and certain seasonings or certain seasoning combinations. Wheat based foods should be avoided altogether if you have an intolerance to gluten, along with a long list of other food as well, so let's take a look at a few.
Avoid These Gluten-Based Foods
- Wheat starch
- Wheat bran
- Wheat germ
- Couscous
- Cracked wheat
- Durum
- Einkorn
- Emmer
- Farina
- Farrow
- Fu
- Barley
- Rye
- Chicken broth
- Soy sauce
- Malt vinegar
- Condiments
- Most salad dressings
- Oats (processed)
That's quite a long list of food items, and that's just the short version. Recognize anything you use on a regular or daily basis? I bet you did.
However, there are a great number of gluten-free foods that can be safely consumed and not cause you problems. The good news is that many of them are the same ones found in nutritional diets, so that's a big plus. Let's see them.
Say Yes to These Gluten-Free Foods
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Beans
- Legumes
- Nuts
- Potatoes
- Eggs
- Dairy products
- Rice
- Fish
- Chicken
- Lean beef
- Seafood
Just a sample list, but I think those foods are something you could live with. Simply sticking with fresh, whole foods, is the key to staying gluten-free. Cut out those processed foods from your diet.
Talk with your doctor or chiropractor as well. They can offer tips and suggestions when it comes to your nutritional health. And if you're experiencing back, neck or joint pain, see your local chiropractor like those found at The Joint Chiropractic. No appointment necessary and there are nearly 500 locations available nationwide!
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Rosemead, Calif.