To Be Gluten-Free or Not To Be Gluten-Free
By Stephen R. Farris
So what is gluten and why should we be free of it in our diet? Gluten is a protein found in whole grain products, such as bread made from wheat and rye. Beer and ketchup sometimes contain gluten. Basically, all the good stuff that we should limit ourselves in consuming.
According to studies and research, gluten has been known to cause certain health problems and in recent years there has been a push in the food industry to make and sell products that are deemed gluten-free.
However, it does affect people in different ways. Sometimes there are no problems in people that consume gluten based products on a regular basis. Gluten can have ill effects on people that have celiac disease, causing damage in the small intestine.
Other diseases, such as Crohn's and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) have shown gluten-like symptoms, but when their diet becomes gluten-free, most of the symptoms usually disappear.
Conditions like gluten ataxia or wheat allergies can develop during certain periods in life, so for the majority of folks experiencing problems with gluten in their diet, it might be time to make a change that can improve your health.
Going Gluten-Free
Switching over to a gluten-free diet can help folks suffering from IBS, fibromyalgia, certain mental health conditions or endometriosis, to improve their condition.
Too Good to be True
Like most diets, it may not be for everyone. Going gluten-free when you don't need to can actually create health problems, for instance putting you at risk for lack of nutrients and/or coronary heart disease.
If It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It
Plain and simple, if you don't have any problems consuming gluten based products, then there's no reason to start a gluten-free diet. Using the diet as a weight-loss mechanism is not 100 percent truth. That's because folks lose weight by cutting down on grain based products, such as eliminating bread and pasta from their diet. Since those products contain carbs, a lot of folks get the two diets mixed up, thinking they are the same, but they're not according to research.
As with any diet you're thinking about trying, whether it's gluten-free, low-carb or just for shrinking your waistline, you should consult with your doctor or local chiropractor to find out what they could suggest in ways to meet your nutritional goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Pickerington, Ohio.