Is a Gluten Free Diet Right for You?

Is a Gluten Free Diet Right for You?

Gluten free diets are all the rage, and health and fitness experts commonly recommend a gluten free lifestyle. More and more manufacturers are creating “gluten free” foods. With all of this attention, you may be wondering if a gluten free diet is right for you. Let’s talk about a few signs that it may be a good idea and answer a few questions for you about the diet.

Frequent Digestive Problems

Gluten is a group of proteins found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. It plays a crucial role in giving foods their structure and texture; that’s what gives really great bread that chewy “pulley” texture. However, for some of us, eating gluten can lead to significant digestive issues. The most severe reaction is found in individuals with Celiac disease, an autoimmune condition where gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. The symptoms of this disease can vary widely but commonly include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Even a very small amount of gluten can trigger these symptoms in Celiac patients.

Beyond Celiac disease, a larger segment of the population may experience non-Celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) or wheat allergy, both of which can also cause discomfort after gluten. Those of us who live with NCGS can have symptoms similar to those of Celiac disease, but without the intestinal damage. Symptoms can range from digestive problems like bloating, diarrhea, and constipation, to other systemic symptoms like ‘brain fog’, headache, joint pain, and fatigue. With a wheat allergy, your immune system reacts not just to gluten, but to other proteins in wheat, and can cause symptoms like itching, hives, or even anaphylaxis. If you suspect gluten may be causing digestive or other issues, try taking it out of your diet for a few weeks to see if it makes a difference in how you feel. It’s also important to consult with your healthcare professional to get an accurate diagnosis and management plan.

So to put it simply, if you find you have chronic diarrhea or loose stools, it may be a sign you have a sensitivity or an allergy to gluten. If you struggle with cramping, gas or other digestive issues, gluten may be the cause. The good news is there may be an easy solution!

Chronic Sinus Problems

If you struggle with chronic congestion and sinus problems, it may be a sign that you have a gluten allergy. Just like pollen allergies, food allergies can cause congestion, runny noses, and other sinus related complaints like a post nasal drip that never goes away.

Chronic Fatigue

Do you struggle with low energy day in and day out? Gluten may be the cause. Gluten is found in bread, pasta, and other starchy carbohydrates which can also contribute to a drop in your blood glucose level and result in low energy. Before eliminating gluten, you may want to try cutting back on or eliminating starchy carbs from your diet to see if your energy level improves. If you are sensitive or allergic to gluten, it can affect your sleep and your energy levels.

Puffiness

Does your body or your face look or feel puffy? This can be bloating, but it can also be facial puffiness and overall water retention. If you’re allergic or sensitive to gluten, your body may be constantly inflamed as it tries to deal with the gluten. Cutting back on gluten or eliminating it from your diet can help you lose weight quickly.

Chronic Infections, Illness, and Depression

When your body has an adverse reaction to gluten you may experience surprising symptoms. For example, if you’re unable to absorb food when gluten is present in your digestive system, you may be low on calcium and vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for proper immune function and is also important to regulate mood. If you struggle with chronic illness, infections or even depression, you may be sensitive or even allergic to gluten.

What to Do Next

If you think gluten may be causing some of your problems, consider eliminating gluten for thirty days to see if it makes a difference in how you feel both mentally and physically. This means eliminating all foods that contain gluten from your diet. Gluten, like sugar, is sneaky. It’s in cereal, meats and sausages  and it’s even found in condiments. You have to be sure to always read your labels, and remember that just because a food says it’s “gluten-free” doesn’t mean it’s always a healthy choice.

Keep a food journal, and document how you feel on your gluten free thirty days. You may feel sluggish or uncomfortable the first two weeks you’re on a gluten free diet. This is because your body is going through a bit of withdrawal just as it would if you removed sugar from your diet. Make sure you consume plenty of whole grains, vegetables and fruits. That boost of natural, non-starchy, carbohydrates will help you get through what may be a challenging few weeks complete with some gluten cravings.

Staying hydrated by drinking lots of water will help too. Not everyone experiences withdrawal, and you may be one of the lucky ones. Some people begin to feel better immediately. Give your break from gluten a full month and evaluate and journal about the changes in your body and about how you feel. Listening to your body’s response to food is the best way to recognize the signs that a gluten free diet is right for you!

Helping You Achieve Major Wellness in Your Life!

Cheryl

 

Cheryl A Major lives in Westford and is a Certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant. Her TV show, Thin Strong Healthy, airs on WestfordCat and is an offshoot of her blog http://ThinStrongHealthy.com   Cheryl offers ongoing information, live and online courses and personal health coaching to help you feel better and be healthier.  Follow Cheryl on Twitter @CherylAMajor.  She is also a full time residential Realtor with Coldwell Banker with more than 25 years experience. 

Cheryl’s book, “Eat Your Blues Away” is available in Whole Foods Markets!