Why a Gluten Free Diet Is Good for Everyone

Posted on January 6, 2020 by Julia Valdez

A gluten free diet has long been prescribed to people with digestive problems, such as Celiac Disease. However, in recent years, people without any diagnosed medical conditions that prohibit gluten intake have also given it up. Based on available research, they have realised that the gluten free diet is beneficial for them as well.

What is Gluten?

Gluten is the generic name for certain proteins that are found in certain grains. It acts as a glue that helps maintain the shape of the food. A gluten free diet mainly excludes wheat, barley, and rye. However, bulgur, couscous, farina, graham flour, kamut matzo, semolina, spelt and triticale also contain gluten.

Many processed foods also often contain gluten. Examples of these are malt, soups, commercial bullion and broths, cold cuts, french fries, cheese, mayonnaise, ketchup, soy sauce, salad dressings, sausage, non-dairy creamer, gravy, marinades, canned baked beans, fruit fillings and puddings, ice cream, root beer, syrups, seitan, instant hot drinks, flavoured coffees and teas, vodka, wine coolers, roasted nuts, oats, and oat bran.

Even non-food items contain gluten, such as certain shampoos, cosmetics, Play-Doh, medications, vitamins, and supplements. Anything that contains the following ingredients contains gluten: Avena sativa Cyclodextrin, Dextrin, Fermented grain extract, Hordeum distichon, Hordeum vulgare, Hydrolysate, Hydrolyzed malt extract, Hydrolyzed vegetable protein, Maltodextrin, Phytosphingosine extract, Samino peptide complex, Secale cereale, Triticum aestivum, Triticum vulgare, Tocopherol/vitamin E, Yeast extract, Natural flavouring, Brown rice syrup, Modified food starch, Hydrolyzed soy protein, and Caramel colour (frequently made from barley).

A Gluten Free Diet Is Good for Everyone

Gluten sensitivity is believed to occur primarily among Caucasian races. The genes that predispose individuals to Celiac disease have been traced back to Northern Europe. However, high rates of gluten intolerance have also been found in South Asia.

Environmental factors are a leading contributor here. Antibiotics and certain acid-reducing drugs are among them. Because these factors are not race-exclusive, anyone who has undergone these treatments is at risk. Being born by cesarean section is another factor.

Because the factors reach farther than genetics, most everyone can at least avoid harmful systemic inflammation by going gluten free. Other benefits include:

Relief of digestive symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and gas
Improved cholesterol levels
Healthy weight loss
Increased energy levels
Reduced risk of heart diseases, diabetes, and some cancers

How to start a gluten free diet

1. Tell your friends that you are starting a gluten-free diet.

This is so that you will not have a problem socialising, and they can also help you with your journey to better health. You can then also bring your own gluten free foods when visiting friends and family without being rude.

2. Read food labels.

Make it a habit to read food labels carefully, so you are sure that what you are consuming are indeed foods that do not have gluten. Fortunately, there are more gluten free biscuits, breads, and other gluten free snacks available and clearly labeled in stores nowadays.

3. Use a gluten-free cookbook.

Preparing your own food is the best way to control what you eat. Use a gluten free cookbook to guide your choice of ingredients and learn new recipes. It will also help you be more creative with your dishes.

Going on a gluten-free diet is not an easy feat, especially when you are just starting out. What matters is that you keep track of your progress and celebrate each step, no matter how small. Having the support of your loved ones is also vital to staying on course. By sticking to your diet, you will definitely reap the benefits of your hard work.