Benefits of Going Gluten-Free
It looks delicious, I know. It IS! And if this beautiful wheat was grown in another country, I would probably be more down with eating it on the daily, like I did when I studied abroad in Italy. No bloating, no weight gain, no digestive issues. Why? Let's take a look.
Gluten is a known protein that is present in spelt, rye, barley, wheat and other grains. It is made up of two proteins named glutenin and gliadin. People with celiac disease have a genetic condition that keeps the body from properly processing gluten. Celiac folks must avoid gluten for life. Many people who do not have celiac also have trouble with gliadin and develop a range of issues from digestive distress to skin and mood problems.
Gluten can cause many health issues. If you want to avoid the symptoms of this disease and other severe medical conditions that are linked with gluten intake, you should go for the gluten-free diet.
Many experts say its the way our grains are grown in the US that makes them different (and more harmful) than Europe. They are often genetically modified and sprayed with toxic pesticides. Not to mention the depleted soil filling our American fields.
If you have decided to go gluten-free, the following are the healthy options that you can include in your meal plans.
Vegetables, fruits and leafy greens
Unprocessed nuts, seeds, and beans
Unprocessed and lean organic meat, fish, and chicken
In addition to these, you can enjoy non-gluten grains like these:
Rice
Quinoa
Millet
Flax
Corn
Buckwheat
Sorghum
Chia
Yucca
Arrowroot
Grains to avoid:
Barley
Rye
Wheat
Triticale
Many edibles contain wheat gluten or other grains. Look carefully at labels on these and other products:
Candies
Cereals
Cakes
Beer
Bread
Pasta
Hot Dogs
Salad dressings
Soups
Prepared mixes
Major advantages of a gluten-free diet are:
Weight loss
High athletic performance
Enhanced gastrointestinal health
Mental clarity
Less inflammation
The advice I give my clients? Try it. See how you feel. Take note of the differences and the positives. Decide from there. I typically eat 90% gluten-free. Sometimes when I add in a piece of Ezekiel bread, I feel fine. Sometimes I feel bloated. I take care to drink my probiotics daily to strengthen my digestive tract so gluten doesn't affect me as badly.
Feel like you want to give it a shot? I have a 5 day gut challenge that guides you through the transition! Reach out for more info. Or, just slowly take one gluten product out per day and see how you feel.
Sources and Additional Reading:
https://www.verywellhealth.com/weed-killer-roundup-to-blame-3973244
Wheat Belly: Lose the Wheat, Lose the Weight, and Find Your Path Back to Health. Davis, William. 2015.
