Trying to navigate the world of food and nutrition can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to making the decision to go gluten free. There are a lot of mixed messages out there, and it's hard to know who or what to believe. If you're thinking about making the switch to a gluten free diet, here are a few things you may to consider. These are the things that helped me decide to go gluten free for the most part.
Belly Bloat
One of the most common complaints among those considering a gluten free diet is belly bloat. If you find yourself feeling bloated after eating gluten heavy foods, (breads, pastas, cereals, crackers, some soups etc.) it could be a sign that your body is having trouble digesting gluten. When gluten isn't digested properly, it can cause gas and bloating. If you're considering going gluten free, pay attention to how your body feels after eating foods that contain gluten. Do you feel bloated? If so, it might be worth eliminating gluten from your diet to see if that makes a difference.
Can't Lose Weight
If you're struggling to lose weight despite eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, gluten could be the culprit. Just like with belly bloat, undigested gluten can cause weight gain by preventing nutrients from being absorbed properly. If you're trying to lose weight and nothing seems to be working, eliminating gluten could help jumpstart your weight loss journey.
A1C Levels Off
If you have diabetes, paying attention to your A1C levels is important. A1C levels measure how well your blood sugar has been controlled over the past few months. If you notice that your A1C levels have plateaued or are beginning to rise despite following your treatment plan, it could be a sign that you need to go gluten free. Research has shown that going gluten free can help improve A1C levels in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Constipation
Gluten can also cause constipation by binding up water in the intestine and preventing waste from being eliminated properly. If you're dealing with chronic constipation, eliminating gluten could provide some relief. Pay attention to how often you're having bowel movements and how easy they are to pass. Going gluten free may make a big difference in how often you go and how comfortable doing so is.
Dandruff Itchy, flaky skin isn't just a problem for your scalp—it can also show up on other parts of your body like your elbows, knees, and backside. If dandruff is a problem for you, going gluten free could help clear up your skin.
Brain Fog Feeling tired all the time or like you can't focus? It could be brain fog caused by inflammation from eating foods containing gluten. If you find yourself feeling foggyheaded on a regular basis, eliminating gluten could help improve your mental clarity.
Gallbladder Removed If you've had your gallbladder removed, you need to be extra diligent about what you eat because your body doesn't have the same ability to break down fats . This means that fatty foods like bread and pasta can cause indigestion and discomfort . Stick with lean proteins and vegetables as much as possible and avoid high-fat foods , including those made with wheat flour .
Kids Digestive Issues Children with digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) , Crohn's disease , ulcerative colitis , and celiac disease may find relief by going gluten free . For kids with celiac disease in particular , it's important to eliminate all sources of gluten from their diet in order to prevent long-term damage . Consult with your child's doctor before making any changes to their diet .
Conclusion: Only You Can Decide if Going Gluten Free is Right for You Only you know how you feel after eating foods containing gluten . Pay attention to your body and how it reacts after consuming wheat -based products . If you think eliminating gluten could help improve your health , talk to your doctor about getting tested for celiac disease or other conditions . Going gluten free isn't easy , but it may be worth it if it improves your quality of life .
0 Comments