Gluten-Free Diets

      Gluten-free diets are becoming more and more popular lately. A year ago I didn't even know what "gluten-free" meant or why people didn't eat gluten but now I see that it is very a common way of eating. Some people need to go gluten-free due to medical reasons while others choose to eat that way.

     Gluten is a protein found in grains. It is in most of the foods we eat everyday. Unless they are labeled "gluten-free" then cakes, bread, pasta, cereal, crackers, soups, salad dressings and other common foods all have gluten in them. Unprocessed beans, nuts, cornmeal, fresh eggs, meat, some dairy products, fruits, vegetables, etc. are all gluten-free. In this day and age it is much easier for someone to go gluten-free because a wider variety of recipes and foods are being made without gluten in them. There are even pastas, bread and other foods that are made specifically without gluten.
      Gluten-free diets are made for people with celiac disease which is an autoimmune disorder. It damages the small intestine and makes it so you don't absorb most nutrients. If you are not diagnosed with celiac disease (through a blood test) and eating gluten makes you have gastrointestinal problems, fatigue or headaches you could have gluten intolerance or sensitivity. Gluten sensitivity has the same symptoms as celiac disease but can not be diagnosed and is not damaging to your small intestine. Cutting out gluten from your diet will help your digestive system, improve cholesterol levels and give you more energy if you have a gluten intolerance or sensitivity.
      There are people who don't have celiac disease or gluten intolerance/sensitivity but still don't eat gluten. It may sound crazy but they have their reasons. Many people believe that not eating gluten will help them to lose weight, feel better and be healthier. Cutting gluten out of your diet is almost like cutting unhealthy foods out of your diet because most unhealthy foods contain gluten. Gluten-free diets are made up of mostly healthy foods like fruits and vegetables and less unnecessary carbohydrates. Along with other health benefits, this can reduce your risk of diabetes and heart disease. Now not eating gluten without celiac disease or an intolerance doesn't seem too crazy, does it?
      People suffer from gluten intolerance and celiac disease without even knowing it. Could you be suffering because of gluten? Could a gluten-free diet be the change that you need in your life? Talk to your doctor today and find out!