How a Gluten-Free Diet Can Improve Your Health

Allergies are incredibly common, most people have an allergy to a variety of things—and many people do not even realize it!  Many people are allergic to pets, dust or mold, but others may have significant food allergies that need to be addressed.  Food allergies and sensitivities can result in many different types of ailments, from migraine headaches to stomach aches to skin conditions and rashes, and many other problems.  Gluten is suspected to be a culprit in many of these cases.

Choosing to live a gluten-free lifestyle can have many benefits.  Not only can you reduce some of the health problems that you may be experiencing, but you can also have a healthier diet overall.   Many people report a significant lessening of symptoms that they previously struggled to treat using regular medical treatments.  Removing gluten from their diets is often something that had not been previously considered, and one thing that can have a dramatic effect.

There are several chronic health conditions that may be related to gluten sensitivity.  These include but are not limited to:  ADD/ADHD, Arthritis, Autism, Autoimmune disorders, Asthma, Behavior issues, Cancer, Crohn's, Celiac, Headaches/migraines, Infertility/reproductive issues, Depression, Diabetes, Thyroid issues (Grave's and Hashimoto's), and Obesity.     

This list does not imply that every diagnosis contained there is solely due to gluten sensitivity. It also does not imply that every patient with a diagnosis contained in this list will be gluten sensitive.  However, every patient with a diagnosis listed above should be checked for gluten sensitivity.  This can be done initially through common blood testing or, better yet, through a therapeutic trial of becoming gluten-free.

Living a gluten-free lifestyle is not as difficult as it may initially appear.  For example, eggs, meat, milk, fruits and vegetables are all inherently gluten-free.  Eggs can be a great breakfast choice.  It is also possible to get gluten-free oats and so oatmeal with cinnamon can also be a great breakfast or grind oats to make flour for making pancakes.  While it may seem very difficult to get your child on a gluten-free diet, there are so many delicious gluten-free products available at your supermarket as well as many new recipes you can try that it is probably far easier than you might imagine.

Living a healthier lifestyle by eating a gluten-free diet can leave you with higher energy levels, better digestion, clearer skin, fewer chronic health problems and a better mood.  Many people report that they feel far more alive once they begin living a gluten-free lifestyle!

More ideas, resources, and information about gluten-free can be found in The Guide to a Gluten-Free Diet.

7 Tips to Eating Gluten-Free

1- Always Read Labels

Do not purchase foods that contain: barley, malt, malt flavoring or malt vinegar, rye, triticale, or wheat in any form (durum, graham, kamut, semolina, or spelt included). Also, avoid foods that may contain gluten such as breading, cereals, gravies, ice cream, imitation foods, licorice, marinades, pastas, processed meats, sauces, soy sauce, soups, stuffing, and thickeners.

2- Wheat-Free Does Not Mean Gluten-Free

Just because a product is wheat-free does not mean it is free of gluten items such as rye or barley. Only purchase items that say they are gluten-free.

3- Be Wary Of Cross Contamination

Keep all gluten-free foods separate from those that are not. Be careful how gluten-free foods are prepared, whether you do it yourself or purchase it somewhere else where cross contamination is possible.

4- Foods You Can Eat

All plain meats, poultry, fish, and eggs, rice, legumes, nuts and seeds, all plain fruits and veggies, dairy products (preferrably organic, grass-fed and best is raw), olive and coconut oils, vinegar (except for malt), and usually anything that says it is gluten-free.

5- Acceptable Grain Substitutes

Rice, coconut, nuts, seeds, beans, arrowroot are some that are acceptable as you begin.  Many of the flours used as alternatives for gluten are not healthful and can cause more problems.  Be sure to vary your diet and not just replace everything with rice.  For proper gut healing stricter guidelines may be used, it is suggested you speak with a health care practitioner. 

6- Distilled Alcohols And Wine Can Be Consumed

Gin, whiskey, and vodka do not contain gluten after the distillation process. Wines are also gluten-free, but beers, ales and lagers are not. Note: Some beers are gluten-free

7- When In Doubt, Bring It Yourself

If you do not know if the places you are going will have foods that you can eat, make sure to have a handy bag or cooler filled with snacks to take with you.

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