There’s a lot of buzz surrounding a gluten free diet, with everyone from celebrities to pro athletes touting the benefits of this diet. But these diets aren’t for everyone. Actually, you need to be sure that it is the ideal meal plan to follow before deciding on the next step of action.
Just as a quick reminder, a gluten free diet excludes any foods containing gluten, which is a protein found in wheat and several other grains. It means sticking to only whole foods that don’t contain gluten, such as fruits, vegetables, eggs, and meat.
It is worth mentioning that gluten is a protein naturally occurring in some foods, but it can also be added to foods during processing for texture. You can use gluten as a binding agent and flavoring. That explains why you can sometimes find it in foods you wouldn’t expect.
You’d be obliged into thinking that gluten-free means not eating any carbohydrates. However, this is not really the case. Lots of food containing carbs, such as rice, potatoes, and beans, don’t contain gluten.
So, who should consider eating a gluten free diet? Well, this diet is perfect for people with celiac disease, an autoimmune response to gluten that causes the body to attack the small intestine. This leads to belly pain, nausea, diarrhea, or bloating. Keep in mind people with celiac disease can’t tolerate gluten in any form and must follow a gluten free diet for the rest of their lives.
Things are not any different for people with gluten sensitivity since this diet can work wonders for them. It is essential not to assume that gastrointestinal irritation is the result of gluten. If you feel like you have a gluten intolerance, then it would be better to work with a physician and a registered dietitian to get to the bottom of your symptoms.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a test for gluten intolerance. For this reason, some doctors may consider trying a process of elimination such as the low FODMAP diet. This temporary eating plan eliminates lots of foods that can irritate the gut.
