Gluten: A name we have heard very often in the past decade. Although this is a very common name in the health-care community, many do not know what “gluten” really is nor how to avoid it if necessary.
Gluten is a protein that is found in grains like wheat, rye, barley and malt. When someone is allergic to this protein, it indicates that the body cannot digest nor absorb it properly. This allergy can be expressed in diseases like celiac, gluten ataxia, or intolerance to the gluten protein.
Common symptoms of those who suffer from gluten allergies can include bloating, constipation, abdominal pain, fatigue, vitamin deficiencies, depression, anxiety, migraines, and joint pain. Avoiding gluten in one’s diet can prevent these issues from occurring. Those who suffer from irritable bowel disease, arthritis, fibromyalgia and autoimmune thyroid diseases can also benefit from being on a gluten free diet.
Top Six Benefits Of A Grainless / Gluten Free Diet
- Gluten Free Reduces Frequent Headaches
One recent study demonstrated a clear link between migraine headaches and gluten consumption. This is due to the fact that gluten irritates and attacks the mucosal wall of the digestive system, inducing an autoimmune state of damage.
Gluten causes immune cells release antibodies against itself, and this programs the immune system to attack anytime gluten is “seen”. This causes tissues in the body to suffer damage any time gluten is consumed, regardless if you are diagnosed as celiac. Eliminating gluten from you diet can aid in the reduction of headaches, especially gluten inflammation-based headaches.
- Gluten Free Boosts Bone Health
During a sensitivity reaction to gluten (which happens at any level of gluten consumption) it causes the digestive system to become damaged. This damage prevents vitamins, minerals and other nutrients from being absorbed, leading to macro/micronutrient malnutrition.
If left untreated, malnutrition of essential nutrients like calcium and iron can lead to weak bones and anemia. Weak bones in the spine are detrimental to your neurological health! Studies have shown that a gluten free diet can prevent further inflammation to the small intestine resulting in the absorption of essential nutrients and even stronger bones!
- Gluten Free Clears Your Skin
Gluten can cause the formation of acne, eczema, and even plaque psoriasis. This is due to the connection between the gut and the nervous system. Gluten is viewed as a toxin, which must be cleared from the body. Skin is your largest detox organ, so acne, dermatitis and other skin inflammatory conditions can be causes and exacerbated by the reaction you body has to gluten. A number of studies have shown that psoriasis and celiac disease share inflammatory pathways. Early evidence suggests that a gluten free diet could benefit some patients who suffer from psoriasis. - Gluten Free Improves Digestive Health
Those who suffer with any gluten problem know that the stress to their gut is extensive. Bloating, stomach pain, and acid reflux are some of the symptoms demonstrated by the gut that is intolerant to gluten. Avoiding gluten can prevent the stress and inflammation to the gut that causes the symptoms mentioned above. Due to the gut comprising 80% of our immune system, removing gluten to alleviate gut-stress is necessary for immune improvement. Lower inflammation in the gut means a healthier immune system which in turn creates a healthier you! - Gluten Free Increases Your Energy
As previously mentioned, severe intolerance to gluten can cause nutrient deficiencies. Deficiencies in essential nutrients causes chronic fatigue. Your body feels weak due to the lack of necessary elements that promote energy production. Start consuming organic fruits, vegetables, nuts/seeds and meats. Changing your diet to focus on consuming these superior foods will cause your energy levels to sky-rocket! - Gluten Free Removes Depression, Anxiety & Brain Fog
In a recent study, it was confirmed that gluten elimination can provide an effective treatment for mood disorders. This is due to the fact that your gut and nervous system are interconnected, when the gut is under stress it can cause brain stress – ie depression and anxiety. Mood swings, depression and anxiety are common in adults with undiagnosed gluten sensitivities. Removing gluten from your diet can prevent the gut from becoming inflamed thus resolving mood disorders.
Although gluten free diet has become very popular in the past decade, being gluten free has obvious benefits which make it a lifestyle vs a diet. Here’s one thing I know…. Gluten of today isn’t the gluten of your childhood, nor your parents. Its been hybridized and modified to become a lectin-like neuro-digesive-organic toxin that decreases human potential anytime it’s consumed. Removing it, which means anything that is wheat/bread based, will drastically improve your overall health.