Gluten-free diets are very popular these days, rightly so because of medical conditions, such as celiac disease, though sometimes it’s because a gluten-free diet plan is considered to be “healthier”.
4 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Going Gluten-Free
1. Do you have a sensitive stomach?
A recent study by the British Medical Journal found that people without celiac disease can have sensitivities to wheat proteins. In these individuals, the wheat protein can cause damage to the intestinal lining and trigger the immune system to see the protein as an offender in the body, leading to inflammation, pain and other symptoms.
The only true way to know if you may have a wheat sensitivity is to do an elimination diet. Cut out all wheat from your diet for 4-6 weeks, then reintroduce it. Keep a food journal of what symptoms you have with and without the wheat, and work with your doctor or naturopath to identify if you have a sensitivity. (Always check with your doctor or naturopath before starting a gluten elimination diet.)
2. Do you have psoriasis?
If you have psoriasis, you may benefit from going gluten-free. A study in the Journal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis found that some individuals with psoriasis experienced an improvement in their symptoms after following a gluten-free diet.
3. Do you have depression?
In some individuals with gluten sensitivities, going gluten-free might help with some symptoms of depression.
4. Do you have an autoimmune disorder?
A new study presented at United European Gastroenterology Week found that some autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, asthma, lupus, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and inflammatory bowel disease, may be worsened by a certain class of wheat proteins.
A Gluten-Free Food List
If you and your doctor or naturopath decide that going gluten-free is an appropriate choice for you, it’s relatively easy to make simple changes to your diet. Focus on choosing whole foods, such as protein and vegetables, and eating a wide variety of fresh, nutritious foods to be sure you get all the nutrients your body needs.
Many gluten-free options are highly processed, and replace gluten with chemical additives. Always check labels, and focus on choosing naturally gluten-free foods. For example, the following whole foods are naturally gluten-free and nutritious choices for all types of diets:
- Oatmeal
- Eggs
- Rice
- Potatoes
- Vegetables
- Fish, chicken and turkey
A gluten-free diet plan is not for everyone, but for some individuals, it does have health benefits. If you suspect that you have a gluten intolerance, speak with your doctor to rule out any other underlying health problems and create a plan of action.
