Benefits of a gluten-free diet if you suffer gluten intolerance
There are several benefits to a gluten-free diet if you suffer from gluten intolerance.
Improved energy levels due to improved nutrient absorption
People who have gluten sensitivity often suffer from chronic fatigue. This is because consuming gluten products damage their intestines which in turn impairs the absorption of several nutrients including iron. This iron deficiency leads to anaemia which results in debilitating fatigue and exertion intolerance. Switching to a gluten-free diet will give your intestines a chance to heal and this will restore nutrient absorption and improve your energy levels.
Promotes healthy weight gain by addressing intolerance
The symptoms of celiac disease and gluten intolerance include diarrhoea, bloating, gas and fatigue can seem rather vague. As such, the condition can go undiagnosed for decades.
This results in nutritional deficiencies and in many cases, severe and uncontrolled weight loss.
A gluten-free diet will help you regain the lost weight as well as eliminate these nutritional deficiencies.
Eliminates bloating
If you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance, you are likely to experience excess gas and bloating after eating foods that contain gluten. When you switch to a gluten-free diet, you will notice an immediate difference as your digestive distress will disappear.
Reduces joint pain
Celiac disease and gluten intolerance are generally associated with the gastrointestinal tract, but they can have far-reaching effects. Since celiac disease causes an abnormal immune reaction, it increases the risk of inflammation. Therefore, joint pain, especially in the knees, back and wrists is a common symptom of celiac disease. A gluten-free diet will help to prevent this type of joint pain but take steps to ensure that you do not ingest even a small amount of gluten as it can result in a recurrence of your symptoms.
Reduces the frequency of headaches
Over the last couple of decades, scientists have discovered that the gut and brain are closely connected and there are several studies underway to discover the exact implications of this gut-brain connection. People with gluten intolerance and celiac disease are more likely to experience migraine headaches. However, studies show that switching to a gluten-free diet can help to reduce the frequency of these headaches.
Reduces depression
People with celiac disease are more likely to suffer from depression. However, researchers found that following a gluten-free diet has a favourable effect on depression symptoms and can help to improve a patient’s quality of life.
Reduces lactose tolerance
People who suffer from celiac disease or gluten intolerance often exhibit symptoms of lactose intolerance as well. This is because the lining of the gut produces the enzyme lactase which breaks down the lactose found in dairy products. People with a gluten intolerance suffer from damage to the gut which impairs lactase production. However, this effect is temporary, and a gluten-free diet will promote gut health and reduce or even eliminate the symptoms of lactose intolerance.
Improves bone health
Undiagnosed celiac disease patients often suffer from severe calcium deficiencies due to the malabsorption of nutrients. This calcium malabsorption is linked to an increased risk of bone problems such as osteoporosis and osteopenia. Researchers found that celiac patients that followed a gluten-free diet experienced significant improvement in bone mineral density.
Improves skin health
People who have undiagnosed celiac disease or gluten intolerance are at a higher risk for rashes, including eczema and psoriasis. Following a gluten-free diet can help to improve your overall skin health and even eliminate these skin problems.
This information has been sourced from Gluten-Free Living.
Gluten-Free Living has a medical advisory board made up of physicians who are experts in treating those with celiac disease and gluten intolerance. Many are also cutting-edge researchers. The dietitian advisory board is made up of registered dietitians who specialize in the gluten-free diet.
