Is this another one of those fads that doesn’t have much benefit or does it really make a difference to cut out gluten?
Surely you have heard of many people who decide to follow a gluten-free diet, and you are probably wondering if it is a good idea, has benefits or is it another of those fads that simply makes life difficult for those who follow it. Science has the answers you seek.
The gluten-free diet was originally created for those who have an intolerance to this element or have celiac disease, which generates an immune reaction when consuming foods that contain it, such as wheat, barley and rye, but many people have adopted it as a practice to lose weight or in an attempt to follow a healthier diet.
And this is so popular that there are already pastas, desserts and all kinds of foods that bear the Gluten Free seal stamped in large and striking letters, so that you can see them from afar and know that all of this is “healthy”.
The truth is, if you’re not celiac or intolerant, you don’t need to declare war on gluten, but according to sites like GlutenFreeLiving.com and House of Wellness, it’s not dangerous for you to do so, and in fact there are some benefits that may interest you.
Everything you eat affects your health, but it’s not necessarily a good idea to jump on every new diet, at least not without doing a little research before you jump in and try.
Does the gluten-free diet have real benefits?
You have less inflammation
Some studies say that gluten can cause inflammation and not in people who have celiac disease. There are also theories that it can worsen conditions like multiple sclerosis, asthma, anxiety, depression, and arthritis.
Alessio Fasano, MD, of the Celiac Research Center at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, said: “Unlike other proteins, we don’t digest gluten completely. In some people, the immune system sees gluten as the enemy and will unleash weapons to attack, causing inflammation in the intestines as well as other organs and tissues.”
Reduce digestive problems
Even if you’re not celiac, gluten can be difficult to digest because it affects your microbiome and causes all sorts of problems, from inflammation to difficulty going to the bathroom. In this case you can see a difference just by reducing it, without having to remove it completely.
better skin
According to some experts, gluten can worsen conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis and dry skin, and can even cause “gluten rash” or dermatitis herpetiformis, so your skin may look and feel better if you reduce consumption.
Lose weight
Medical News Today says that: “Overall, one study found that a low-gluten diet changed the gut microbiome of participants, reduced their gastrointestinal upset, and resulted in little weight loss. Researchers believe that digestive changes, such as reduced bloating, are caused by alterations in gut bacteria and function.”
fewer headaches
Your gut health affects so many other things in your body, which is why many people, especially those with an intolerance or sensitivity, can experience headaches when eating gluten, and these are reduced if you limit your intake.
you eat healthier
It’s not that gluten is unhealthy, but when you make the decision to follow a gluten-free diet, you become more aware of your overall diet, and that means you’re going to add healthier foods to your diet.