The idea of going gluten-free has caught on like a wildfire lately in diet and health culture. Many people have started going gluten-free for lots of reasons, not all of which are related to allergies or health conditions. If you or your child are wondering what it would mean for you to go gluten-free, you’ve come to the right place.
Why Go Gluten-Free?
First off, you’re probably wondering why so many people have recently started to go gluten-free. Well, there are apparently a lot of health benefits when it comes to avoiding gluten, and not just for the people who are gluten intolerant. Many people insist that staying away from gluten helps improve their energy levels as well as reduces unhealthy weight gain, bloating, and digestive problems. Others insist that going gluten-free reduces symptoms related to anxiety and depression as well as health problems such as frequent headaches. Going gluten-free has also been known to reduce hair loss and improve skin and bone health. Even though gluten has been a regular part of humanity’s diet for thousands of years, there are definitely some benefits to avoiding it.
Foods That Contain Gluten?
So, what foods contain gluten, anyway? The most commonly known source of gluten is wheat, in all of its variations. Rye, barley, malt, and brewer’s yeast also contain gluten. From these gluten-ridden grains come many different food items including pasta, bread, snack crackers, cookies, baked goods, granola, and breakfast foods. For this reason, gluten can be difficult to wean off of because it exists in so many different food items. However, there are some people that need to go off of gluten for dire health reasons, and therefore have to avoid these foods more strictly. Gastroenterologists work with people with different gastrointestinal conditions including celiac disease, which is one of the reasons why someone would decide to forgo gluten.
Is Gluten-Free Right for Me?
If you are trying to decide if a gluten-free diet would be right for you, ask yourself why you would choose to go on it. Many people choose to go gluten-free if they are wanting to lose weight quickly and easily. While this is an effective course of action, the weight loss that comes from a gluten-free diet can be difficult to maintain. Other people choose to go gluten-free because it helps their body to feel better and function more properly, as discussed above. Try to find your personal motivation for going gluten-free and decide if it is right for you.
Going gluten-free can be a difficult and intimidating step, no matter where you are in your health journey. It definitely requires a lot of planning and forethought, especially when it comes to meal planning. As you weigh your options and the pros and cons of going gluten-free, trust that you’ll find an option that is right for your lifestyle.
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