Gluten Free Journey

Gluten free diet is mandatory for people suffering from gluten intolerance or celiac disease because, every time they eat gluten-containing foods, they suffer an immune reaction. Studies also show that, if they continue to consume foods with gluten, the chances of making gastrointestinal cancer are 40 to 100 times higher, compared to the rest of the population.

Some of the symptoms of gluten intolerance are: weakness, bloating, bone pain, chronic diarrhea, and progressive weight loss. Statistically, 1 in 133 Americans suffer from this condition. Fortunately, a gluten free diet is the answer to managing this disease. Moreover, it is not just for celiacs’. More and more people are starting on it, taking into advantage its health benefits.

Following a gluten free diet means excluding from your daily intake of food all products that contain gluten. Gluten is a protein that can mostly be found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. When purchasing products, you must be certain they are gluten free. Manufacturers have started to highlight this thing and supermarkets have special sections for gluten free products. So you don’t have to give up pizza or pasta. You can find them gluten free. Only pay attention to labels, though, to see if what you buy doesn’t have additives containing gluten.

You can also have your own home-made gluten free foods. Cooking them is not difficult at all and you can find many and varied recipes on the Internet. There are even restaurants nowadays that are categorized as gluten free friendly, so eating out is no longer a problem.

You must be aware that your level of vitamins and minerals can be lower than recommended when you live a gluten free diet, because the grains you eliminate contain or are enriched with nutrients. So make sure you plan your diet so as to get enough daily vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.

Even celebrities recognize the benefits of a gluten free diet and have turned to it. Gwyneth Palthrow, Oprah and Victoria Beckham are only some of them.

One of the numerous advantages of this diet is that of helping you in losing weight. Your caloric intake is limited and fat is rapidly burned. Other reported advantages are clearer skin, having a better sleep and less anxiety, and being more energetic.

Whether you are following a gluten free diet because you are gluten intolerant, want to be healthier or want to lose weight you will always get benefits from it.