The era of gluten-free foods and diet was thought to be a fad, but it’s now becoming more evident that it isn’t.
In fact, the gluten-free diet is here to stay, especially because of the growing population of gluten intolerant/sensitive people and those who have celiac disease.
In addition to that, gluten-diet also has several health benefits to gluten-tolerant people.
What Is Gluten And The Gluten-Free Diet?
Gluten is a type of protein mainly found in barley, wheat, rye, and other grains.
Gluten is present in a lot of foods–from cereals and snacks to bread, beverages, sauces, and even spices.
Some people are diagnosed as gluten intolerant or sensitive, so they have to adhere to gluten-free diets.
Thankfully, there are naturally gluten-free foods available.
Besides, gluten can be artificially extracted from gluten foods to make them gluten-free.
That way, people who are intolerant can still eat normal meals, like, cake, cereals, etc., without worrying about gluten.
Hence, despite their intolerance, they can still enjoy their favorite desserts and continue to learn how to write on a cake.
Nonetheless, in recent times, even people without gluten-restrictive conditions are going on a gluten-free diet due to its health benefits.
That being said, here are the health benefits of a gluten-free diet:
1. Promotes Healthy Weight Gain/Loss
Unhealthy weight gain or loss is a problem most people battle from time to time.
Most people don’t know that the unhealthy and possibly unusual weight gain or loss might be due to gluten intolerance or gluten sensitivity.
Whether you’re going on a gluten-free diet because of your health condition or you’re doing it without any health challenge prompt, this diet can help you gain and retain a healthy weight.
By improving your digestive system and managing your blood sugar levels, gluten-free foods will help you gain and retain just the right weight.
Even if a little weight needs to be shed to help you achieve your best healthy self, the gluten-free diet may help you achieve that, too.
2. Improves Energy Levels
Gluten intolerant or sensitive people often suffer minor or chronic fatigue.
This is because their gluten intake damages their intestine lines, which affects the regular absorption of nutrients, particularly iron and zinc.
The deficiency of iron and zinc, in turn, leads to anemia, which is associated with minor and chronic fatigue.
By not having foods that have gluten, your intestines can have a chance to heal and absorb nutrients efficiently.
As the body gets all the necessary nutrients it needs, your energy levels are bound to experience a boost.
Even people who aren’t gluten intolerant are likely to feel more active than before.
3. Improves Bone And Joints Health
For gluten-restrictive people, the intestines’ impairment means that nutrient deficiency becomes the norm until they go on a gluten-free diet.
With calcium deficiency comes bone and joint problems such as osteoporosis, osteopenia, arthritis, rheumatism, and the likes.
By staying off gluten products, the intestines can heal and absorb nutrients, including calcium, iron, and zinc, as mentioned above.
A gluten-free diet, then, reduces the risk of bones and joints-related health problems.
Even for people without gluten intolerance or sensitivity, going on a gluten-free diet helps improve the bones and joints’ mineral density.
4. Reduces/Eliminates Lactose Intolerance
Slowly, the percentage of people who exhibit symptoms of lactose intolerance is increasing.
Surprisingly, most people who now have this condition weren’t born with it.
Since the condition develops over time, researchers have found out that it’s treatable as well.
According to some studies, a gluten-free diet might be instrumental in treating and even eliminating lactose intolerance.
This is because the damage gluten does to the lining of the gut impairs the lactase production enzyme.
That, in turn, results in the malabsorption of lactose.
By going off gluten food, the lactase production system could recover with time and eliminate the symptoms of lactose intolerance.
5. Reduces Headache And Migraine Bouts
If undetected, taking gluten when you’re gluten intolerant or sensitive could cause headaches and migraine bouts.
Researchers discovered that there’s a close connection between the intestines and the brain.
Since gluten impairs the intestines, the result triggers a negative reaction in the brain.
Frequent headache is one of the most common symptoms of gluten intolerance.
However, switching to a gluten-free diet might help reduce the frequency.
Even if you’re not gluten intolerant, going off gluten can boost your overall health. So, it’s a win-win situation for you.
Conclusion
From improving the digestive system to reducing migraine bouts, the gluten-free diet sure has diverse health benefits.
It is, therefore, not surprising that both gluten intolerant people and those without any gluten restriction are opting for it.
If you’re yet to try this diet, now might be the best time to join the train to enjoy the health benefits