There are many negative health effects of gluten, although many people do not know about them, and some don’t believe that they are susceptible to them. Today, more than one third of people surveyed in 2013 were actively trying to eliminate gluten from their diets. In fact, there are many reasons that removing gluten from your diet can be good for your health, and it is certainly a way to eliminate unhealthy foods from your usual routine. Once you decide to stop eating gluten, you may notice dramatic changes in the quality of your life, and the energy you gain from healthier options will help you feel your best at all times.
Celiac Disease
Previously unknown to most, Celiac disease has now been diagnosed in more patients than ever before, but many still go without professional diagnosis. Gluten is a protein composite found in many types of grains, including wheat, spelt, rye, and barley. This substance consists of two key proteins, gliadin and glutenin, and gliadin is thought to be the protein causing the negative health effects. By eating gluten-free foods, you can start the process of cleansing your body of this unhealthy protein and allowing your energy to return.
When flour is mixed with water, gluten forms a sticky, cross-linked network of proteins that give it the elastic properties associated with dough. This also allows bread to rise by giving fuel to yeast. When gluten reaches your digestive tract and is exposed to your immune system, it is often mistaken for a foreign invader and attacked. In those with Celiac disease, this response is extreme, causing a number of serious reactions that can be life-threatening.
This immune reaction can cause degeneration of the intestinal wall, leading to nutrient deficiencies, digestion problems, anaemia, fatigue, and decreased immune strength that may lead to other, more serious infections. If you feel unwell after eating gluten in any form, it may be a good idea to visit your physician to determine whether you have a sensitivity.
Highly Common
Full-blown celiac disease is not the only way to experience sensitivity to gluten, and it is far more common for a person to react negatively to it than you might think. Although there is no clear definition of the sensitivity or tolerance, many people experience an improved lifestyle after making the switch to a gluten-free diet. Without the disease, you do not have to worry about your body attacking your own tissues, but many of the other symptoms remain, such as bloating, stomach pain, fatigue, diarrhoea, and pain in the bones and joints.
Whether you simply suspect sensitivity or were diagnosed with celiac disease by your doctor, it is in your best interest to try a gluten-free diet. Even if you do not have sensitivity, avoiding gluten-rich pasta and breads will help you enjoy a healthier diet filled with the right kind of nutrition. After several months, you may even be a kilogram or two lighter for your trouble, and everyone loves the chance to enjoy a healthier body.
