Is the gluten-free diet a fad or is it really a necessity? It depends on your reason for doing it. Are you following the celebrities and hoping to lose weight and look like a starlet? Then it is a fad.
But, if you have been diagnosed with celiac disease or are gluten intolerant and have experienced greater health since eliminating gluten from your diet, then it is absolutely a necessity!
Let's explore why the gluten-free diet is perceived as a fad:
1. Weight Loss
Ok, so you've heard about the Hollywood folks going without gluten and how they've lost so much weight. The "no gluten" weight-loss theory claims that digestion is improved, metabolism is faster, and weight loss is imminent. Not so fast. Gluten-free diets have a tendency to be lower in fiber and nutrients and higher in calories, especially if you do not increase fruit and vegetable consumption. And, if you are just replacing your chocolate chip cookies with packaged gluten-free ones, you are still eating processed foods and are probably not on your way to a slimmer body. Sorry.
Honestly, the adage "eat less, exercise more" still applies to most people. If you must stop eating gluten for health reasons, please make sure you add more fruits, vegetables, beans, and explore other grains (quinoa, rice, etc.). Your waistline and overall wellness will thank you.
2. Gluten-Free Grocery and Restaurant Options
Doesn't sound like a bad thing, huh? It's fabulous for those of us who have gluten intolerance or celiac disease. We have so many choices these days! Eating is becoming easier and acceptance is more mainstream.
And, boy, are the gluten-free food manufacturers raking in the cash! Just look at the size of the gluten-free aisle in your grocery store. These foods make it so convenient and easy, but these packaged non-gluten goodies can have lower fiber and higher calories. So, your best bet overall is to eat a more natural diet for better health.
The problem with these grocery and restaurant alternatives is that many people may consider gluten-free as a trend and, therefore, not take it or us seriously. Uninformed, uneducated restaurant staff may not think it's a big deal and carelessly contaminate our food (not remove wheat ingredients properly, cook/mix in pans/bowls used for gluten-containing foods). Hidden gluten in food can result in dire consequences for some of us: intestinal damage, bowel disease, anemia, malnourishment, osteoporosis, and other debilitating conditions and autoimmune diseases. Let's be careful, please.
3. Not Adhering to a Strict Gluten-Free Diet
Some folks are gluten-free at home but don't bother at parties, restaurants, or kids' sleepovers. In my opinion, this behavior causes gluten intolerance and celiac disease to be taken less seriously (see grocery and restaurant section above). Not to mention, if you must eliminate gluten for health reasons and are approaching this casually, you are not doing your body or this serious health condition a favor.
People diagnosed with celiac disease must strictly adhere to a life without gluten in order to begin intestinal healing to absorb vital nutrients and alleviate intestinal inflammation. Even with gluten intolerance, which may or may not cause permanent damage to the intestines, going totally without gluten is a safe bet to feel well and keep illnesses at bay.
In summary, the gluten-free revolution has increased awareness and food options for those of us who must eat this way to thrive. However, we are often not taken seriously and sometimes carelessly contaminated by nay-sayers. Educating the public to better understand the risks of gluten intolerance and celiac disease and appreciate the benefits of the gluten-free diet will best serve us all.
Toni B. Snyder invites you to visit www.glutenfreehowto.com for more information on gluten-free living. Dr. Snyder is a nutrition consultant specializing in the management of common nutrient deficiencies and related health concerns associated with food sensitivities and allergies. Take her Free Health Assessment and discover the benefits of personal nutrition consulting.
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