Many of us have heard people rave about a gluten-free diet and how they don’t feel bloated, have so much energy, and in the long-run healthier overall than those who consume gluten. So, is it true? First, it helps to know what gluten is. According to livescience.com, gluten refers to the proteins found in wheat endosperm (Gliadin and Prolamin protein).
Although gluten has not been proven to be bad for you, many people have an intolerance to gluten. This means that their bodies produces an abnormal response while trying to break down the proteins in gluten during digestion, which results in inflammation and intestinal damage. Prolonged inflammation can lead to weight loss, diarrhea, and bloating.
The most common gluten intolerance prevalent in the United States is celiac disease, which according to the National Institutes of Health affects more than two million people in the United States. People who follow a gluten-free diet must be cautious about: pasta, bread, beer, french fries, salad dressing, soy sauce, and some soups. However, there are gluten-free alternatives available, but doctors do not recommend people who do not have a gluten intolerance to follow a gluten-free diet, because they are often devoid of essential nutrients.
For those hoping to follow a gluten-free diet in hopes of losing weight, you are out of luck, because many of the gluten-free alternatives are higher in calories. Gluten- free products contain many extra sugars and fats to help the product taste the same as the gluten product.
