Going gluten-free seems to be all the rage now. Even celebrities are talking about going gluten-free and its advantages. As we are all health-conscious people, we want to make sure that what we eat is healthy.
But there is one more thing you need to take care of when eating food. Whether you are sensitive to the ingredients in those foods, and that’s when gluten-free foods become even more important.
But what are gluten-free diets? And are they advantageous to everyone?
Let’s address all these questions in this blog.
What Is Gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. It works as a glue, and it allows food to keep its structure and texture.
In people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, gluten can cause the following symptoms.
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating and vomiting
- Constipation and diarrhoea
- Fatigue and headache
- Skin rashes.
Advantages of Going Gluten-Free
Let’s look at the advantages of going gluten-free, here.
1. It enhances energy levels.
Gluten intolerance leaves individuals grappling with chronic fatigue. This is a direct result of compromised nutrient absorption from a damaged intestinal wall.
This deficiency can escalate into iron deficiency anaemia, contributing to persistent weakness.
On the other hand, transitioning to a gluten-free diet facilitates the healing of the intestines. And it also helps in restoring optimal nutrient absorption and elevating energy levels.
2. It ensures digestive well-being
If you have difficulties with chronic digestive issues, going gluten-free can be a game-changer. The dietary shift promotes the healing of the intestine.
A diet without gluten reduces symptoms associated with celiac disease, such as bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, and fatigue.
You can ensure enhanced digestive health, overall well-being, and a better quality of life by embracing a diet without gluten.
3. It facilitates healthy weight gain
Gluten allergy can lead to chronic diarrhoea and fatigue. This can further cause significant weight loss, often stemming from undiagnosed symptoms that impede nutrient absorption.
A gluten-free diet becomes a restorative ally, aiding in weight regain while addressing nutritional deficiencies. By eliminating the hurdles to proper nutrient absorption, individuals can reclaim lost weight.
And this helps them ensure a healthier, balanced physique.
4. Potential improvement in autism symptoms
Many clinical practitioners suggest that a gluten-free diet could play a role in ameliorating behavioural, social, and learning aspects in children with autism.
But the clinical studies and data to support these claims are inadequate, to say the least. Some paediatricians advocate for exploring this dietary approach as part of many attempts to manage autism symptoms.
However, more research and studies are required to finalize these observations.
5. It enhances bone health
Untreated celiac disease can decrease calcium absorption over time, heightening one’s risk for conditions like osteoporosis that compromise bone health.
However, research indicates that adopting a gluten-free diet may restore the body’s ability to properly take in calcium, thereby promoting increases in bone density.
As such, those seeking to bolster bone strength and overall skeletal well-being may benefit substantially from eliminating gluten from their diet.
6. It improves skin and hair health
Celiac disease commonly elevates risks of skin conditions like rashes or eczema and substantial hair loss.
Adopting a strict gluten-free diet though can spur visible transformations in skin and hair health stemming from celiac-based deterioration. If you can address the underlying issue behind worsening skin and hair well-being, you can address most hair and skin health issues.
As gluten intake decreases, the health of your skin and hair will gradually improve. And you will be able to notice the difference.
Best Gluten-free Foods
Check out the list of the best gluten-free foods you can buy and consume confidently.
1. Crackers
Enjoy a burst of the best flavours of crispy and irresistible crackers from The Natural Food Store. Made from high-quality, hand-picked potatoes, the gluten-free crackers are the best from The Natural Food Store.
These absolutely gluten-free crackers are a healthy snack you can consume any time of the day with your children or loved ones.
2. Nuts
Nuts are a great option for gluten-sensitive people as they are usually free from gluten. Almonds are the best gluten-free nuts. In addition to being gluten-free, they also have numerous health benefits.
Hence, it makes sense to include them in your diet whether you are sensitive to gluten.
You can find gluten-free almonds in most grocery stores.
3. Granola Bars
Who says granola bars are not for gluten-sensitive people? We don’t because we have granola bars made from the best ingredients free from gluten, fat, and sugar.
4. Dips
Dips are another great food you can buy from The Natural Food Store. Manufactured by Walden Farms, dips are available in various flavours at the store.
Natural and extremely healthy, the dips are free from gluten, sugars, fat, etc.
5. Rice Snacks
These are another delicious snack you can have confidently. These are made from gluten-free baking flour. Hence, you don’t have to worry about that at all.
In addition to being free from gluten, rice snacks are also healthy since they do not have cholesterol, trans fat, or preservatives.
Risks to Avoiding Gluten-Free Diet Without Celiac Disease
Cutting gluten from your diet might seem like a healthy choice. However, it can sometimes have potential pitfalls.
Here are a few things to consider.
- Eliminating gluten leads to insufficient intake of essential nutrients, such as fibre, micronutrients, vitamins, etc., found in whole grains.
- Some gluten-free alternatives may lead to the consumption of highly processed food with unhealthy ingredients like excessive sodium, sugar, fat, etc.
- Gluten-containing foods are a great source of essential nutrients, such as B vitamins, iron, magnesium, etc. Avoiding gluten may lead to a deficiency of these nutrients.
- Processed gluten-free foods may not be a healthier choice. You need to check individual nutritional requirements first before adopting such a diet.
- Whole grains help lower cholesterol levels and regulate blood sugar. Hence, avoiding them may increase the risk of heart disease or diabetes.
Conclusion
People exclude gluten from their diets for different reasons. And those without gluten intolerance can generally process it without issue. However, for those with allergies, consuming food with gluten will have adverse health effects. Therefore, gluten-intolerant individuals must always avoid such food.
And if you are seeking gluten-free chips, crackers, etc., in Canada, The Natural Food Store has numerous food products from leading brands, such as Walden Farms, Elan, Gafen, etc. Their online inventory features a vast selection of favourite items, from beverages to natural goods, all guaranteed gluten-free.
You can browse the range of offerings through their website and discover quality substitutions for essential staples. By exploring the store’s catalogue, you can find different food varieties to meet your dietary needs.