Five Signs You Should Be Giving up Gluten

Five Signs You Should Be Giving up Gluten

While eliminating gluten isn't exactly a new concept, more and more people continue to switch their diets over to a gluten free lifestyle. In fact, gluten free has become somewhat of a buzzword in the health and wellness industry. With more restaurants and food brands providing gluten free meal options, sticking to a gluten free diet is now easier than ever. So, is gluten good for you or should you be changing your diet? Whether you have celiac disease or suffer from a minor intolerance, this informative guide will help you better understand gluten and if it should be included in your diet.

What Is Gluten?

Before deciding to ditch gluten altogether, it's essential that you first understand what it is. Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye and is often included in various meals. Pasta, bread and baked goods are among the top carriers of gluten. Now, if you're wondering why anyone would ever choose to give these foods up, you're not alone. The truth is, many who become gluten free don't decide to do so randomly. Often before ditching gluten altogether, individuals experience negative symptoms after eating it or take a test affirming that they have celiac disease.

What Is Celiac Disease?

Five Signs You Should Be Giving up Gluten | Bob's Red Mill Blog Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. Celiac disease symptoms are triggered upon the consumption of gluten, which causes damage to the small intestine. When individuals with celiac consume gluten, they experience an internal autoimmune attack on their small intestine. This attack prevents essential nutrients from being absorbed, and when vital nutrients cannot be absorbed, our body doesn't function as it should.

What Is Gluten Intolerance?

There's a big difference between having celiac disease and gluten intolerance. Gluten intolerance applies to those that have gluten sensitivity. This means that they suffer from many similar symptoms that those with celiac disease do after consuming gluten. However, their small intestines are not destroyed or damaged in the process.

Should You Stop Eating Gluten All Together?

If you do not have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, you may wonder about the benefits of giving up gluten. Many individuals choose to eliminate gluten from their diet for various health benefits. Because a gluten free diet can restrict many high-calorie, high-carb foods like bread and pasta, it's often linked to weight loss. That being said, it's essential to make sure you have a healthy balance of carbs in your diet, especially the "good" kind. Healthy carbs can be found in many naturally gluten free foods like fruits, vegetables and beans. Gluten free grains like quinoa and gluten free rolled oats can also be enjoyed as a substitute in traditional grain recipes.

Five Signs You Should Be Avoiding Gluten

Wondering if gluten could be to blame for your stomach issues? Many individuals are sensitive to gluten without even knowing it. Keep scrolling to discover five signs that you should be giving up gluten. If, after reading this, you feel like gluten could be a cause of your health issues, we recommend talking to a doctor about your symptoms.

You Feel Bloated Often

Five Signs You Should Be Giving up Gluten | Bob's Red Mill Blog If you find that you feel bloated daily, it might be time to check in with your body. Bloating is commonly described as an uncomfortably full feeling or swelling in the abdomen after eating. Bloating is one of the most common symptoms of individuals who are sensitive or intolerant to gluten and frequently happens after eating a meal containing large amounts of it. For a no-bloat gluten free dinner recipe, try out this Sweet Potato Gnocchi With Sage Pesto.

You Experience Digestion Problems

Bloating isn't the only stomach problem you'll experience if you're sensitive to gluten. Many digestion issues such as gas, diarrhea and constipation can arise after eating gluten. If you're experiencing these symptoms regularly, especially after eating gluten-rich foods, it's time to take note. If your digestion problems begin to clear up after removing gluten from your diet, then it's likely gluten was the culprit. This is something you'll want to bring up at your next health appointment. Looking for a gluten free recipe that's easy to digest? Make this Easy Chickpea Flatbread with Vegetables.

You Have Headaches Often

Do you experience headaches regularly? If so, then gluten could be to blame. While removing gluten doesn't solve everyone's headaches, they are much more common in individuals with a gluten sensitivity.

You Experience Skin Problems

Dry skin is often seasonal. However, if you have dry skin year-round or notice that it's gradually gotten worse, check the amount of gluten you're eating. Itchiness, rashes and acne are all common skin issues associated with gluten intolerance. For a gluten free recipe with skin-boosting benefits, try out these Superhero Muffins.

You Notice Changes in Your Mental Health

Five Signs You Should Be Giving up Gluten | Bob's Red Mill Blog Food doesn't only affect how you feel physically, it's also fuel for your brain. Unhealthy eating habits or food sensitivities can drastically affect your mental health. If you notice that gluten-filled foods usually lead to an unhappy mood, try incorporating gluten free recipes into your diet to see how you feel. Boost your brain health with this Quinoa Salad with Jalapeno Honey Dressing.

Pros and Cons of a Gluten Free Diet

Still wondering if you should go gluten free? Let's take a look at some critical pros and cons.

Pros

Eliminating Gluten Can Lead to a Healthier Life

For individuals who have celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, cutting gluten out of their diet can lead to an overall healthier life. Eliminating gluten from your diet will prevent damage to the small intestines, and the body will finally be able to start absorbing nutrients as it should. If you're struggling with stomach problems after you eat gluten-rich foods, then you may want to eliminate gluten from your diet for a while to see how you feel. Many individuals say they feel significantly better upon their diet change. Looking to try out your first gluten free recipe? We recommend these Gluten Free Granola Blueberry Pancakes.

It Could Increase Your Energy

Energy is essential to a happy, healthy lifestyle. We all need energy to accomplish our daily tasks, especially with many of us adjusting to a new work-from-home lifestyle. When you remove gluten from your diet, you also remove many high-calorie carbs, which can cause bloating and fatigue. While complex-carbs are essential, simple carbs may do more harm than good, and eliminating them can improve your health. If you plan on incorporating more complex carbs in your diet, reach for wholesome foods like sweet potatoes, Gluten Free Steel Cut Oats, and black beans.

Can Increase Your Intake of Fruits and Veggies

Five Signs You Should Be Giving up Gluten | Bob's Red Mill Blog When you replace gluten-loaded foods like pasta with more natural foods like fruits and veggies, you automatically increase your intake of their health-boosting benefits. Now, this doesn't mean that you have to say goodbye to your favorite comfort foods. With gluten free awareness being on the rise, finding gluten-free swaps for your favorite recipes is now easier than ever. Swap out traditional pizza crust with cauliflower, or sub in Gluten Free Pasta Noodles or zucchini noodles. The opportunities are endless!

Cons of a Gluten Free Diet

It May Take Some Time to Get Used To

If you're used to eating a gluten-heavy diet, then finding equally as satisfying substitutes may take some time. However, it's not impossible. Gluten free bread recipes, gluten free oats and gluten free pasta make it easy to continue making your favorite meals, sans the gluten. Many recipes do a great job of matching the dishes original taste, and they won't leave you feeling sick afterward.

You'll Need to Watch Your Nutrient Intake

Five Signs You Should Be Giving up Gluten | Bob's Red Mill Blog If you're sensitive to gluten-filled foods, that doesn't mean that these foods are harmful. Many gluten free foods are full of essential nutrients that your body needs to stay healthy and strong. When first starting a gluten free diet, you must watch your nutrient intake and make sure you're eating a wide variety of grains, fruits and vegetables. Sticking to natural foods will help ensure that you're consuming quality nutrients that will make you feel healthy and strong.

Greater Risk for Anemia

As we mentioned, gluten-filled foods aren't free of nutrients. In fact, many foods that contain gluten contain high amounts of iron. When going gluten free, it's crucial to find natural ways to replace the lost iron. Foods like beans, nuts and dried fruit are high in iron and are an essential part of a gluten free diet. As with following any diet, it's important that you customize your meals to your needs. Begin to note how your body feels after each meal and work with a health professional to ensure that you're receiving an adequate amount of vitamins daily. We hope that this guide has helped you better understand the benefits of a gluten free diet and who it pertains to. While a gluten free diet may not be for everyone, it is essential for those with celiac disease. From everyone at Bob's Red Mill, we wish you a healthy and happy day!
Bob's Red Mill
March 20 2021

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