Gluten-free nutrition: advantages and disadvantages

Gluten-free nutrition: advantages and disadvantages

gluten-free nutrition: advantages and disadvantages

A gluten -free diet has become increasingly popular in recent years. Many people choose because they believe that they bring health benefits. But what exactly is gluten and how does the waiver affect our health? In this article we will deal with the advantages and disadvantages of a gluten-free diet.

What is gluten?

Gluten is a protein that occurs in some types of grain, especially in wheat, rye and barley. It is responsible for the elastic texture of Teigen and gives bread and pastries their characteristic consistency. However, gluten can also cause health problems, especially for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

celiac disease and gluten intolerance

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease in which the gluten immune system considers gluten to be harmful and attacks the intestine when gluten is consumed. This can lead to inflammation and damage to the small intestine mucosa and results in various symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss and tiredness.

known as a non-Zöliac gluten intolerance or wheat sensitivity, is a less serious reaction to gluten. People with gluten intolerance experience symptoms similar to celiac disease, although the cause of the symptoms cannot be explained by an autoimmune reaction.

It is important to note that not everyone who reacts sensitive to gluten suffers from celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Some people report an improvement in their symptoms if they avoid foods containing gluten, although their intolerance has not been diagnosed.

Advantages of a gluten -free diet

symptom relief in celiac disease and gluten intolerance

The most obvious advantage of gluten -free nutrition is that it helps people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance to alleviate their symptoms and improve their health. Avoiding gluten is the only effective treatment for people with celiac disease because the disease is a lifelong autoimmune disease. By avoiding gluten -containing food, the inflammation in the intestine can be reduced and potential damage can be prevented.

In people with gluten intolerance, the symptoms can also disappear or lose weight if they avoid gluten -containing foods. Although the exact mechanisms behind this reaction are not yet fully understood, it is known that the waiver of gluten can improve intestinal health.

Treatment of other diseases

There are also other diseases and symptoms in which a gluten -free diet is used as supportive therapy. Some examples are inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and lupus. Although research is not yet clear, there is indications that these diseases can relieve gluten. However, it is important to note that a gluten -free diet should not be a sole treatment and should always take place in consultation with a doctor.

weight loss and improvement in metabolic health

A gluten -free diet can also lead to weight loss and an improvement in metabolic health, especially in people who are overweight or obese. A study showed that people with celiac disease who comply with a gluten -free diet lose significantly in weight. In addition, an improvement in blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity in people with diabetes who comply with a gluten -free diet was also found.

Disadvantages of a gluten -free diet

Although there are some advantages of gluten -free diet, it is also important to take the possible disadvantages into account.

lack of nutrients

Many gluten -containing foods such as wheat are rich in important nutrients such as fiber, vitamins and minerals. The absence of these foods can lead to a shortage of these nutrients, especially if the gluten -free diet is not carefully planned. It is important to find alternative sources for fiber, B vitamins, iron and folic acid to ensure that the body receives all the needed nutrients.

Restriction of food selection and social effects

A gluten -free diet can also limit the selection of food and lead to social restrictions. It can be difficult to eat gluten -free because gluten is contained in many foods that we normally consume, such as bread, pasta, cake and beer. It takes time and effort to adapt to a gluten -free diet and find suitable alternatives. In addition, social situations such as invitations to eat or visits to the restaurant can become more complicated, as it may be difficult to find gluten -free options or to rely on the fact that the food in a restaurant is actually gluten -free.

cost

A gluten -free diet can also be more expensive than a normal diet. Gluten -free products, such as bread or pasta, are often more expensive than their gluten -containing alternatives. This can lead to a financial burden for people who rely on a gluten -free diet.

FAZIT

A gluten -free diet can be essential for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance to control their symptoms and improve their health. In addition, it can be used as supportive therapy for some other diseases. However, it is important to take into account the possible disadvantages, such as the lack of certain nutrients, the restriction of food selection and the higher costs. Before you choose a gluten -free diet, you should always advise yourself with a doctor or nutritionist to ensure that the body receives all the necessary nutrients and that possible risks and advantages are weighed up.

More about natural and healthy nutrition can be found in our advisory magazine ein-heilpraktiker.com