Is There a Downside to Going Gluten-Free if You’re Healthy? (Published 2018) (2024)

FAQs

Is There a Downside to Going Gluten-Free if You’re Healthy? (Published 2018)? ›

One of the main problems in avoiding gluten-containing grains like wheat, rye or barley as well as other grains is that it can reduce the overall quality of someone's diet. “The most common issue people run into when starting a gluten-free diet is fiber intake often plummets,” Dr. Lebwohl said.

If you cut all gluten out of your diet, there's a risk that you could miss out on nutritious whole grains, fiber and micronutrients. Getting enough whole grains in your diet is especially important if you're at risk for heart disease or diabetes.

Numerous studies have shown that diets that are gluten free tend to be deficient in protein, folate, iron, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, B12, zinc, selenium, and fiber. In addition, they are more apt to have higher levels of nickel, which is highly allergenic to some patients.

Eliminating gluten may not only strip your diet of valuable nutrients, but also hinder the accuracy of tests for celiac disease, a serious autoimmune condition in which gluten signals the body to attack the lining of the small intestine. Celiac disease affects about 1 in 141 people in the US.

Although gluten-free products are proven to be beneficial for those who need them, they're not any healthier than those that contain gluten. And while following a gluten-free diet is safe, keep in mind that any diet that relies heavily on processed foods is unlikely to result in any health benefits.

Research suggests that some people could have small intestines that don't work properly. The lining might be too permeable, allowing some undigested gluten, bacteria or other substances to go through the lining and into the bloodstream, causing inflammation.

Notably, along with other dietary elements, gluten may contribute to the development of inflammatory intestinal disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), as well as functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and concur in symptom exacerbation, although its exact role is still under investigation.

Many people report digestive symptom improvement within a few days of dropping gluten. Fatigue and brain fog often start getting better in the first week or two. This is a gradual process, though.

A gluten-free diet is essential for those with celiac disease. However, there is little evidence to support its use in people without celiac disease, and it may increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. This protein helps foods hold their shape.

Low on iron – Anaemia is also a common problem among those who cannot have gluten, so a lack of iron could be the cause of feeling tired. Too much starch – Using starchy foods such as potatoes to make up your carbohydrate intake, can also lead you to feel tired and sluggish.

Why is everyone avoiding gluten? ›

Eliminating gluten is the only way to treat celiac disease, an allergic reaction to gluten that damages the lining of the small intestine. However, as part of a new diet fad, many people are going gluten-free to lose weight.

People with gluten sensitivity experience gastrointestinal distress – ranging from diarrhea, gas and bloating to constipation and irritable bowel symptoms – when they eat gluten. (People with celiac disease, on the other hand, may experience these symptoms, or may have no symptoms at all.)

Gluten is a protein found in many grains, including wheat, barley, and rye. It's common in foods such as bread, pasta, pizza, and cereal. Gluten provides no essential nutrients. People with celiac disease have an immune reaction that is triggered by eating gluten.

A gluten-free diet is based on the products which have a high glycemic index and are devoid of dietary fiber. These foods contain many simple carbohydrates and fats. These factors can give rise to nutritional deficiencies, constipation, and the development of the metabolic syndrome [82].

Gluten, a protein found in wheat, can cause inflammation for some people that leads to joint pain. Researchers have long known that people with autoimmune forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, are at higher risk for celiac disease ⁵. The Connection Between Gluten and Arthritis.

However, the gluten-free diet also can cause undesirable side effects. For example, you may find you suffer more from constipation since many gluten-free foods, such as packaged snacks, contain little fiber. You also may also find you are more susceptible gluten cross-contamination.

Individuals may restrict gluten from their diets for a variety of reasons, such as improvement of gastrointestinal and nongastrointestinal symptoms, as well as a perception that gluten is potentially harmful and, thus, restriction represents a healthy lifestyle.

People with celiac disease may experience weight gain after starting a gluten-free diet; this initial weight gain indicates that their intestinal health is improving and they are more effectively absorbing nutrients. However, gaining too much weight can lead to multiple health problems.

The good news is you may experience relief from symptoms within a few days of removing gluten from your diet. The real question, however, is how long it takes your body to heal. Most celiac disease patients experience some degree of relief from symptoms within a few days of completely removing gluten from their diet.