As people chase the benefits of a gluten-free diet, they often miss the bigger picture.
In other words, they overlook the harmfulness of a gluten-free diet and, hence, end up paying a hefty price.
They are so focused on what to avoid while paying little attention to things to eat to make up for their bodies’ nutritional needs.
People also focus so much on gluten-free labels, thus losing focus on other dangerous trends such as processed foods.
There are also other harmful things besides gluten, which can also harm your body in one way or another.
That’s why it is important to understand the harmfulness of a gluten-free diet.
Some of the dangers of a gluten-free diet include the following;
High Risk of Heart Disease
The chances of getting heart disease will increase after cutting gluten from your diet.
After all, most people do away with whole grains and replace them with refined ones.
Consequently, their bodies lack the components necessary for fighting such diseases.
High Chances of Getting Type-2 Diabetes
It turns out that the less gluten you take, the higher the chances of developing type-2 diabetes.
So, be aware of that as you consider switching to a gluten-free diet.
High Intake of Processed Foods
Most gluten-free food items are processed and packaged.
In most cases, they contain unhealthy fillers, extra fat, and sugar.
Therefore, if you are not careful when choosing the food you eat, going gluten-free may be the beginning of eating unhealthy and processed foods.
Spending A lot on Groceries
It is no secret that the gluten-free label often means digging a little deeper into your pocket to avoid such food items.
It applies to gluten-free cereal and pasta, among other similar packaged goods.
It worsens when buying gluten-free muffins and some cereals.
Therefore, we might see your food budget rise drastically after starting a gluten-free diet.
High Consumption of Arsenic
One of the major foods people consume when on a gluten-free diet is rice.
Whereas it doesn’t contain gluten, it often has toxic metals such as mercury and arsenic.
Consequently, taking too much of it can lead to cardiovascular disease.
Gut Problems
Your diet can influence the composition of your gut microbiota, which plays a role in digestion and bowel health. A sudden change in diet, like going gluten-free, can alter this balance, potentially leading to changes in bowel movements.
Some people on a gluten-free diet may not get enough of certain nutrients, like B vitamins and iron, which can also affect digestion and bowel health and cause poop problems.
Minerals and Vitamins Deficiencies
Unless you have celiac or gluten sensitivity, it is unfair to your body if you eliminate cereals and bread from your diet.
After all, despite containing gluten, they also have various minerals and vitamins your body needs.
Lack of these nutrients can reduce your body’s energy levels, hence extreme fatigue after exercising or low productivity.
Unfortunately, that’s what a gluten-free diet often means, thus leading to minerals and vitamin deficiencies such as iron and Vitamin B, to mention a few.
How Can You Avoid the Harmfulness of Gluten-Free Diet?
Since there are times when you have no other choice but to take a gluten-free diet, the following tricks can make a huge difference;
Avoid eliminating all the whole grains and, instead, stick to the gluten-free ones for their nutritional value.
Ensure you eat non-gluten nuts, beans, vegetables and fruits since they fight diseases and provide fiber to your body.
Thrive to make your food from scratch to avoid a high intake of processed foods.
Avoid processed gluten-free food and instead take their natural counterparts such as dairy, seeds, nuts, beans, grains, fish, meat, fruits and vegetables.
Instead of eating rice almost all the time, try out other gluten-free options such as oats, buckwheat, quinoa and corn.
Despite being on a gluten-free diet, each food is rich in fibre, including nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables to prevent gut problems.
Take various types of gluten-free foods, including lean protein, nuts, fruits and vegetables, to ensure your body gets all the essential nutrients.
So, your hands aren’t tied, and you can avoid the harmfulness of a gluten-free diet.
How Should You Prepare for a Gluten-Free Diet?
Preparing well for a gluten-free diet can help you avoid its common harmfulness.
So, you should do so by following the following tips;
Seek the assistance of a dietician before eliminating gluten from your diet.
A dietician will ensure that you take all the vital nutrients despite cutting out this protein.
If you are yet to get tested for celiac disease, it is advisable to continue taking gluten to avoid a false negative test result for this disorder.
Inform your doctor about any gastrointestinal issue, including diarrhoea, bloating and abdominal pain, regardless of whether it is severe or chronic.
Under such circumstances, you will be more informed about a gluten-free diet.
Consequently, you can do things that will prevent the adverse effects of such a diet from arising.
So, Is a Gluten-Free Diet Worth It?
One can’t help but wonder, given the drawbacks of a diet without gluten.
Nevertheless, the fact remains that gluten isn’t all good for our bodies.
It is a major source of inflammation, even in people without celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Therefore, the more you consume gluten, the higher the chances of fatal conditions characterized by painful symptoms arising.
It means a gluten-free diet is worth it, after all.
You can avoid all these issues by eliminating them in your diet for a healthy and long life.
You save yourself the trouble of the excruciating pain that comes with inflammation and other symptoms of your body reacting to the protein.
Nevertheless, it is also crucial to implement your gluten-free diet well to avoid watering down its benefits.
For instance, don’t make this diet revolve heavily on sweets, processed foods, junk foods and packaged foods.
If you do so, healing becomes hard, if not impossible, you gain unnecessary body weight, increase your metal exposure and increase your chances of getting certain diseases.
You may also lack certain nutrients and fiber necessary for your body.
That’s why it is advisable to have a gluten-free diet that focuses on naturally gluten-free food items with all the essential nutrients, and freshness shouldn’t be overlooked either.
Remember to consult a doctor, dietician, nutritionist or professional health coach to ensure the diet is worth your efforts.
Otherwise, your gluten-free diet may not be worth it and could do more harm than good.
Since that’s avoidable, strive to do right by yourself to avoid the harmfulness the same diet poses to your health.