As the gluten-free diet trend continues to gain popularity, it’s important to examine both its benefits and the potential drawbacks of consuming gluten excessively on a regular basis.
In a world where people are increasingly conscious not only about their physical appearance but also their overall well-being, numerous trending diets have emerged, including dairy-free, paleo, intermittent fasting, vegan, Mediterranean, Atkins, and more. Among these, the gluten-free diet has garnered significant attention as a new addition to the list of healthy weight loss diets. With gluten found in various grains and baked goods that form part of our daily diet, it’s crucial to understand why limiting gluten intake is important and the potential drawbacks of excessive gluten consumption. Join Nutritionist Karishma, a Functional Nutritionist, as she sheds light on the necessity of moderating gluten intake for better health.
What exactly is gluten
In a world where many are avoiding gluten and choosing gluten-free diets, it’s crucial to understand what gluten is and its potential drawbacks. Put simply, gluten is a protein present in several grains and baked goods.
While this protein offers no essential nutrients, it can actually cause various issues, including a gluten allergy known as celiac disease. This condition can result in stomach and abdominal pain, rashes, and bloating.
5 Reasons to Steer Clear of Gluten
As the gluten-free diet trend continues to gain popularity, it’s important to explore both the benefits of adopting a gluten-free diet and the potential drawbacks of excessive consumption.
1. Bloating
Despite our efforts to control bloating through various means like reducing salt intake, chewing gum, exercising, and watching our diet, many are unaware that the primary culprit behind bloating could be regular gluten consumption.
Regular consumption of gluten can result in bloating of the stomach and abdominal region, causing discomfort and a sensation of fullness, often accompanied by a feeling of gas buildup. Moreover, gluten sensitivity can lead to frequent episodes of abdominal pain.
2. Inflammation
Here’s a little-known fact about gluten: it can hinder weight loss and fat loss efforts, prompting many people worldwide to adopt a gluten-free diet to shed pounds. Gluten induces inflammation in the body and within fat cells, which not only contributes to weight gain but can also lead to various health issues and diseases. This inflammatory response triggered by gluten consumption can affect organs and tissues throughout the body as it fights perceived foreign invaders. Chronic inflammation from daily gluten consumption is associated with diseases such as cancer and diabetes, while also elevating stress hormone levels, increasing fatigue, and promoting fluid retention.
3. Adversely Affects Gut Health
While a healthy gut is believed to contribute to overall well-being and a positive mood, gluten has been linked to various gut issues and has the potential to harm the lining of your gut. Leaky gut, a gastrointestinal condition garnering attention among physicians worldwide, involves compromised gut function. Gluten has been implicated in causing leaky gut or intestinal permeability.
Leaky gut, a condition where the cellular gaps between the cells of the small intestine, called tight junctions, become loose, can have serious consequences. This loosening allows substances to leak into the bloodstream, posing a risk when toxic substances or bacteria enter circulation. This can lead to widespread inflammation throughout the body, presenting significant health risks.
4. Hinders Nutrient Absorption
Regular gluten consumption comes with more than just bloating, leaky gut, diabetes, and inflammation; it also interferes with nutrient absorption. The permeability triggered by gluten in the gut makes it challenging to absorb essential nutrients. Grains high in gluten are considered anti-nutrients because they bind together and render chromium unavailable. Chromium is crucial for regulating the body’s blood sugar levels.
5. Raises Blood Sugar Levels
Elevated blood sugar levels are undesirable for everyone. What many don’t realize is that regularly consuming a gluten-rich diet can contribute to this issue. High gluten intake has been linked to increased blood sugar levels and a heightened risk of type 1 diabetes, partly due to the presence of gluten and certain biomarkers in our blood.
This inflammatory aspect of the condition prompts the immune system to target various organs and tissues, including the pancreas and intestine. This occurs due to the high glycemic load, which leads to elevated sugar levels in the body. Additionally, frequent consumption of large quantities of gluten in your daily diet can result in complications such as stomach pain, rashes, diarrhea, and excessive gas.