BY Lee McCaskill,
Excerpts from her new book called “Belly Bustin’ Tips” (tips you can use on any diet).
To Go Against the Grain or Not—That is the Question!
Many people go gluten-free to increase their energy level, but just eating more vegetables and fruits and limiting starches can give you a ton of energy without having to totally do without gluten. We have a gluten-free Belly Buster Diet at Before and After Weight Loss Clinics; but frankly, our clients get just as much of an increase in energy levels on the other menus.
Here are four reasons to go gluten-free and four reasons not to. Make up your own mind what is best for you.
Reasons for going Gluten-Free:
1. For managing Celiac Disease-with this autoimmune disease, even trace amounts of gluten cause the immune system to attack the small intestine and cause significant damage. Unmanaged and under repeated attack, the intestines lose ability to absorb nutrients and put you at risk for developing other autoimmune disorders and other problems.
2. For controlling Dermatitis Herpetiformis-DH is a form of celiac disease that attacks the skin, rather than the small intestine. Chronic itchy rashes that are symmetrical on each side of the body show up after eating gluten. If you have DH, you are at higher risk of intestinal cancer if you continue to eat gluten.
3. For reducing the symptoms of gluten sensitivity, which can range from a wheat allergy to an Irritable Bowel Syndrome problem to just gas and bloating.
4. For supporting a family member that has to go gluten-free, making it easier to cook and shop for the household.
Reasons for NOT to going Gluten-free:
1. For losing weight – it is probably the hardest diet to lose weight on because it is not easy to stick to, it is expensive, and most gluten-free products are high in carbs. Also, many gluten free products are processed foods versus their counterparts being natural whole foods. Gluten-free is tricky to do without missing out on important nutrients in your diet if you are not trained.
2. For eating healthier – it isn’t healthier, unless you are specifically going on it to manage a particular medical condition. What are you replacing the fiber you are losing with—is it enough? How about the carbohydrate intake? Do you know how much weight to lose and safe activity level for your medical condition? Is a dietitian, nutritionist, or weight loss professional supervising you? Know what you are doing before you decide.
3. For diagnosing your symptoms-don’t do gluten-free to find out on your own. See a doctor for a diagnosis while you are still eating a normal diet. The blood test used to diagnose celiac disease and DH depends on finding antibodies for gluten in your blood, but won’t if you have avoided gluten.
4. Because your best friend went gluten-free—chances are she/he won’t last on it long and when the next shiny object comes along, she/he will be jumping on that fad, too.
Go with your gut (no pun intended). If you want to go gluten-free, make sure you can afford this expensive diet, can live totally without wheat and other foods you have to give up rather than simply cut back on them, can live with the inconvenience and can learn enough about nutrition that you truly feel comfortable doing it. But, understand that it is not necessary for most people and that research does not support the many theories behind it. In fact, the man that helped make gluten–free diets popular, Dr. Peter Gibson, recently admitted in May 2014 that he may have gotten it wrong. It may not have been the gluten causing that gastric distress after all! Further research showed it was the sugars in the bread that were hard to digest, not the gluten, causing a problem!
As fad diets have proven time and time again, there are no short cuts to a balanced, healthy lifestyle.
About the author, Lee McCaskill is the owner of Before and After Weight Loss Clinics in Saint Lucie and Indian River Counties, and the nationwide diet program, Belly Buster Diet, Inc. In addition to being a Master Certified Weight Loss and Wellness Coach, Lee is a microbiologist and herbologist who formulates many of the companies’ unique products, including Tropical Spa Body Wraps. Lee encourages you to contact her for information or with your questions at (772) 429-1110 or (772) 562-3601, or visit web site: www.bestdietsource.com and fill out your health profile for a free metabolic assessment.
The above information is opinion based except where noted. Always contact a licensed professional for information on the above subject or BEFORE applying or practicing the above information.
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