Today I wanted to share with you some benefits of eating less gluten. I see a lot of clients in my nutrition clinic who have a gluten sensitivity and some of the common symptoms include bloating, gas, diarrhoea, constipation, fatigue and abdominal pain.
This sensitivity is very different to Coeliac Disease which is an autoimmune disease that causes damage to your intestinal wall as a result of eating gluten.
The demand for gluten free products and meals has increased over the years and we are seeing more and more gluten free products and meals available as restaurants which makes eating gluten free that much easier.
So, you might be wondering if it is beneficial to reduce gluten if you haven’t been diagnosed with a gluten sensitivity or Coeliac disease? The jury is still out on this one, however what I suggest for a lot of my clients is if you're experiencing symptoms of gluten intolerance it can be worthwhile reducing gluten to observe if you experience a reduction in these symptoms.
Some common benefits experienced by those who eat less gluten containing foods include:
IMPROVED DIGESTION
This is the most obvious benefit as reducing gluten can significantly reduce digestive discomfort. This includes reduced stomach cramping, bloating, acid reflux, diarrhea and constipation are all frequent complaints for people with gluten intolerance.
Research also suggests that reducing gluten can improve digestion for people who suffer from other digestive complaints such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Crohn’s Disease.
REDUCE INFLAMMATION
Reducing intake can also start to heal the gut lining damage caused by gluten-related inflammation in those with coeliac disease.
Another common complaint of people with gluten sensitivity is joint pain, particularly in the knees, back and wrists. By reducing the gluten load, sufferers start to reduce their associated inflammatory joint pain and can experience a greater quality of life.
BOOST ENERGY
If you find that you are experiencing continuous bouts of fatigue, you could be suffering from gluten sensitivity. One of the hidden symptoms of gluten intolerance is fatigue, often caused from nutrient and iron deficiencies from malabsorption due to the damage of the intestines that gluten causes for those affected.
By reducing gluten intake you are giving your stomach the opportunity to heal and allow for better nutrient absorption.
WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
Gluten sensitivity could be a contributing factor in your weight management journey. If you are experiencing gluten sensitivity, reducing gluten could have a positive impact on your ability to lose or gain weight.
This is down to a few factors including gut inflammation causing issues with effective nutrient absorption as well as a lack or surplus of beneficial fibre intake. If this is an issue that you are experiencing, I would suggest booking in for a nutrition consultation which you can do by clicking here
IMPROVE MOOD AND COGNITION
You might have heard the term the ‘gut-brain connection’ thrown about? This seeks to explain the way that gut health can influence both cognition and mood and vice versa. People with gluten intolerance are significantly more likely to experience neurological symptoms such as migraines and headaches as well as mood-related conditions including anxiety and depression.
Where people who are experiencing these concerns regularly, a low or no gluten diet has shown success in reducing the onset and frequency leading to better mood, focus and overall wellbeing.
I hope you found these 5 benefits of eating less gluten helpful.
And if you struggle with any of the symptoms mentioned above why not book in for a nutrition consultation?
During the appointment I'll do an analysis of your diet and lifestyle habits and tailor make an easy to follow plan to help you reduce these symptoms and heal the GUT plus you'll receive recipes and handouts to get you started.
Appointments are available via Video or In-Person.To find out more click here.
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