3 Things You Need to Know Before Going Gluten-Free
April 29 2016
With 30 percent Americans going gluten-free, more people than ever are now cooking and eating gluten-free foods. The trend is in part due to the rise of gluten-related health concerns, which has caused people to switch to a gluten-free diet to avoid the detrimental effects gluten can cause .
For people who are not experiencing gluten-related health concerns, going gluten-free may be a smart way to improve overall health with better and healthier dietary choices.
Whether going gluten-free is a choice or a necessity, here are 3 things you need to consider before proceeding.
1. Going Gluten-Free is an Absolute Must if You have Celiac Disease
In the U.S., about 1 in 133 people have celiac disease. The inherited, autoimmune disease may cause damage to the small intestine due to the intake of gluten, leading to increased risks of gastrointestinal problems and other autoimmune diseases such as, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Sjögren’s Syndrome.
Celiac disease can be diagnosed by a blood test looking for celiac-specific antibodies as well as an intestinal biopsy. You can also check for the problem by switching to a gluten-free diet for a couple weeks. If it relieves the problem, you can visit a gastroenterologist to get tested for the condition.
If your medical tests confirm that you have celiac disease you should immediately discontinue the consumption of foods containing gluten. People using gluten despite being intolerant to it may increase their chances of developing anemia, osteoporosis and some forms of cancer.
2. Gluten is Not Found in Every Type of Grain
Many people falsely believe that gluten is found in every type of grain. Several grains like rice, quinoa, millet, corn and oats are gluten-free. This means gluten-free doesn’t mean that you will need to cut back on all types of grains. Gluten-free whole grains are rich in antioxidant, vitamins, minerals and fiber, and thus make an essential part of your diet (in reasonable portions) even if you go gluten-free.
3. Go For a Dietician-Designed Gluten-Free Meal Plan
Take your celiac disease seriously and consult a dietician or an expert nutritionist to design a gluten-free meal plan. The average doctor typically doesn’t have the time and precise knowledge to understand your unique dietary requirements and to propose the right diet, loaded with all essential nutrients.
A tailored meal plan considers your dietary needs, and thus ensures that you get complete nutrients and fiber, while cutting back on the consumption of gluten-containing foods like bread or cereal.
With meals designed by a professional chef with consultation of expert dieticians and nutritional experts, our balanced gluten-free meal plans are carefully designed to cut back on gluten-containing foods from your diet, while maintaining the right level of essential nutrients and fiber for a well-balanced lifestyle. Subscribe to our gluten-free meal plan or call us at 1.888.799.6325 to learn more about our meal planner.
