Whether you are choosing to eat gluten free foods for health, enjoyment, or out of medical necessity, you might be surprised to learn that going gluten free may pose health risks to consumers that you should be aware of. So, is a gluten free diet healthy? Read on to find out.
Hidden Risks of Gluten Free Diets
Rather than wondering is rice gluten free, you may need to ask if it’s safe to consume. Rice is a naturally gluten free food, but some research indicates that higher levels of toxic arsenic found in rice make it not the healthiest choice for your diet. Other research indicates that many prepared gluten free foods have a higher fat content, which can lead to health complications. Deficiencies in micronutrients and fiber are also a concern for those choosing to eat a gluten free diet. Hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia can also be risk factors in eating gluten free.
For persons with diabetes, a gluten free diet may not provide enough fiber, which helps to maintain the blood sugar balance in the body. However, a diabetic can obtain fiber through other foods, such as vegetables, which offer additional health benefits to those with diabetes. If you have any special medical conditions and are considering going on a gluten free diet, it’s necessary to check with your healthcare provider to be sure that you do not compromise your health unwittingly.
One thing is certain: going gluten free is anything but easy in our culture. Nearly every product on the grocery store shelf seems to have gluten in it. However, upon closer inspection, you can find a number of perfectly healthy and delicious foods that are gluten free and widely available. Making the decision to go gluten free, therefore, is not an easy one. In addition, the decision to go gluten free often means saying goodbye to some of your favorite treats and recipes. Giving up those favorite foods coupled with the prevalence of gluten on store shelves, restaurant menus, and at gatherings is enough to make any person think twice about going gluten free. However, for many the health rewards are worth the difficulties involved.
Some gluten free food options are more costly than their gluten-containing counterparts. Cost can be a prohibitive factor for many people considering a gluten free diet. However, the costs can be kept lower with a willingness to buy pure ingredients and prepare meals from scratch at home. Costs tend to be higher on prepared gluten free foods, but simple grains and other ingredients purchased separately can be just as reasonably priced as any other food.
Benefits of Eating Gluten Free
For some, eating a gluten free diet is not so much a choice but a necessity. This would be the case, for instance, with those suffering from celiac disease. There are also a number of other conditions that show improvement when a person is put on a gluten free diet. These include fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, endometriosis, obesity, and non-celiac gluten sensitivity among others.
For those with health concerns that show improvement with a gluten free diet, this dietary change can make a major difference in their health and quality of life. However, the diet needs to be pursued with care and, preferably, under the guidance of a knowledgeable healthcare provider in order to ensure proper nutrition.
Not Just a Trendy Diet
Being gluten free for health is a big commitment requiring you to pay extra attention to your diet so that you are receiving the nutrients your body needs in the proper amounts. While going gluten free may be somewhat trendy, it is not a dietary choice that should be taken lightly. Maintaining a healthy gluten free diet requires consideration of the potential health risks and taking measures to prevent damaging your health.
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Eating gluten free is often misconceived as a healthy diet, and while this may be true in some cases, it is only healthy when effort is put into making sure the diet is properly balanced and suitable for any medical condition you may have.
