Benefits of Gluten Free Living
People that have been diagnosed with celiac disease are given a diet that is gluten free since that protein causes the autoimmune reaction where the intestines attack themselves when the protein is detected. The disease is serious and painful, and oftentimes difficult to diagnose. But a gluten free diet relieves the symptoms of diarrhea, abdominal pain and muscle cramping that the protein causes. It is estimated that 1 of every 250 people are affected by symptoms of celiac disease, but only 1 in 3000 are actually diagnosed with the condition. But even people that have not been diagnosed with the condition are following the new trend in gluten free living.
The diet cannot include oats, wheat, rye, barley, or malt flavorings, along with some other condiment products and prepackaged foods that contain the gluten protein. This prompts people to eat more fresh fruits, lean meats, and fresh vegetables in order to maintain their nutritional health. Fat-ridden fast foods, which normally have high levels of gluten in them, are eliminated as well as most fried foods because the batter used. A lot of dessert choices are also eliminated since the batters and sugars used in them may contain gluten. Most meals are prepared at home, since eating out is quite often more bother than it is worth. The people that practice gluten free living are eating less junk food, and more healthy fresh foods instead.
Eating the healthier foods can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which is healthier for your heart as well as your blood pressure, reducing the risk of plaque build-up in your veins and arteries. Fresh foods prepared without the fats is better for your digestion also, since those foods provide a higher level of nutrients that is absorbed by the body faster than fatty foods. And the natural proteins (minus the gluten) gives you more energy without storing fat on your body. You are better able to stay lean and healthy.
Even if you have not been diagnosed with celiac disease, gluten free living has many benefits over the fast-food-focused society that we have become. This is not a fad diet, although it has become popular with many celebrities. For some people, gluten free living is a necessity, not a choice. But the loved ones that live with them can benefit also. Although there are food choices such as pizza made with a gluten free crust, and beer brewed from sorghum, for the most part gluten free living is a healthier choice for everyone.
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