You’ve definitely heard about gluten before, but do you know what it means? In simple terms, it refers to the wheat protein responsible for the shape and texture of bread and many other types of food. Whether you’re a health buff or an entrepreneur wondering how to open a pizza business, gluten has definitely entered the equation.
The trend of going gluten-free has truly caught on, but it isn’t exactly for everyone. If you’ve not been diagnosed with either wheat allergy or celiac disease, doctors do not recommend this diet. For one, it doesn’t necessarily promise weight loss or better health. But if you have a gluten allergy, completely cutting it out of your diet is a must. This, however, may have some side effects considering the major dietary change you’ll have to do. Here are some of them:
You’ll feel hungrier
One common feeling many people with gluten-sensitivity have after eating bread products is nausea. This may have a huge effect on their appetite for the rest of the day. Once you’ve completely removed gluten from your diet, you’ll notice that you actually feel a lot hungrier. This is due to a couple of reasons. One, your appetite is back and two, you’re most likely eating food alternatives to avoid gluten. That vegetable noodles just won’t be as filling compared to the actual meal.
You’ll get constipated often
Despite all the negative press that gluten gets, many of the food items that contain this protein are actually excellent sources of fiber. Swapping your whole-grain stuff for quinoa pasta just won’t cut it in terms of fiber acquisition. When your body lacks dietary fiber, you’re more prone to a number of diseases, such as diabetes, heart diseases, and chronic constipation. So, look for naturally gluten-free sources instead, such as corn, oats, and millet.
You’ll harm your heart
According to a 2017 study published in the British Medical Journal, the absence of gluten in the body may increase your risk for cardiovascular disease. This is because people who prefer not to consume gluten limits their whole grain intake. A diet that contains excellent amounts of whole grains can actually do wonders for the heart. That’s why nutrition experts highly recommend that only those with allergies or celiac disease should go the gluten-free route. If you’re not part of one in every 133 Americans with this condition, you shouldn’t ditch gluten completely.
You might develop withdrawal symptoms
This isn’t just for gluten. This is a common occurrence whenever you cut something out cold-turkey, whether it’s smoking or drinking. Some of the things you may experience may include headaches, leg cramps, nausea, and overall fatigue. If you’ve been diagnosed with gluten-related illnesses, physicians recommend staying as hydrated as possible and avoiding strenuous activities while you detoxify.
Finally, a restrictive diet such as staying gluten-free may affect your everyday mood. When you’re trying to limit your food intake, you have a tendency to feel lonely and crave for more. You may also feel socially isolated. The most important thing is that you learn to cope with the changes and get professional medical help when necessary.
