Onegluten-free dietis an immediate part of therapy for patients with celiac disease. Around 1% of the population worldwide suffers from the autoimmune disease. The number of people who have moderate gluten intolerance is much larger. Many of them only find out as adults. For those affected, switching to a gluten-free diet makes sense. But more and more healthy people are also choosing to eat a gluten-free diet. But experts warn that this can have health disadvantages for them.
Researchers have identified the following disadvantages that a gluten-free diet brings to completely healthy people. Healthy people try to eat a gluten-free diet because they want to lose weight. However, if you tend to buy ready-made gluten-free snacks, you won't lose weight. Because they often contain too much fat and too few useful nutrients.
Furthermore, people who eat a gluten-free diet suffer from constipation more often. This is because they do not consume whole grains. Beans, nuts, seeds and gluten-free whole grain bread are suitable substitutes. They get the intestines going.
A gluten-free diet often leads to vitamin deficiencies. Bread and other foods with gluten also contain vitamin B, iron and important minerals. So if you don't eat them, you should replace them with avocado, salmon and spinach. A balanced diet is therefore an absolute must. However, healthy people find it difficult to find balance and create a nutrition plan.
When does a gluten-free diet make sense?
In some cases, otherwise healthy people should also eat a gluten-free diet. This is especially true for those who suspect they have gluten intolerance. The first symptoms of such intolerance are constipation or diarrhea as well as muscle and joint pain. Such people report relief of symptoms just one month after starting a gluten-free diet.
A gluten-free diet is only an option if you either have celiac disease or have a milder gluten intolerance.
