Wait, Should I Be Gluten-free?
/In 2022, there’s a “Gluten-Free” logo on almost every food label and a fresh gluten-free brand popping up every day. But should you believe the hype? Would you actually feel any different without gluten? If you're starting to feel like maybe you should be buying those sparkly new gluten-free products instead of your usual foods, here’s some information to help you out.
What even is gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in wheat. It is in all wheat products, but not in all grains. This means your average everyday bread, pasta, crackers, and baked goods all contain gluten. However, over the last few years, grocery store shelves have become more and more saturated with gluten-free alternatives, such as products made from corn, rice, and quinoa, as well as almond, chickpea, coconut, and potato flours.
Who MUST be gluten-free?
For some people, avoiding gluten is not a choice, it’s a necessity. Those diagnosed with Celiac disease have a unique and serious inflammatory response to gluten and should stay away. Anyone dealing with Hashimoto’s disease should also cut out gluten from their diets since there is a link between gluten and Thyroid antibodies.
Who could benefit from being gluten-free?
While not everyone needs it, cutting back on gluten consumption could have health benefits if you fall into any of the following categories: those who consistently become bloated or have digestive discomfort after gluten-heavy meals, those with chronic brain fog, joint pain, skin issues or inflammation, and those with auto-immune diseases other than Hashimoto’s.
If any of the above descriptions do sound like you, first try avoiding gluten by only eating classically gluten-free foods for 3 weeks. Instead of loading up on the fancy gluten-free versions of your favorite pastas and breads, simply stick to meat, seafood, dairy, eggs, fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, legumes and gluten-free grains like rice, oats, quinoa and buckwheat.
If you don't fit in any of the above categories, go ahead and enjoy your gluten…just make sure it’s organic!
If you MUST be gluten-free or find you feel better after your 3 week elimination, contact me so we can work to understand WHY gluten doesn't work for your body and create a sustainable (and delicious) gluten-free food plan.