10 Supercharged Health Benefits of Eating a Gluten Free Diet
The gluten-free market is a billion-dollar industry, worth $21.61 billion.
Most of us think ‘Gluten-free’ has become a trend and ignore it because of that. But scientific research has proven that gluten does more damage than good and that going gluten-free is one of the best things you can do for your health.
So, what is Gluten?
Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat, rye, and barley.
And what makes gluten so bad? In simple terms, gluten is the sticky substance or protein that binds food together. Because it is extremely sticky, it is hard for your body to digest, which causes various gut problems and health issues.
Here are ten health benefits of eating a gluten-free diet:
1. Improves Gut Health
The gut is known as the ‘second brain.’ Scientific research shows that our overall health depends on the health of our gut. The gut has its own nervous system connected to the brain and spinal cord.It senses what is happening inside the gut wall and sends electrical signals to the brain and spinal cord. If the gut is in good condition, it sends positive messages to your brain, which results in a positive mood, right decisions and well-being.
If gut health is in poor condition, it adversely affects mood, decision making and well-being. Eating gluten-free foods and eliminating gluten for your diet will help balance the gut micro bio me and result in good gut health.
2. Improves digestion
As you eat more gluten-free foods, your gut health will start to improve because these foods are easier for your body to digest. Eliminating gluten from your diet will heal digestive issues like constipation and IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome).
3. Increases Energy levels
As your digestive system heals and gets a break from digesting all the heavy gluten, you will have increased energy levels. Digesting gluten requires more than digesting gluten-free foods.
4. Improves Absorption of Nutrients
Because of the sticky nature of gluten, it sticks to the intestines as it also hard to digest. As it sticks to the intestines, it blocks the intestines from absorbing essential nutrients from foods.
With a gluten-free diet there your intestines are free from the stickiness of gluten and to absorb the essential nutrients from the food you consume.
5. Strengthens Immune System
Gluten disrupts the gut flora, which includes good and bad bacteria. It feeds the harmful bacteria and harms the good bacteria. As the bad bacteria in your gut become strong, it can affect your immunity adversely.
A gluten-free diet feeds the good bacteria in your gut and hence strengthens your immune system.
Reduces Inflammation
Inflammation is a natural response of the body towards harmful substances. Common symptoms of inflammation are chronic fatigue, depression, anxiety, weight gain, frequent infections, and body pain.
Foods containing gluten increase inflammation. And A gluten-free diet reduces inflammation and even eliminates it altogether.
Reduces risk of heart diseases
Many heart diseases are caused by inflammation. High levels of inflammation also cause an excess of fat deposits in the arteries, which blocks healthy blood flow through the arteries.
The blockage of blood flow is a cause of many heart diseases.
A gluten-free diet keeps the blood flow healthy and thus reduces the risk of heart diseases.
Reduces symptoms of Celiac disease
Celiac disease is a chronic immune disorder that is triggered by gluten. Bloating, constipation, vomiting, irritability, irregular periods are some of the symptoms of celiac disease.
Gluten-free foods reduce the symptoms of celiac disease and even help in healing this disease completely.
Promotes Weight loss
Gluten hampers metabolism, as it is hard to digest. An irregular metabolic cycle can lead to weight gain. Gluten-free foods heal irregular metabolism, which promotes weight loss.
Reduces Allergies
Gluten causes several allergies, which manifest as red skin rashes, swelling of the skin, cramps, nasal congestion, and watery eyes.
A gluten-free diet not only reduces allergies but also may help to eliminate allergies at the root level.