Question

Gluten-free diets are essential for people with celiac disease, but a gluten-free diet has also been promoted for weight loss and to treat a host of other ailments. Is gluten-free a healthy alternative for everyone?   

Answer 1

Ingestion of gluten can causes adverse reaction in people with celiac disease, which damages intestinal cells and can lead to decrease the ability of the intestine to absorb nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. When nutrients are not absorbed properly may lead to anemia, osteoporosis, weight loss and other complications. Strictly follow up of life-long gluten free diet is essential for people with celiac disease. People with non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) also require a gluten-free diet otherwise they may experience many of the similar symptoms as do people with celiac disease.

Following a gluten-free diet may helps to reduce symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, fatigue and diarrhea or constipation but gluten free diet tend to lower folate, thiamin, riboflavin and niacin leads to nutritional deficiencies. Cutting out wheat, rye, barley and the other grains to follow glutan free diet, eliminates sources of complex carbohydrates, iron, calcium, Vitamin D, fiber, vitamin B and folate needed in a balanced diet. A balanced vitamins and minerals is necessary for a healthy individual to perform normal body functioning. Generally weight loss is not only depend on the presence or absence of gluten in food. If the gluten free diet high in vegetables and fruits may helps in weight loss eventhough processed gluten free diet with large amount of sugar and fat may lead to gain extra weight. So gluten free diet is not a healthy alternative for everyone except people with celiac disease and non celiac gluten sensityvity.