Many individuals have celiac disease, a gluten intolerance, or a gluten sensitivity which can cause their bodies to react negatively to products with gluten in them. But what if you don’t have one of these issues and want to try a gluten-free diet?
For those who struggle with celiac disease, gluten intolerance, or gluten sensitivity, a gluten-free diet can decrease symptoms and prevent further damage to the intestines. If you don’t have any of those issues, a gluten-free diet may not be the best option and could actually lead to health issues like a gluten intolerance or gluten sensitivity.
What is celiac disease?
Celiac disease is a condition where eating gluten causes an immune response that damages the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This often leads to inflammation in the small intestine and difficulty absorbing nutrients. Over time, it can lead to weight loss, malnutrition, and vitamin deficiencies. Symptoms include:
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
What is gluten intolerance?
People with a gluten intolerance may or may not have celiac disease, but they do experience symptoms like:
- Bloating
- Cramps
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
What is gluten sensitivity?
Having a gluten sensitivity means you don’t have celiac disease and eating foods with gluten does not cause an immune response or intestinal damage. However, you may experience the following symptoms after consuming gluten:- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Gas
- Headaches
- Joint pain
- Rashes
Benefits of a Gluten-Free Diet
For anyone with celiac or a gluten intolerance or sensitivity, removing gluten from their diet helps alleviate and can even eliminate symptoms. For those with celiac disease, a gluten-free diet can help prevent health issues. If you think you might have celiac disease, a gluten intolerance, or a gluten sensitivity, it’s important to consult your health care provider before making any significant changes to your diet. Aside from these health conditions, there is no proof that a gluten-free diet can improve other health conditions like depression, headaches, long-term or chronic fatigue, and weight gain.
You can learn more about gluten-free diets and health conditions like celiac disease and gluten intolerance or sensitivity by visiting the National Library of Medicine’s website.
