There is a lot of buzz going around gluten-free diets these days. Everyone from celebrities to athletes and fitness enthusiasts is getting into gluten-free diets due to their health benefits. However, it is important for you to know that these diets are not for everyone. There are both risks and benefits of cutting down gluten from your diet. This content will provide you with complete information on the gluten-free diet and some important factors to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Gluten-Free Diet:
A gluten-free diet is focused on excluding foods that contain a protein called gluten. It is commonly found in daily food products like wheat and other grains. People with celiac disease should avoid gluten in their diet, hence choose a gluten-free diet routine. People who are non-celiac gluten-sensitive can also choose this type of diet. Gluten allergy occurs when the body naturally creates antibodies to wheat proteins. This causes serious anaphylactic reactions. Consulting a professional who is experienced in gastrointestinal issues will provide you with more information on these issues and help you reach the right diagnosis.
Gluten naturally occurs in certain foods, but in some cases, it is also added to foods during processing to obtain a certain texture. Some use gluten as a binding agent and for a distinct flavor in foods. So, you will sometimes find gluten in foods and snacks you would not expect. Gluten can be in anything from pizzas to pasta, baked goods, and cereals. It can also be present in ice creams, soy sauce, or certain medications. This makes it tough to stay away from this protein and choose a gluten-free diet pattern.
There is a misconception surrounding this diet where people think gluten-free means avoiding carbohydrates completely. However, this is not the case, as many foods like rice, beans, and potatoes that contain carbs do not contain gluten.
Who Should Choose a Gluten-Free Diet?
People with Celiac Disease:
The gluten-free diet is ideal for people suffering from celiac disease. This is a condition where the immune system responds automatically to gluten. Having food containing gluten may cause different problems like bloating, nausea, diarrhea, belly pain, etc. in people with celiac disease. People suffering from this disease cannot tolerate gluten in any form and follow a strict gluten-free diet for the rest of their lives. In most cases, they will have severe stomach aches and gastrointestinal symptoms after eating food containing gluten.
People with Gluten Sensitivity:
Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS) is also another condition that prompts a person to cut gluten from the diet. This condition is also called gluten intolerance. Although there is no clear explanation for this condition, experts say that sometimes people eat something that contains gluten and they do not feel well. In most cases, gastrointestinal irritation is the result. If you are gluten intolerant and follow a well-planned gluten-free diet in such cases, you will find huge improvement in issues like constipation or diarrhea, bloating, gas, fatigue, and stomach pain.
People with Wheat Allergy:
If you are allergic to wheat, you should avoid foods containing gluten. In most cases, this allergic reaction may not be because of gluten. Wheat can trigger an immune response in the body which later causes symptoms like headache, sneezing, or skin rashes. They can still consider eating gluten in other foods like rye and barley.
Thus, it is not necessary for you to go gluten-free if you do not have the above-mentioned conditions. As people who opt for a gluten-free diet often lose weight, most people think it is ideal for losing those extra pounds. However, this is not because they cut gluten from their diet, but rather due to the elimination of processed foods and refined carbohydrates, which contain gluten. If you are planning to go gluten-free, it is important to include plenty of whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins in your diet pattern.
Starting a Gluten-Free Diet:
Before starting a gluten-free diet, it is important to consult a physician. They can guide you towards a balanced eating plan that meets all the unique nutritional needs of your body. Other tips to consider when you make dietary changes and go gluten-free:
- Check packages for the warning message. A lot of products that do not contain gluten may have been manufactured and processed in facilities where there are other gluten products.
- Reading the ingredient labels carefully will help you to know whether there are any traces of wheat. Some seasoning and artificial colors also contain gluten. Avoiding such products is very important.
- Keep dishes, utensils, and other food prep items that are used for gluten foods separate.
- Substitute wheat with other flour for cooking and baking.
Gluten-Free Snacks for Healthy Munching:
We at Healthy Master focus on providing healthy, tasty, gluten-free snacks and food products. All our snacks are carefully produced to curb the snacking needs of people who are suffering from health problems like gluten intolerance. You will find an array of baked chips, flavored nuts, cookies, and other products that are completely gluten-free.
Some of the top choices from Healthy Master include:
Our gluten-free soya chips are baked to provide you with the ultimate taste of those chatpata snacks. They can curb your cravings and enjoy an amazing snack during your tea time without worrying about its effects on your tummy. They also contain many essential nutrients and health properties that can promote your health and overall well-being in a positive way. They are made using hand-picked, natural ingredients.
Ingredients:
- Soya bean flour
- Rice flour
- Urad dal
- Edible sunflower oil
- Tapioca starch
- Black til
- Salt and spices
Crispy fox nuts is another spicy-crispy, gluten-free snack you can buy from Healthy Master. Fox nuts or Makhana are considered highly nutritious food. This snack is keto-friendly, diabetic-friendly, and gluten-free. It is undoubtedly a great combo to enjoy during those tea breaks.
Ingredients:
- Plain Makhana
- Salt
- Spices
- Condiments
All the ingredients are carefully sought after and selected to provide you with maximum health benefits while also keeping the Indian snacking habit in mind.
Conclusion:
A gluten-free diet can be restrictive, however, it does not have to be boring. There are many nutritious and delicious options available to include in your diet pattern. If you are looking for something quick and authentic, d from Healthy Master are the best option for you.
