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This post includes six health reasons why you might want to consider a gluten-free diet, even if you don’t have celiac disease.
Turns out, there are many reasons why you might want to go gluten-free, even if you don’t have celiac disease. If you’re considering making changes to your diet, this might be one of the first things you want to try.
There are several reasons why you might want to try going gluten-free, but let’s review the basics first.
What is Gluten?
Gluten is the general term for a group of proteins found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. Gluten acts as the “glue” that holds the grain together and allows it to keep its shape.
Gluten can be found in breads, pastas, doughs, baked goods, cereals, and more unsuspecting places like cross-contaminated oats, soy sauce, salad dressings, condiments, deli meats, cheeses, fried foods, candy, alcohol, medications, supplements, cosmetics, and more. Check out this list of thirty places gluten hides.
If you’re trying to avoid gluten, then paying attention to food labels is a must.
Why Has Gluten Become a Problem?
The gluten-containing grains we consume today are not the same ones our grandparents or great-grandparents consumed. Our modern wheat is a hybrid plant that food scientists have modified to increase yield-per-acre. The result is a genetically unique plant that stands about two feet tall. Even just 50 years ago, wheat stood about four and half feet tall. It also contained more nutritional value and was sprayed with far less pesticides.
What is Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity?
There are many people who have been diagnosed with a wheat allergy or Celiac Disease, but there are also millions of individuals who have not been diagnosed with either of these conditions that feel better once they stop consuming gluten. They may have something that health professionals refer to as “Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity.”
How do you know if you have Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity? Some common reported symptoms include:
- Stomach upset
- Irregular bowel movements
- Headaches and migraines
- Brain fog
- Fatigue
- Depression, anxiety and other mood disorders
- Joint pain and muscle cramps
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Tingling and numbness in the extremities
- Skin problems like acne, eczema, or unexplained rash
- Infertility
These signs and symptoms may show up immediately following gluten consumption or they may take up to several days to appear. The only way to know for sure if gluten is causing these symptoms is to try eliminating it from your diet to see if symptoms improve.
6 Reasons to Go Gluten-Free:
1. Wheat contains gluten and wheat is one of the top eight allergens
Some people who are allergic to it may not even know that they suffer from a wheat allergy.
2. Wheat is pro-inflammatory
It can rapidly convert to glucose in the body causing a spike in insulin levels which in turn can cause a rise of inflammation at the cellular level.
3. Wheat and gluten can cause leaky gut syndrome
The gluten proteins can leak into your bloodstream through compromised junctions in your gut. It may also be the cause of the compromised junctions, which can cause other things like toxins to leak into your bloodstream as well.
4. Modern wheat has little to no nutritional value.
Today’s wheat manufacturers take out all the nutrients from wheat in the refining process. They actually have to enrich wheat products with (sometimes) synthetic nutrients. But even then, wheat has never been a nutritional superfood.
5. Many people may be gluten-sensitive and not even know it
It’s estimated that up to 70% of the human population suffers from gluten sensitivity. Though some health professionals think that as much as 100% of the human population has some type of sensitivity to gluten.
6. Gluten-containing foods may block absorption of key vitamins and minerals in the gut
Gluten can reduce the production of digestive enzymes that are needed to help break down foods and aid in nutrient absorption.
My Gluten-Free Journey
I never even considered going gluten-free until I developed chronic hives about seven years ago. Up until that point, my mainstream doctors never mentioned gluten sensitivities, even though I had autoimmune thyroid disease.
Nowadays, the alternative health community is very aware of research and anecdotal evidence that shows the links between autoimmunity and gluten consumption (here’s a great interview with one of the leading researchers of this connection), but it wasn’t a connection that I was aware of until I started experiencing the hives.
At that point, I came across the term “non-celiac gluten sensitivity” and I decided to try going gluten-free. My hives slowly started to go away and I’ve never gone back to eating gluten after that.
You can read more about my health journey here or see all my gluten-free recipes here. You can also check out my podcast episode devoted specifically to identifying food sensitivities.
Should Everyone Go Gluten-Free?
For people with Celiac disease, going gluten-free is a must. Some critics consider going gluten-free to be a fad-diet that isn’t completely necessary. Dr. Thomas O’Bryan, however, considers a gluten-free diet necessary for nearly everyone. In a New York Times interview, he was quoted saying that, “If a person has a choice between eating wheat and not eating wheat, then for most people avoiding wheat would be ideal.”
What Gluten-Free Alternatives Are Recommended?
White flour and wheat flour aren’t generally good for health. You do have to be careful about using gluten-free flours since some of them can contain other additives or preservatives that aren’t necessarily healthy.
Also, if you’re sensitive to gluten, you might very well be sensitive to grains in general. Some flours that can replace glutenous flours are (some affiliate links included):
- Coconut flour
- Certified gluten-free oat flour
- Rice flour
- Tapioca flour
- Cassava flour (grain-free)
- Buckwheat flour
- Chickpea flour
- Almond flour
A quick internet search for “gluten-free recipes” will lead you to countless recipes using these gluten-free alternatives. All of the recipes on my blog are gluten-free, too!
Some of my favorite gluten-free recipes and posts include:
- Cassava Flour Cinnamon Apple Muffins (Grain- & Gluten-Free)
- Gluten-Free, Healthy Walmart Finds
- The Best Gluten-Free Travel Snacks
- Cinnamon Roll Buckwheat Porridge (Gluten-Free & Vegan)
Conclusion
It’s really up to you to determine if adopting a gluten-free diet is right for you. Many people choose to try eliminating it for a while to see if it makes them feel better.
The recommended elimination time is roughly around 3 weeks. Then, you can add it back in gradually if you want to test your reaction to gluten. But remember that gluten lurks in unsuspecting places and gluten-free alternative baked goods aren’t necessarily any better for you than their wheat counterparts.
A lot of people who decide to try a gluten-free diet opt for a Paleo diet in which they are eliminating grains altogether based on the way their hunter-gatherer ancestors ate. A common Paleo protocol that many follow is the Whole30 diet.
You’ll never know if you can feel better without consuming gluten if you don’t give it a try. You really have nothing to lose by giving up the wheat.
READ NEXT: DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PALEO, KETO, CLEAN EATING, VEGAN, AND WHOLE30 DIETS
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Jennifer Short says
Great info!
Courtney says
I’d love to see a vegan gluten free bread recipe! I find that the gf baked goods usually call for eggs, and are difficult to make vegan.
Linda says
In my disease-feeding days, my favorite dessert was cheesecake. OK, no problem, I can have everything but the crust, filling, and any topping…sigh. I would dearly love to see a gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free cheesecake that still had similar taste and mouth feel to what I used to love. Oh yeah, and not full of chemicals, processed food ingredients, etc. When I wish, I wish big.
Alicia B. says
a cheesecake with a gluten free and nut free crust!
Deb E says
Yes I also would like a gf bread or even cracker or snack bread recipe without gluten. Mine are OK but yours are probably better. I’m in between internet service providers right now but checking into free WIFI network daily so coping 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway!
Sandy @ Shady Meadow Cottage says
Thank you for posting this information. I have been gluten free for several years.
Crystal says
Gluten free banana bread would be yummy!
Barb says
Anything chocolate or pumpkin
Rachel plouffe says
Cinnamon buns
Kim H says
After suffering for years with “IBS”?? for a number of years – I discovered in my 20’s I had a dairy allergy – and probably had so for a long time. I still continued to have digestive issues – plus started having narcolepsy – and found that these episodes worsened when eating bread. I now follow a strict dairy/gluten free diet – and feel much better.
Ashley V says
I love sourdough bread and would love to see a gf version!
JM says
I dream of a GF creamy bread pudding drizzled with a not too sweet icing!
That’s one recipe I’d love to have made gluten free.
I sadly walk by the traditionally made ones with a sigh…
Mindy Kroesche says
Thanks for the good info. I’ve been following a gluten-free diet for several months now and realize just how much better I feel. Sometimes I “cheat” and am reminded of why I chose to do this in the first place!
Mindy Kroesche says
I forgot to mention what recipe I would like to see made gluten-free. I do miss having a crusty French bread with my soup.
Lisa B says
Bagels….bagels that taste good. 🙂
Annette says
Sourdough Bread is a recipe I’d like to see made gluten-free.
Miranda says
I’m pretty crazy about the idea of a gluten free, nut free breakfast protein-muffin. I’m blessed to be able to swing dairy, but finding breakfast that’s fast and food-allergy friendly is tough!
Jennifer says
I would love a gluten-free bread that is also vegan/egg-free.
Amanda says
A gluten-free, low-glycemic bread that tastes good!
Rosie says
A pie with homemade pie dough. Brownies, macaroon cookies.
Caitlin says
I made cookies for a work meeting this morning – non GF since they really weren’t for me. But of course I had to sample! Regretted it not long after, brain all cloudy and achy. Ugh.
Rosie says
I wonder if there is a way to put the podcasts on youtube. I don’t have any access to an iphone.
Carrie Forrest, MPH in Nutrition says
Hi Rosie! You can listen to my podcasts from your computer. There is a player embedded on each podcast show notes page. LMK if you have any trouble accessing it. Thanks!
Alexandra Robertson says
I would love to see an English muffin bread or cinnamon raisin bread made gf.
Lizzie says
This blog post was really helpful! Thanks for all the great information!!
Charity Banman says
I would like to see a vegan chocolate chip cookie recipe made gluten free.
Antoniella Kimball says
Thanks for the great info. I am new to the GF world – I do not have celiac disease or anything, but I have been having some stomach issues, so I am going to cut out Gluten for 30 days to see if it helps. Hope this helps 🙂
Thanks for a chance at the giveaway as well
Shannon DiBenedetto says
Yup! I have those issues. Lol. Even though its not celiac. I have IBS. And ppl wonder why I dont want gluten. Lol. Good info, thanks. Im sharing. 🙂
India L says
I feel so much better since I’ve gone gluten-free. I’m always looking for more recipes, especially for quick gluten-free breads for my children.
Rebecca Derbes says
Croissants – I miss the texture
Stephanie says
Awesome amount of info!
Very educational and informative!
I went gluten free a little over a year ago for my thyroid and now I’ve completely eliminated my panic attacks! Crazy! Who knew ?
Peggy O. says
A good crusty French bread that doesn’t take hours to make.
Mandy Tanner says
I’d love to see GF treat recipes!
Jordan D. says
I would love to see a gluten-free vegan cookie dough!
Calvin says
Really nice, gluten free healthy low Gi pizza dough crust
jacquie says
PB cookies, a good quick bread of the soda type variety, and cheesecake
Becca Lewis says
This post is so informative! I try to stay away from gluten… but could never really explain why to people haha. Now when they ask me I can send them this post! Thanks Carrie 🙂
Stephanie @ Real Food Education says
I’ve been wanting gluten free pizza lately. I love Bob and his gluten free products!
bn100 says
pizza dough
T Everhart says
What is your favorite type of flour options? There are so many, it is a little overwhelming.
Carrie Forrest, MPH in Nutrition says
What are you trying to make?
Kimmy Ripley says
I just started cutting down on gluten. Whenever I eat it I get very bloated. After cutting back I am feeling a whole lot better and no bloating! I would love to use this to make some breakfast breads like chocolate chip banana!
joseph gersch says
I would like a really really healthy gluten free sprouted bread
jberry says
I’d like to see a crumpet recipe, gosh I miss those.
Helen says
GF, vegan birthday cake!
Anna says
Gluten free pie crust. Love the Red Mill!
Isma Brown says
This is really great info Carrie. And perfect timing for me. I have been wondering all evening if I am gluten sensitive. I am still really uncomfortable from a meal I had at lunch that had a lot of gluten in it! So armed with the information you just gave, I’m going to see if I can figure this out. Thank you!
Diana Cote says
I Would love to see Gluten free croissants or donuts. Hehe
Rachel K says
I have been gluten free for years with very limited grain consumption overall. I’m always on the search for a decent grain free tortilla recipe that isn’t just made of pure starch like tapioca.
Linda says
I would like to have a recipe for gluten-free French pastries, like chocolate croissants or eclairs.
Angela says
I would love to see a cheerio crust pie dessert.
Vera K says
Is there gluten-free lasagna?
judith says
scones
Lindsay A. says
Great post! I’m thinking gluten free pastries could be an interesting thing to explore, since some pastries can be tricky to make!
Heather S says
Any type of chocolate muffin <3
Catherine Brodeur says
Ahhhh Bob’s Red Mill also known as half my pantry lol 💗
Carrie Forrest, MPH in Nutrition says
Right?! Me too, Catherine, LOL.
Heather says
Kringle, please!
Lisa P says
A great gluten free bread. Have yet to find one I love.
Angie says
This is very informative blog!
Angela says
Bob’s Red Mill makes great products!
I’d love a re I’ve for gluten-free, vegan Yorkshire pudding! The local gf bakery has one type of bread with a similarly amazing spongey texture, so it’s got to be possible!
Kelly M. says
I would love to see bread pudding done gluten free!
Suzie says
I would like a gluten free vegan lefse!
manda shank says
Any pie recipe made gluten free.
Marie N says
I’d like to see gluten free mug cakes
Michelle J. says
Frosted sugar cookies!
Kerrey says
I’d love to see gluten free phyllo dough.
Emily @Sinful Nutrition says
Anything pancake or cookie related! 😀
Dandi D says
A really good gluten free dinner roll recipe I have yet to find!
Gaby Fischer says
I love their products!!! I hope I win! : )
michel says
cheesecake with a gluten free crust!
Jacqueline Piper | PiperCooks says
Lots of info here – I wish there was more information years ago when I went gluten free! My doctor and I thought I had celiac disease. I didn’t, it was something else, and I was relieved. I felt awful on a gluten free diet though, because I just substituted my regular wheat food items, with store bought products. I always feel so much better on a whole food diet, Love Bob’s Red Mill products – found them when I was gluten free. Love that you can incorporate them into a healthy diet.
Jordan says
I went gluten-free for a while to see if I felt better overall and I definitely did. I had more energy, clearer skin, and less brain fog. I eat some gluten now, but very little!
Amanda says
What a great resource for going gluten-free! That list of flour alternatives is especially useful. I love baking with almond flour and coconut flour, and Bob’s Red Mill is a brand that I buy often!
Laura says
I love bobs red mill items! I would love to see a apple pie recipe that’s gluten free
Carly Williams says
I love to see gluten free muffins!
Kate F. says
I’d like a reliable GF cornbread recipe!
Diane says
I was a bread girl … so any bread — biscuits, rolls, loafs, pancakes, etc. –that have a great taste and texture and easily accessible ingredients.
pinkoddy says
I had no idea that gluten could cause all those issues! Or that there were so many other alternatives out there to avoid it.
Natalie says
I’ve been eating mostly gluten free these last few months and have noticed improved energy and better skin, so I think I will stick with it. I used to eat so much bread, and I actually don’t really miss it!
Ana De-Jesus says
I am not gluten free myself- although I do have a slight sensitivity to it in excess. I have friends who have coaliac disease and when they were diagnosed it really helped them know what products to eat and what they should put in their diet!
maria magdalena says
I know a lot of people who intolerant with gluten especially kids nowdays. Thi is a very informative and useful article for a lot of people.
Tara Pittman says
I want to try gluten free sugar cookies. I need to see how they taste compared to regular ones.
Annreeba says
This sounds yummy!!! That list of flour alternatives is especially useful. Great post.
Sela says
Very informative post. I think that I can try it for 3 week to test it out. And if it makes me feel better I’m in.
Tina Hogan Grant says
I have, to be honest, I’ve never tried anything that was gluten free, after reading your post I may consider it
CurlyWhippedTee says
Great gluten free recipe. Thanks for sharing this.
Nancy at Whispered Inspirations says
This is such an amazing post for anyone that is thinking about going gluten free. I am not gluten free myself, but know many people who are. There are many options out there for people that are gluten free!
Julie says
gluten free petit fours would be amazing!
Dominique | Perchance to Cook says
My husband and I like eating gluten-free. He feels so much better that way. I think that says a lot.
Donna says
gluten free fruit tarts would be amazing
Nancy Smith says
Interesting blog post. I don’t see myself going gluten free, but I do think cutting back on it might be doable. I think a balanced diet including every food group works for me. I respect that some people will feel better going the gluten-free route though.
Allen Gibson says
Pies….all pies. No such thing as a bad pie, you can only make good ones better.
Katherine Lee says
I loooove sourdough bread!! I’d love to see a gluten-free recipe 🙂
Jennifer L says
I have a few friends who are gluten free I know it’s been amazing decision in their lives. I try to do my best to use alternatives to gluten in a lot of my cookie like almond flour. And really do enjoy it.
Erin M says
I’d love to try making my own breads.
Michelle Catallo says
Trying to solidify my banana bread into gluten free; tweaking it to ensure flavor isn’t changed.
Alexandra Y says
Cheesecake!
Jenny Ham says
Muffins would be great
Julie Moore says
I would love to see bread pudding
Tracy Shafer says
Some cinnamon sticky buns.
Azeem says
I would like to see home made brownies
Dynal Roberson says
I’d love a really good gluten free french toast.
vanessa martinez says
banana bread
Patti @Patty Cake's Pantry says
This is a very interesting article. I know that , in recent years, more of my friend have experienced mysterious health issues that plagued them for some time before their doctors finally figured out the problem was gluten. Eliminating gluten has changed their lives.
alice minx says
Any type of bread, cake, brownie, and pizza 🙂
kelly woods says
Brownies or chocolate cake, thank you
Leigh Nichols says
Chicken and dumplings
Nicole Colletti says
My homemade banana crumb muffins!
Jennylyn gross says
cakes
Flyingkids says
Great info for everyone who feels like they have very limited gluten-free options.
Elena says
Great selection of gluten free products! I’ll pass it along. I have a friend who has celiac disease, so he will surely be interested.
TaraTeaspoon says
Great research ! I’m not gluten free but when the time comes I know where to get my products thanks to your reviews ! I will definitely be sharing this with my gf friends.
Jenni LeBaron says
I love that Bob’s has so many GF options these days. I love their coconut flour!
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says
You certainly have done your homework. You’ve provided lots of valuable information for people who do have problems with gluten. Luckily we don’t but it still wouldn’t hurt to cut out some of it. Thank you for providing the alternatives.
Stacey says
How about a GF sweet bread, that would be the bees knees!
Amy Nash says
This is such a thorough, informative post. I love Bob’s Red Mill products and use them all the time!
Sathya Lakshman says
Very informative article. I have been gluten free for many years now. It started fourteen years ago when I discovered how it helped and still helps my son who has autism . He was a very picky eater who loved to ear rot is (Indian bread made of wheat) and drink milk. He barely ate anything else. He would not sleep entire nights and would cry in pain. After he was started in this gluten free casein free diet for the first time in years he slept entire nights and his aggression reduced and eye contact improved. He still is very affected by autism but it helps make life much more better. Whenever He had infractions in the form of gluten he would regress. I too started eating gluten free as I felt bad for him. That is when I discovered that I was losing weight and feeling better mentslky and physically.
Now I have started my YouTube channel where I post authentic Indian gluten free recipes
Carrie Forrest, MPH in Nutrition says
Great, thanks for sharing your story, Sathya! I am sooooo glad your son is doing better. Would you share the link to your YouTube channel? I would LOVE to see your recipes! XO.
Sathya Lakshman says
Sure. My YouTube channel is Desilicious Kitchen
Carrie Forrest, MPH in Nutrition says
Yay, I subscribed! Oh my goodness, now I’m hungry!!! Looks amazing. I can’t wait to learn more.
Sathya Lakshman says
Thank you so much. Will look up the recipes you have posted too.