Can A Gluten Free Diet Reduce Inflammation?

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gluten-freeThese days, we hear about a gluten-free diet nearly everywhere we go. People with celiac disease must eat a gluten-free diet to treat their disease, since they are unable to consume wheat, rye, barley, and many other grains. When a person with celiac disease consumes gluten, inflammation forms in the small intestine of the body. Eating a gluten-free diet can reduce the signs and symptoms of celiac disease, but it may also benefit people who don’t have celiac disease.

Even people who do not have celiac disease can still be gluten intolerant. Digestive issues, bumps on the back of arms, dizziness, hormonal imbalances, migraines, mood issues, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, inflammation, and swelling or pain in your joints such as fingers, knees or hips can all be signs of a gluten intolerance.

When you eat an anti-inflammatory diet, you can reduce your risk for chronic disease, age-related diseases, aches and pains, and increase your overall well-being. If you have signs and symptoms of a gluten intolerance, your symptoms may actually clear up if you take on a healthy gluten-free diet. Many store-bought gluten-free foods are convenient, but they aren’t the best option. For reducing inflammation in the body, whole foods are needed.

If you feel that you may be gluten intolerant, start by eliminating gluten from your diet for several months and keep a food journal. Write down what you eat each day and at what time, and be sure to record any symptoms or moods that you may be experiencing. If you need assistance during your transition to a gluten-free lifestyle, please contact Premier Health Chiropractors. Our nutritional counseling program can make the transition an easier one.

If your symptoms include fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, or swelling or pain in your joints, you may also benefit from chiropractic care. In conjunction with moderate exercise and a healthy eating plan, you will notice these symptoms less and less. However, it takes research and effort to develop a healthy and well-balanced gluten-free meal plan.

Gluten-free foods that are great at reducing inflammation in the body are chia seeds, flax seeds, fruits and vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids such as fish or fish oil supplements, walnuts, brown rice, lean proteins such as chicken or tofu, and spices such as turmeric. Avoid refined carbohydrates and refined sugars, such as white rice and white sugar. Stevia is an excellent substitution to refined white sugar.

A gluten-free diet may not sound ideal, but if you notice any signs and symptoms of a gluten intolerance, an elimination diet may clear up some of your symptoms, if not all of them. It can take several months to notice a difference and even the smallest amount of gluten can throw you off track, so be mindful of each and every thing that you eat, and ask questions when you go out to dinner at restaurants. Most salads and tacos can be made gluten-free as well as many fish or chicken dishes. Even gluten-free pastas are more readily available now.

Taking on a new diet can be a stressful time. Contact Premier Health Chiropractors today and see if a gluten-free diet is right for you!

2015 Archive Healthy Living