Gluten Free Diet

lovepink87
lovepink87 Posts: 20
in Food and Nutrition
I've been considering a gluten free diet. Thoughts? I've done some reading and I can't really seam to find anything that's more in favor or against it if you don't have celiac disease. Is anyone gluten free by choice? If so do you think it really makes a difference?
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Replies

  • zellagrrl
    zellagrrl Posts: 439
    When trying to figure out what my digestive system hated, I gave up gluten (and all kinds of other things). I don't see any point in restricting your diet if you don't have a specific reaction to it, and realistically, processed gluten free stuff isn't any better for you nutritionally.
  • buckeye86
    buckeye86 Posts: 128 Member
    It's not a diet diet. It's just for celiac disease or other specific health problems. People often gain weight while on it if that's all they do. No need to do it if your body doesn't have a bad reaction to gluten.
  • leslisa
    leslisa Posts: 1,350 Member
    Mixed feelings here. I have heard that gluten can also be related to other allergies and do, in fact, have acquaintences who's gluten free diet seems to have minimized some common allergic reactions to pollen, etc. Can't find much support on it, but I will say those I know who are on the diet have lost, not gained weight.
  • bms34b
    bms34b Posts: 401 Member
    My boyfriend can't have gluten for health reasons, and since I cook a lot for us, I often am gluten-free too. I'd say - don't do it. If you're thinking more along the lines of avoiding breads and pastas, that can be good and help with macro intakes (amount of protein vs carbs vs fat). However, replacing traditional wheat products like breads and pastas with gluten-free versions tends to give you more calories for the same amount of food. I'd say it would be more trouble than its worth in most cases.
  • Sue_Smiles
    Sue_Smiles Posts: 1,001 Member
    You will lose weight if you are gluten sensitive or have Celiac's. My daughter has and she lost quite a bit of weight, while I don't have that problem and gained weight when I tried. Stupid potato chips and tortilla chips are gluten free :laugh: Be aware of what you will be giving up besides bread. Oatmeal, wheat, barley, couscous, most processed meats, anything with mono-sodium glutamate, etc. And, if you're the only one in the house giving it up, then you have to be extremely careful of cross-contamination, plus very few restaurants offer gluten-free foods.

    If there's no reason for you to be on it, then it's really not worth it.

    P.S. No beer!!!!!!!!!! :noway:
  • toglamgirl
    toglamgirl Posts: 26
    Personally I am not a celiac, have been tested and fortunately, it was negative. But I have some issues with the intestinal tract and related organs and when I am Gluten Free or Low Gluten (which I'm doing now) - I always feel better.

    But that is me. You could try it - it wouldn't hurt you to do so - but you will have to read every single solitary label. Anything with oats, barley, rye, wheat - or google a list of gluten free foods.

    Either way - Good Luck!
  • lporter229
    lporter229 Posts: 4,907 Member
    When trying to figure out what my digestive system hated, I gave up gluten (and all kinds of other things). I don't see any point in restricting your diet if you don't have a specific reaction to it, and realistically, processed gluten free stuff isn't any better for you nutritionally.

    I agree. I have Crohn's disease and tried a gluten free diet in hopes of finding the source of my digestive woes as well, and it worked. I don't recommend doing it "just to do it". It's inconvenient, expensive and not a lot of fun. The only reason I remain on a GF diet is because I prefer to make these sacrifices rather than 20 trips to the bathroom every day.
  • exacerbe
    exacerbe Posts: 447 Member
    If you do not have an allergy or sensitivity to gluten, there's really no point to go gluten free. If you're really concerned about the grains you eat, at least cut out processed and refined grains (e.g. white flour, etc..).

    Having Crohn's Disease, I go through cycles of being gluten intolerant to being able to eat whatever I want. When my digestive tract is acting up and I avoid foods like gluten, I feel fine. When my digestive tract is not acting up and I eat whatever I want, I feel fine.

    All in all, you won't lose weight being gluten free. Gluten free does not mean healthy. Carb is a carb... whether it's rice flour or wheat flour. It just depends on how your body breaks it down.
  • em9371
    em9371 Posts: 1,047 Member
    I totally don't get why anyone who has no medical reason to do so would go gluten free. Cut down carbs maybe, but going gluten free is ridiculous if you dont need to and it has NO weight loss benefits whatsoever.
    Some people may lose, but that is generally from being forced into a healthier way of eating, which you can do just as well while eating gluten.
    If you suspect you are gluten sensitive, you should continue to eat normally until you have seen you Dr, as cutting out gluten too early can affect the test results.

    My sister is coeliac and I am partly diagnosed, it makes your life much more compliacted having to check the ingredients for everything, you cant eat at your favourite restaurants in case the food has been contaminated with gluten from other dishes, gluten free food is generally WAY more expensive than normal food.
    Also it gives restarants the wrong idea about what is acceptable for someone with a genuine gluten intolerance - it is vital that food places are aware how serious this can be, and people playing at being gluten free and not asking restaurants to be so strict gives the impression that coeliac disease is just being 'picky' with your food, when in fact accidentally eating gluten can make a person with coeliac diease seriously ill - I have heard of people being glutened as the chef thought it was just another fad and they were being fussy rather than having a medical condition!!!!
  • _Bob_
    _Bob_ Posts: 1,487 Member
    I try to stay away from the stuff but I don't avoid it all together. Sometimes you've just got to have a nice sandwich

    picture-015-450x337.jpg
  • raisingbabyk
    raisingbabyk Posts: 442 Member
    I am trying to, but it is hard! I read the book wheat belly and it was very interesting. I can say i absolutely feel MUCH better when I am not eating it, but I am pretty sure I have an intolerance to it and that it triggers my IBS.


    Wanted to add also that I don't worry about the minor stuff that celiac's need to like cross contamination, and I still eat oats. I just try not to eat any wheat products or anything that has gluten in it.
  • wonderwomanwannaB
    wonderwomanwannaB Posts: 111
    It's not a diet diet. It's just for celiac disease or other specific health problems. People often gain weight while on it if that's all they do. No need to do it if your body doesn't have a bad reaction to gluten.

    This.
  • ball858
    ball858 Posts: 395 Member
    I've been considering a gluten free diet. Thoughts? I've done some reading and I can't really seam to find anything that's more in favor or against it if you don't have celiac disease. Is anyone gluten free by choice? If so do you think it really makes a difference?

    I have celiac's and only eat gluten / wheat free bread, pasta and rice as they are my main triggers. But, the bread isn't very nice unless toasted (so I only have it for breakfast)

    If you want to give it a go there are a lot in the Free From range in most UK stores so plenty of alternatives.
  • AdAstra47
    AdAstra47 Posts: 823 Member
    I am low-carb (doctor's orders, I have a metabolic condition similar to diabetes and I've chosen to control it entirely through diet instead of taking any drugs). My diet really ends up being low- or no-gluten as well. If you'd like to try a gluten free diet, you might check low-carb or paleo or primal sites for good recipes and recipe substitutions that will work for you. I have learned to make pancakes with protein powder, flatbread & tortillas with almond flour, and muffins with flaxseed meal. It does take a lot of work, finding good substitutes and having to cook everything yourself instead of buying ready-made stuff. But if it makes you more healthy, it's worth it. Your call.

    Either way, good luck to you!
  • em9371
    em9371 Posts: 1,047 Member
    I try to stay away from the stuff but I don't avoid it all together. Sometimes you've just got to have a nice sandwich

    picture-015-450x337.jpg

    this is exactly what I meant, people say they are gluten free but then eat it when it gets too hard grrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Gives the impression that 'a litlle bit of gluten' wont hurt a coeliac when it can actually make them VERY ill!!!
  • MonicaT1972
    MonicaT1972 Posts: 512
    Get yourself a copy of the book The Wheat Belly. It's very informative, it will help you make a decision one way or another.
  • GreenTeaForDays
    GreenTeaForDays Posts: 166 Member
    I plan to test out gluten free soon. There are multiple reasons why someone might want to and these are the ones I am aware of:

    - celiac disease
    - chrone's disease
    - gluten sensitivity/allergy
    - wheat allergy
    - reducings carbohydrates
  • em9371
    em9371 Posts: 1,047 Member
    I plan to test out gluten free soon. There are multiple reasons why someone might want to and these are the ones I am aware of:

    - celiac disease
    - chrone's disease
    - gluten sensitivity/allergy
    - wheat allergy
    - reducings carbohydrates

    reducing carbs is not a valid reason to go gluten free, it is in a LOT of foods, not only ones that are high in carbs. Its totally unneccesary unless you have a medical reason to do so.
  • itsjustdawn
    itsjustdawn Posts: 1,073 Member
    I've been considering a gluten free diet. Thoughts? I've done some reading and I can't really seam to find anything that's more in favor or against it if you don't have celiac disease. Is anyone gluten free by choice? If so do you think it really makes a difference?

    Back in 2009 I voluntarily went GF. It was hard as crap because I couldn't find things to eat then. GF lifestyle is far more popular now. To answer your question about it making a difference - YES, it did for me. My stomach quit hurting. This will be TMI, but you asked - the gas also disappeared. However, I was eating a lot of the same things over and over, like steak at restaurants. I bet if I really put in the time and effort, I could be GF and avoid processed foods. No one said you had to eat processed GF foods. You can eat meats, eggs, fish, rice/corn products, certain oatmeal, fruit. I'm going to say it won't hurt you to try it.
  • itsjustdawn
    itsjustdawn Posts: 1,073 Member
    I totally don't get why anyone who has no medical reason to do so would go gluten free. Cut down carbs maybe, but going gluten free is ridiculous if you dont need to and it has NO weight loss benefits whatsoever.
    Some people may lose, but that is generally from being forced into a healthier way of eating, which you can do just as well while eating gluten.
    If you suspect you are gluten sensitive, you should continue to eat normally until you have seen you Dr, as cutting out gluten too early can affect the test results.

    My sister is coeliac and I am partly diagnosed, it makes your life much more compliacted having to check the ingredients for everything, you cant eat at your favourite restaurants in case the food has been contaminated with gluten from other dishes, gluten free food is generally WAY more expensive than normal food.
    Also it gives restarants the wrong idea about what is acceptable for someone with a genuine gluten intolerance - it is vital that food places are aware how serious this can be, and people playing at being gluten free and not asking restaurants to be so strict gives the impression that coeliac disease is just being 'picky' with your food, when in fact accidentally eating gluten can make a person with coeliac diease seriously ill - I have heard of people being glutened as the chef thought it was just another fad and they were being fussy rather than having a medical condition!!!!

    I am going to disagree with you. It may not be for weight loss, but it can be for overall relief of discomfort which can make all the difference in the world. I voluntarily went GF and felt great. And you don't have to run out and buy GF foods when you can just eat clean.
  • That_Girl
    That_Girl Posts: 1,324 Member
    I am gluten intolerant and stopped gluten 3 months ago and noticed a huge change. Less bloat, NO MORE IBS!!, less aches, clearer thinking, etc. I suffered from TMJ and IBS for years and haven't had a problem since removing gluten.

    When I eat just a bit of gluten, I feel like shet again.

    Udi's brand for breads is pretty tasty. I love that brand.
  • Astacia74
    Astacia74 Posts: 166 Member
    I also have Crohn's and have had to eliminate gluten from my diet. If you don't HAVE to do it for health reasons, I wouldn't do it.
  • coconutflower
    coconutflower Posts: 20
    I don't have celiac disease and I love gluten-free products. I find I am so MUCH less bloated when I eat gluten free bread. I honestly don't know exactly what foods I eat contain gluten - but I do know that on days I don't eat the obvious gluten stuff (bread, pasta, etc.) and replace them with gluten free products, I FEEL better and lose weight more efficiently! I only wish they weren't so expensive...!

    Since you don't have celiac disease - maybe instead of doing a gluten free diet (kind of restrictive) you could just try incorporating more gluten free products into your diet?
  • Enigmatica
    Enigmatica Posts: 879 Member
    I haven't been diagnosed with CD, but am definitely gluten intolerant. That stuff messes up my digestive system big time so I finally learned to stay the heck away from it. I feel much better and have ended up actually enjoying my new food choices. You might try eliminating gluten for a month to see if it makes any difference for you. Some people seem to have no problem with it at all, and if you can get away with it, it makes your life a whole lot easier. I'm not one of those lucky people, lol.
  • pstaceyca
    pstaceyca Posts: 306 Member
    I try to stay away from the stuff but I don't avoid it all together. Sometimes you've just got to have a nice sandwich

    picture-015-450x337.jpg

    Udi's Gluten free bread makes a great sandwich!! :smile:
  • Doreen_Murray
    Doreen_Murray Posts: 396 Member
    My son is gluten intolerant so I went gluten free and felt so much better after I did. Can I explain the exact reason? Nope! I just think foods without gluten are easier to digest. Now that it's been a while I also notice I try foods I normally would not have since having to be creative in my choices, mostly with different kinds of flours like coconut and nut flours. My advice to anyone wishing to try it is to just do it and see how you feel! I noticed a huge difference in my son after I removed it so I'll never go back. Everyone is different though so you won't know until you try! :flowerforyou:
  • omanitshann
    omanitshann Posts: 179
    In my opinion I'd say you shouldn't do it. Being gluten free doesn't necessarily make you healthier. Your "diet" should just be whatever is healthiest for you. But i think making some things gluten free is fine, like deserts and maybe some pastas, but don't restrict yourself all the time.
  • pstaceyca
    pstaceyca Posts: 306 Member
    For me I was living in a fog for years and didn't know the difference until I found out I was sensitive to gluten...not celiac. I do my best to avoid it at all times, but when I do slip up I pay with a headache the next day. No harm to try it and see how it affects you. After finding gluten free products that I like, I now enjoy all the same things I always ate before. I really don't see how it is more calories, at least not what I buy. It works for me!
  • twinmom01
    twinmom01 Posts: 854 Member
    I removed grains and most processed foods from my basic diet - so I pretty much live a gluten free lifestyle by choice...

    I think there is a difference - I gave up grains and processed foods because I wanted to not because I have a dietary issue with gluten...so if I do indulge in something once in a blue moon that has some form of gluten as an ingrediate I don't sweat it

    If you are thinking of going with a gluten free way of eating but that means simply replacing things like breads, snacks, pastas, sweets with a "gluten free" version it probably isn't going to do anything more then make your wallet a little bit lighter - since most gluten free versions still have the same basic calories, fat, protien, vitamins and minerals that the regular version does, just costs more
  • hollyamac
    hollyamac Posts: 2
    I have Chrone's disease as well, and recently gave up most gluten foods. My celiac test came back normal, but I get extremely sick if I eat foods containing a lot of gluten. I can't say I've noticed any weight difference being off of it, but I do feel better so I am able to exercise more and be more active.

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