Avoiding Gluten-Free Diet Could Pose Risks for Some Individuals with Gluten Sensitivity
Revised Article:
Embracing a gluten-free lifestyle without a medical need could lead to a slew of health issues and nutritional deficiencies, Dr. Eugene Belousov, a gastroenterologist at AO "Medicine" (Roytberg Clinic), stated in an interview with "Gazeta.Ru."
Gluten, a natural protein complex found in grains, is integral to the fluffy texture of bread and the elasticity of pasta. However, in modern times, this protein has become a scapegoat for myriad health problems, ranging from digestive discomfort to chronic fatigue.
In reality, true gluten intolerance, including celiac disease, affects a mere 1% of the population. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes severe intestinal damage even with minimal gluten exposure. Additional 6-10% may experience non-celiac gluten sensitivity, where gluten triggers discomfort without damaging the intestines.
The potential harm outweighs the benefits when one adopts a gluten-free diet without medical necessity. By forgoing grains, one deprives themselves of crucial sources of B vitamins, iron, fiber, and minerals. Often, gluten-free alternatives contain higher amounts of sugar, fats, and artificial additives to enhance the taste. Studies suggest that unnecessary elimination of gluten results in nutrient deficiencies and even an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Before embarking on a gluten-free journey, one must question their necessity for such a diet, undergo medical testing, and consider the potential consequences of abandoning a wide array of products.
In a different context, a doctor once shared five tips for communicating with individuals affected by Alzheimer's disease.
Insights:
A gluten-free diet for individuals without medical requirements may lead to several potential drawbacks, including:
- Depletion of vital nutrients: Gluten-free products often have lower amounts of essential nutrients such as iron and B vitamins, potentially resulting in nutritional deficits.
- Reduced dietary fiber: Gluten-free foods contain less fiber, crucial for maintaining digestive health.
- Excessive sugars and fats: Many commercial gluten-free foods boast elevated sugar and fat content, which could lead to weight gain and increments in cardio-metabolic risks.
- Cognitive and growth issues in sensitive groups: In medically sensitive individuals (those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity), gluten exposure can lead to fatigue, malabsorption, growth retardation, and cognitive delays, but these symptoms are uncommon in those without gluten-related disorders.
- Incomplete intestinal recovery in celiac disease: Prolonged gluten exposure or poor adherence to a gluten-free diet may result in ongoing intestinal damage and grave complications in diagnosed celiac patients.
- Cost and accessibility challenges: Gluten-free foods tend to be more expensive and less accessible, posing practical difficulties when adopted without medical need.
- Relying on processed foods: People on unnecessary gluten-free diets may over-rely on processed gluten-free products, which have poorer nutritional profiles and can lead to additional health issues.
- No established health benefits for the general population: Experts concur that gluten is safe and nutritionally beneficial for those without gluten-related disorders.
- Psychological and social factors: The stringency of a gluten-free diet may induce social inconvenience and psychological stress in people without medical need for it.
- Adopting a gluten-free diet without medical need may lead to a depletion of vital nutrients such as iron and B vitamins, due to the lower amounts found in gluten-free products, potentially resulting in nutritional deficiencies.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness and mental-health, abstaining from gluten without a medical necessity could also increase the risk of cognitive and growth issues in sensitive groups, while relying on processed foods may contribute to additional health problems due to their poorer nutritional profiles.
