Should I go gluten free?
This question comes up often with my clients.
Simply put the answer is no. We need multiple whole grains for proper nutrition, wheat and other grains containing gluten provide key nutrients.
However this is not a simple question. Rather than asking if you should go gluten free, the better question is WHY?
To answer this question we need to do a little research. Have you been diagnosed with celiac? If so then YES gluten free for life! If not dig deeper.
Why is this a question for you? Do not follow fads; listen to your body to decide what is right!
Are you experiencing unexplained abdominal pain? Lasting diarrhea? Recurring constipation? Bloating? Other intestinal problems? Eczema unrelated to diagnosed allergies? Emotional imbalance?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions then a food diary is in order. Best case scenario keep a journal for 4 weeks in which you record EVERYTHING that you eat and drink along with ALL symptoms both physical and emotional. How are you feeling at particular times of the day; for ease record feelings every 3 hours. (2 weeks is an acceptable time frame to begin to show patterns however the longer you can record the more accurate the pattern will become).
Remember what you eat now will take 2-4 hours to digest depending on what and how much you have consumed. The tummy ache 5 minutes after eating is NOT caused by the meal you just finished (unless you really over ate!) Awareness is key! Pay close attention to your body and mind.
After 2 to 4 weeks take your food journal to a health care practitioner that can interrupt what you have recorded
.
If gluten IS a problem for you here is a list of gluten and non-gluten grains!
Grains Containing Gluten
Gluten Free Grains
Wheat
Barley
Amaranth
Sorghum
Spelt
Triticale
Buckwheat
Teff
Kamut
Semolina
Corn
Wild rice
Faro
Rye
Millet
Montina
Durum
Quinoa
Job’s tears (Hato Mugi)
Bulgur
Oats **
Rice
Oats**
** Oats by nature do not contain gluten. However cross contamination is high with wheat and oats. Reading labels is extremely important to be sure you are getting pure oats without wheat powder or wheat by product.
Remember that a healthy diet is a balanced diet: quality and amount are key!