A Guide to the Gluten-Free Diet

What It Is

Gluten is the protein found in wheat, barley, triticale, and rye. The diet means avoiding any food that contains these grains. They’re common ingredients in bread, pasta, and can be used as thickening agents in sauces and soups.

However, this doesn’t mean you need to go carb-free. There are many rice, corn, and other non-wheat carbohydrates. The super-food quinoa, for example, is a popular gluten-free healthy food. You’ll also need to avoid malt beverages, beer, and distilled spirits.

Why It’s Beneficial

Gluten is relatively new to the human diet, and people believe the body may not have adapted to digesting it properly. This can negatively affect you if consumed in high quantities.

While people have long known that the gluten-free diet manages symptoms of celiac disease and gluten sensitivities, more recent findings have discovered that it may help others. For example, those with irritable bowel syndrome experience less pain, bloating, and fatigue when following the diet. Studies have also found that those with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain have reduced pain. Many following a gluten-free diet find that they eat fewer fattening carbs, replacing them with healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables. As a result, they feel more energized and can better manage their weight.