1. How Gluten makes you fat even if you
don’t have celiac
photo credit: kyz
If you are trying to lose weight and you think you are already eating a fairly clean
diet ( no sugar, no processed foods, no deep fried stuff etc.) , you my want to
incorporate a gluten free diet (GFD). Learn how gluten makes you fat, even if you
don't have celiac disease.
When I eliminated gluten from my diet, not only did I lose weight easily but my
constipation and bloating issues also vanished. It was a win-win situation for me.
Going gluten free may not be hard if you know what your options are. It’s a simple
matter of choice. I am not 100% gluten free and do enjoy occasional gluten
containing foods like cakes and desserts in limited amounts. That way I am enjoying
the benefits of gluten free diet without obsessing about what to eat and what not to
eat.
Preventative cardiologist William Davis, MD. believes wheat ( a gluten containing
grain) is so bad that he wrote an entire book about it: Wheat Belly: Lose the Wheat,
Lose the Weight, and Find Your Path Back to Health

2. What is Gluten?
The word gluten comes from Latin gluten, “glue”. Gluten is a basically a protein
found in foods such as wheat, barley and rye. Other foods which contain gluten are
spelt, semolina and durum.
Most of us love gluten. It gives our favourite foods that special appearance. It makes
pizza dough stretchy, helps the bread rise and also is used to thicken sauces and
soups.
People who prefer to avoid gluten fall in two categories–either they’re allergic (this is
known as Celiac disease) or because they believe it will lead to health problems
What is Celiac disease
Celiac is an autoimmune disease. (a disease caused by reaction of immune system).
People with celiac disease react strongly to gluten containing foods. These people
have severe allergy to gluten and if left undiagnosed can lead to serious health
problems
Gluten causes inflammation in the small intestines of people with celiac disease.
Eating a gluten-free diet helps them control their signs and symptoms and prevent
complications
Gluten Sensitivity (or Gluten intolerance)
Even if you are not diagnosed with celiac disease, there are a host of reasons to
avoid gluten. You may be reacting to gluten in your food and not even know about it.
This is called Gluten sensitivity or intolerance.
Why you should avoid gluten even if you don’t
have celiac disease
Contrary to what is believed by many, gluten is not to be avoided only by those who
suffer Celiac. Those with Celiac disease only react more strongly to wheat and gluten
than those without the disease, but most people have a reaction in some way or
another to wheat consumption, often in subtle ways.
Common symptoms of Gluten intolerance include
1.Gastrointestinal issues – these can include abdominal discomfort or pain,
stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhea, constipation.[1]

3. 2.Headaches/ migraines
3.Fatigue – loss of energy, chronic fatigue syndrome, lethargy, fibromyalgia
4.Skin issues – acne
5.Emotional issues – mood swings, chronic irritability, hyperactivity
6.Weight issues – Weight loss/ weight gain
7.Thyroid issues – Gluten can hamper with your thyroid performance
photo credit: Dag Endresen
Which products contain gluten?
Here’s a list of some grains that contain gluten:
• barley
• rye
• wheat
• spelt
• kamut
• semolina
• couscous
• bulgur
• triticale
• malt
What grain are allowed in Gluten Free diet
• Amaranth
• Arrowroot

4. • Buckwheat
• Corn and cornmeal
• Flax
• Gluten-free flours (rice, soy, corn, potato, bean)
• Millet
• Quinoa
• Rice
• Sorghum
• Soy
• Tapioca
Misunderstanding the Gluten Free Diet (GFD)
If you want to lose weight on gluten free diet, you still have to be cautious of junk
food you are eating. Snacking on gluten free cookies and eating gluten free pizza
may halt your fat loss efforts inspite of being on a GFD. Don’t feast on gluten free
snacks, thinking you will lose weight. But a GFD when done correctly can help with
your fat loss.
How to do a Gluten Free Diet?
Your first step would be to eliminate bread and pastas made from gluten containing
grains. Many other products are off the list beside bread like pancakes, pastries,
cakes, cookies, doughnuts, pizza etc.
I personally prefer to replace gluten with brown rice, millet, quinoa etc. Also eat
plenty of vegetables, salads, fruits, nuts and whole natural foods.
Conclusion
Have you tried gluten free diet or are you deciding on going gluten free? Or is gluten
free the latest health nut craze? Your opinion counts.
[1] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21224837 Gluten causes gastrointestinal
symptoms in subjects without celiac disease: a double-blind randomized placebo-
controlled trial
Source:
www.fat2fitsteps.com/how-gluten-makes-you-fat-even-if-you-dont-have-
celiac/