The glute Free Diet in Adults and Children Risks and Benefits

Gluten-free diets are the only treatment option available for people suffering from celiac disease (CD). CD is an autoimmune disorder that occurs in genetically predisposed individuals and that can damage the lining of the small intestine after gluten ingestion. Gluten-free diets are becoming an increasing fad among people who don’t actually suffer from CD. This trend might seem harmless, but studies show that going gluten-free is not all it’s made up to be. In a commentary published in The Journal of Pediatrics, Dr. Norelle R. Reilly, a pediatric gastroenterologist from the New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center states that gluten-free diets carry more risks than benefits for adults and their children who don’t actually suffer from CD. The prevalence of this disease is growing, but Reilly states that the number of people switching to a gluten-free diet is disproportionately greater than the number of CD sufferers. Here is what Dr. Reilly has to say about this growing fad.

The Gluten-free Fad

Despite last years research that found almost half of the general population believing gluten-free diets are a fad, almost 25% of Americans reported consuming gluten-free diet in the same year. Statistics say that an estimate of 0.5% of Americans is on a strict gluten-free diet, but the number of people gravitating towards gluten-free food is probably much greater. A 2015 survey of 30.000 individuals worldwide found that 21% of the surveyed believed that gluten-free is a very important factor when purchasing food. As a result, the gluten-free industry experiences a rise of 136% from 2013 to 2015. All this indicates that a lot of people believe that a gluten-free diet is a healthier alternative, but actually, the opposite may be true.

The Health Risks Of Going Gluten-free For Adults

Gluten-free packaged foods frequently contain a larger number of fats and sugars than their gluten counterparts. It is even documented that people eating a gluten-free diet have an increased fat and calorie intake. This might also explain why a lot of people develop obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome after going gluten-free. Gluten-free diets may cause a deficiency in some essential nutrients like vitamin B, folate, and iron because gluten-free products often lack these nutrients. Furthermore, there is a growing number of evidence showing that those who adopt a gluten-free diet are exposed to certain toxic chemicals. Arsenic, which is naturally found in soil, is present in large quantities in rice. Rice is a common ingredient in processed gluten-free foods which might explain the large arsenic serum levels in those who don’t eat gluten. It is important to mention that cooking rice depletes the levels of arsenic. Mercury is another toxic material found in higher doses in serum levels of people on a gluten-free diet than those who did not adopt such a diet. Besides health risks, gluten-free diets might burden people with unnecessary expenses because such products are usually on the pricier side.

The Risks For Children

Children who suffer from CD report social isolation as a result of their diet alone. The diet can in some cases be inconvenient which will unnecessarily burden a child who does not have to adopt such a diet. There is also the risk that a gluten-free diet can obscure diagnosis of CD in children. Those who stop eating gluten may not be able to switch to foods with gluten which might bring some confusion and lead to misdiagnosis of CD. Some children who seem to show symptoms of gluten sensitivity might actually suffer from wheat allergies. Self-diagnosing gluten sensitivity can be harmful to children. Children may also suffer nutritional deficiency as a result of a gluten-free diet. Furthermore, these children may actually be suffering from some other illness confused with gluten-sensitivity or CD like irritable bowel syndrome, small bowel bacteria overgrowth, or fructose and lactose intolerance. It is best to consult a doctor to see what exactly might be causing symptoms.

Advantages of Gluten-free Diets

However, there are some advantages to the gluten-free diet, but these are mostly restricted to those who really cannot tolerate gluten like CD sufferers. People suffering from CD need to adopt a gluten-free diet to help with malabsorption and nutritional deficiencies. Their symptoms also improve once they cut out gluten from their diet. Those with wheat allergies and gluten sensitivity that is not a result of CD can find some relief from uncomfortable symptoms, but the benefits end there.

Conclusion

Going gluten-free might seem like a healthier diet alternative, but according to the research laid out in The Journal of Pediatrics, gluten-free diets can carry certain health risks. There are no documented health benefits associated with avoiding gluten. This type of diet may obscure the diagnosis of other diseases. If you want to start a gluten-free diet and it is best to do so under the guidance of a registered dietitian.

References:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/daily-southtown/community/chi-ugc-article-try-these-5-lifestyle-changes-for-better-heal-2016-01-22-story.html
https://www.glozine.com/lifestyle/health/steps-to-living-longer-life.html