Ms. Narang, a nutritionist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi (India) - said that the gluten-free diet is currently a trend that many people follow.
“In the past, this diet was mainly recommended for people with celiac disease (a disease caused by an immune reaction to gluten, a protein in wheat) or gluten intolerance. But now it has become a trend, with claims that it can boost energy, promote weight loss and improve overall health,” says Narang.
What is gluten and who can be allergic to gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It helps dough maintain its shape and acts as a glue that holds food together, says Narang.
For most people, gluten is “harmless,” Narang said. But for people with celiac disease, consuming gluten triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, and fatigue.
In addition to celiac disease, some people have a gluten sensitivity that is not caused by celiac disease. Although they do not test positive for celiac disease, they may experience similar symptoms when consuming gluten, such as headaches, fatigue, and digestive problems. A gluten-free diet may help these people find relief.
Are there any benefits to eating a gluten-free diet?
There is no scientific evidence that a gluten-free diet provides health benefits for the general population, Ms Narang asserts.
In fact, for people without gluten-related disorders, going gluten-free is not only unnecessary, but can also lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Grains that contain gluten, such as whole wheat and barley, are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, iron and calcium.
Gluten is a prebiotic that feeds beneficial bacteria. Eliminating these foods without a suitable substitute can lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients.
Does a gluten-free diet help with weight control?
“Many people go on a gluten-free diet thinking they are losing weight and eliminating gluten by cutting out a lot of processed foods and refined carbohydrates. However, there are still packaged gluten-free foods that still lead to weight gain,” Narang said, explaining that they are highly processed and lack the nutritional value of foods that contain gluten.
These foods are often made from refined grains, such as rice flour or corn starch, and can be high in sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats.
They can also have a higher glycemic index, which can lead to spikes in blood sugar, weight gain, and high blood pressure. So a gluten-free label doesn't necessarily make a food healthy for everyone.
