Is Gluten-Free Really Healthy?

“Gluten-free,” it’s hard to miss these two words as you stroll through your grocery store. It seems “gluten-free” is popping up everywhere and with all the hype and publicity the undiscerning eye might assume this is a new health craze, opting for some of these “gluten-free” items as a “healthier” choice.

Unfortunately, gluten-free does not equal health, in fact I’d argue that if you opt for any of the packaged or pre-made gluten-free items found on your grocers shelves they can be quite un-healthy! I’m well aware that there is a growing number of gluten sensitivities and increased Celiac disease diagnoses and for these people going “gluten-free” is not an option. However, my inspiration for this post are the many Americans who are choosing gluten-free thinking they are choosing a healthier option. Even if you NEED to be gluten-free I still do not recommend what the grocery store has to offer as “gluten-free” is actually healthy.

Most products labeled as gluten-free are made with a variety of starchy, high carb, high glycemic, refined, high sodium, etc. non of which are a “healthier” choice. In general, stay away from packaged foods both regular and gluten-free neither are healthy and the gluten-free options can sometimes be worse…they have to make all those ingredients taste better somehow. While you may not find MSG or HFCS (High Fructose Corn Syrup) you might find some other ingredients we don’t need. The stuff you find in the store labeled gluten-free contains soy, corn, white rice, potato starch, xanthan gum, sodium, sugar, you get the point.

Should you need or choose to go gluten-free, do so with great care and seek out “nutrient-dense” options rather than whatever frozen, packaged, or pre-made option your grocer is offering. Make your own food from scratch, this ensures you are truly getting gluten-free and it’s much healthier. There are many foods that are naturally gluten-free no additives necessary.

Final thoughts: Gluten-free does not equal healthier, especially when it comes to packaged and pre-made items in your grocery store. My family eats a relatively low gluten diet naturally, simply because we eat a whole/Real food diet. If you stop buying packaged items at the store you will significantly lower your gluten intake because gluten can be found in many processed foods. If you suspect you have a gluten sensitivity then test it out

-note: if you suspect Celiac Disease please do NOT test it out and seek a doctor.

If you want to test it out, go off of gluten for a little while, then re-introduce it slowly. If you experience gas, bloating, diarrhea, headache, etc. chances are you have a sensitivity and it would be wise to continue on a low to no gluten lifestyle. Being sensitive does not mean you can never have bread products, many people who have gluten sensitivities find that soaking, sprouting or souring grains reduces sensitivity.

Additionally, there are many great recipes using nut flours and bean flours that not only taste good, but they greatly increase the nutrition of your muffin. Don’t go gluten-free just because you think it’s healthier, it's still unhealthy if you continue to buy all the snack items, bread products, packaged mixes, etc. those are all still highly processed and filled with yucky stuff. Instead, try a Real-food diet, which is indeed good for you and bonus, it's naturally low in gluten. 

Here are some helpful ways to go gluten free on a specific plan and most of these websites offer support. 

-http://21daysugardetox.com/, -http://whole30.com/, http://againstallgrain.com/category/recipes/gluten-free/