Whether you come into Gym Slayer in Elk Grove, CA, or use our online program, you probably have a lot of questions. The fact is, the more you learn, the more questions you may have. One of the areas that people ask about frequently is gluten. There’s been a lot of press about how gluten causes stomach issues and the grocery shelves are lined with foods labeled gluten-free. Is going gluten-free somehow the magic that will cause weight loss or is it just a gimmick? Some answers lie in products with gluten and the problems gluten causes.
What are the symptoms of gluten intolerance?
There’s a difference between celiac disease and gluten intolerance, but the results are often the same. Diarrhea, constipation and bloating are three symptoms of both. However, people with celiac disease often have foul smelling excrement, too. Headaches, abdominal pain, unexplained exhaustion, skin problems—such as blistering skin conditions—and other types of skin conditions, depression, unexplained weight loss, iron deficiency anemia, anxiety, auto-immune disorders, appendage numbness, brain fog and joint or muscle pain are also symptoms.
So will gluten intolerance make you gain weight?
While weight gain is possible because of gluten and bloating is a real possibility, most people actually lose weight if they’re gluten intolerant, not gain weight. The diarrhea, gas and abdominal pain can cause you to avoid food or lose weight through water loss due to diarrhea. Weight gain may come if gluten causes constipation, but it’s not true weight gain.
Why does a gluten-free diet cause you to lose weight?
The answer is simple. When you give up gluten you give up many foods with processed flour, which also contain sugar, artificial ingredients and fat. Those are the real culprits that cause the weight gain. Eating foods that are gluten-free often means eliminating many of these processed foods and replacing them with more whole foods. That’s the very definition of a healthy diet that helps you lose weight.
- If you have diarrhea from eating gluten, you might think that you’ll lose weight by continuing. There are better ways. If the problem is celiac disease you’re causing irreparable damage to your body, if not, you’re suffering for no reason. Going gluten-free and healthy eating is the best way to lose weight.
- A gluten-free diet not only helps with the symptoms, it also helps improve overall health and energy. You don’t have to have a problem with gluten to go gluten-free. Just opt for more fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Make sure you have adequate fiber and nutrition if you go gluten-free. Fresh fruits and vegetables can supply fiber and many nutrients often found in gluten containing food, such as several B vitamins, zinc, iron, phosphorus and calcium.
- If you think that gluten is a problem for you, make sure you check with your doctor first to make sure it’s not something more serious. We can help you with a gluten-free diet that will also aid in weight loss.
For more information, contact us today at Gym Slayer!