Five Reasons to Try a Gluten-Free Diet

Over the last several years, Healthy Home Market has really focused on building up our gluten-free selection. And we are proud at the quantity and variety of products that we are now able to offer our customers, with more products becoming available regularly. 1 in 133 people are now said to suffer from Celiac Disease, or gluten intolerance, though some 97% are said to be undiagnosed. Many people also rely on a gluten-free diet to help with Autism and ADHD. It was our interest in gluten-free diets that led us to our partnership with Parker Autism. But there are many reasons to try a gluten-free diet even if you don't suffer from any of these conditions (that you know of). Here are five good reasons to give a gluten-free diet a shot, even if just for a month.

1. Cure Fatigue - A diet free of gluten has been proven to relieve the symptoms associated with fatigue and give you more energy. Many alternative health practitioners believe that wheat can create an imbalance in the minerals of the body which can create a deficiency of magnesium that results in tiredness.

2. Increase Whole Foods Intake - By following a gluten-free diet, you will naturally cut down on processed foods, which often contain bleaches, preservatives, conditioners and additives. In place, there will be lots of room for fresh, whole foods in your daily diet. There is a higher concentration of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients found in whole foods.

3. Ease Depression - Depression can be triggered by wheat intolerance. Mark Hyman, MD of the UltraWellness Center in Lenox, Massachusetts, said this to Elle Magazine:

"The culprit and cure for most psychiatric disorders lies in the gut," Hyman says. "Allergies and toxins in food, the environment, and drugs damage it, causing it to become inflamed and to “leak,” allowing undigested food and bacteria to slip into our bloodstreams. This leads to autoimmune disorders, malnutrition, and brain damage."

4. Weight Loss - A diet without gluten is very low in carbohydrates. Some of the ingredients found in gluten-free foods have no refined carbs. That means that it is easier to lose weight, lower cholesterol, lower blood sugar, curb cravings and gain energy.

5. Eases Numerous Afflictions - Many diseases and conditions are helped by following a gluten-free diet. Celiac disease, dermatitis herpetiformis, rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain, loss of balance, memory loss, and many other ailments can benefit from this diet.

Sources: thecravingscoach.com, planetgreen.com