Negative side-effects of a gluten-free diet
Understanding the negative side-effects of a gluten-free diet
Embarking on a gluten-free diet can be a necessity for those with a medical diagnosis such as coeliac disease. However, it's important to be aware of the potential negative side effects of a gluten-free diet.
This guide will help you understand:
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what to expect; and
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how to manage these side effects.
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The good news is on a gluten-free diet you don't have to get ill or lead a restricted or unhealthy life. But there are key areas you need to be aware of to prevent that from happening, which is why it's vital you look after yourself.
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One of the best ways to do this is to take my online course 'From Bloated To Brilliant'. You'll have the expertise of a coeliac GP and a specialist coeliac dietitian to ensure you learn how to prevent future health issues and work with your healthcare provider to have the best health possible.
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Take a look at the course to see how you can benefit today.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
(FAQS)
What are the negative side effects of a gluten-free diet?
Some potential negative side effects of a gluten-free diet include nutrient deficiencies, weight gain due to higher calorie intake, and increased risk of heart disease due to lack of whole grains. However, this needn't be the case with proper guidance.
Can a gluten-free diet lead to weight gain?
Yes, some people may gain weight on a gluten-free diet. In people with coeliac disease it may be a result of the body healing and finally being able to absorb nutrients. Weight gain isn't always a negative thing. However, it may be because gluten-free products can contain more calories than their gluten-containing counterparts. If you've been advised to lose weight by a health professional, the blog post below may help you identify how best to do this.
Does a gluten-free diet affect your skin?
Some people report improvements in skin conditions after going gluten-free. This is especially true of people with dermatitis herpetiformis. However, others may experience skin problems due to nutrient deficiencies. To address these, make sure you get advice from a qualified health professional.
Can a gluten-free diet cause fatigue?
Yes, some people may experience fatigue if their gluten-free diet is not balanced and lacks essential nutrients. Alternatively, if a patient with coeliac disease doesn't adhere strictly to a gluten-free diet, they may experience fatigue. Thirdly, lifestyle changes from a gluten-free diet may lead to a different kind of fatigue.
Exploring the negative side effects of a
gluten-free diet
There are some obvious downsides to cutting out foods you used to enjoy from your diet.
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And if you've got coeliac disease (like me) then you don't have a choice.
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But the practical and social side of things may not be just what's bothering you.
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What about the nutritional intake your body's getting? Will it meet all your needs? Is there anything you should be doing to check?
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For me, it meant exploring 3 key areas to optimise my health:
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Calcium. After having a DEXA scan to check my bone density I discovered my body wasn't doing as well as it should. I was told to up my intake of calcium tablets.
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Vitamin D. Twice I've tested as deficient so I was advised to take a calcium tablet with vitamin D (which I was told would help my body absorb the calcium - an added bonus!).
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Fibre. I wish this had been sorted out when I first mentioned it to my doctor. Sadly, it wasn't, and after an unnecessary operation, a visit to a gut specialist helped me find out how to up my fibre intake and relieve the problem.
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To find out what you need to do to achieve your best health, click the link to online courses below.
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N.B. Please remember that individuals' needs differ; you must check with your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet.