Why You Should Avoid Gluten

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Gluten provides the elasticity that allows bread dough to rise and hold its shape as it bakes into a loaf. Many people have difficulty digesting gluten. This condition, called "celiac disease," affects an estimated 1 percent of the U.S. population, or about 1.5 million Americans.

It tends to run in families and can cause fatigue, weakness, abdominal pain, weight loss, and diarrhea. In addition, people with celiac disease have a higher risk of developing other health problems such as osteoporosis and lymphoma.

People without celiac disease may also avoid gluten because they've read that doing so can help with weight loss, promote clearer skin, or improve digestion.

But is avoiding gluten worth the trouble?

Here are five things to know about gluten and whether a gluten-free diet might be good for you:

 • Gluten comes from wheat but is found in many grain products, including bulgur, durum flour, semolina, and ingredients such as malt and brewer's yeast.

• Oats don't naturally contain gluten but often get contaminated with it during growing or processing and need to be specially processed to reduce the amount of gluten.

• Gluten is found in many condiments such as soy sauce, salad dressings, and even ice cream.

• Going gluten-free isn't the only treatment for celiac disease, which medications can also treat.

• A gluten-free diet may help some people who have nonceliac gluten sensitivity. Some individuals may find relief from gastrointestinal problems, joint pain, fatigue, and other symptoms.

A gluten-free diet consists primarily of gluten-free grains such as rice, quinoa, buckwheat; legumes; potatoes; nuts, and fruits and vegetables. Although avoiding gluten in your diet may seem complicated, eating naturally gluten-free foods makes the task easier.

Experts say that avoiding gluten isn't worth the trouble for most people unless they have celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. In many cases, manufacturers aren't required to list gluten on the label. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, it's important to purchase only those products specially processed and labeled "gluten-free."

 If you don't have a gluten sensitivity but want to avoid the non-essential protein for other reasons, many naturally gluten-free foods can help make it easier.

 But I say you should try going gluten-free. Gluten is the leading cause of chronic fatigue, and it can slow down your metabolism, which makes you gain weight.

If you're adopting a gluten-free, vegan diet for health reasons or by choice, you can still enjoy a full life, including eating rich and savory foods without gluten. You will have to change how you shop for groceries because many condiments, sauces, and even ice cream contain gluten. It is tough to avoid gluten altogether, but by doing so, you are making your diet healthier.

If you want to know more about the benefits of a juice cleanse during the winter months or healthy and nutritious juice recipes, check out Evie's Enlivening Juice List.