Facts on the Gluten Free Diet

There has been a lot of talk about gluten-free diets, and a great deal of controversy.  Some dietary professionals are convinced that gluten is harmful and gluten sensitivity is a widespread problem.  Others in the medical community are not convinced, and some even feel that a Gluten-Free Diet could be harmful.

Do you really need to go Gluten Free?

As with so many things in the world of diet and health, the truth probably lies somewhere in the middle.  Gluten sensitivity is no doubt real, and some people truly are allergic to this common food ingredient.  At the same time, the desire to go gluten-free could cause problems for some people, especially those that are able to process wheat-containing foods easily.

If you are wondering if you should jump on the gluten-free bandwagon and banish wheat products from your diet, it is a good idea to start with an exploration of common wheat allergy symptoms.  If you recognize any of these common symptoms of a wheat allergy, you should talk to your doctor about them and discuss whether a Gluten-free diet would be appropriate. Here are some wheat allergy symptoms to watch out for.

 Recognizing Common Wheat Allergy Symptoms

• Itching, swelling or irritation of the mouth, tongue or throat

• Hives or an itchy rash

• Headaches

• Itchy and watery eyes

• Difficulty breathing or respiratory problems

• Cramps

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea

If you see any of these symptoms after consuming foods that contain wheat, it is important to talk to your doctor as soon as possible.  Some of these wheat allergy symptoms are merely annoying, but others could be serious and even life-threatening.  The only way to know for sure that you have an allergy to wheat is to talk to your doctor and get a definitive diagnosis.  If you are truly allergic or sensitive to wheat, following a gluten-free diet may be the best way to relieve your symptoms.  If not, you might want to chalk up the gluten-free revolution as hype and continue with a balance diet that includes healthy foods that will help you lose weight or maintain a healthy weight and will boost your energy level .