From drinking less soda to eating more fiber, most people could stand to improve their diets at least a little. If you’ve researched tips for healthy eating even once in the past few years, you’ve probably come across dozens of sources touting the benefits of a gluten-free diet. Is cutting out gluten wise for those who do not have celiac disease or gluten intolerance, though? Here’s what a nutritional medicine expert from IMUA Orthopedics, Sports & Health in Honolulu, HI, has to say on the subject.

The Advantages & Drawbacks of Going Gluten-Free

Eliminating gluten from your diet used to be synonymous with cutting out most processed foods. In the past few years, though, all kinds of gluten-free products have flooded the market, including cookies, crackers, pasta, pizza, and even beer. Regardless, many people who avoid gluten by choice commit to leading a healthier lifestyle in general, and they become better at making smart choices and tracking what they eat. This kind of mindful eating is one of the major advantages of going gluten-free. Certain populations, like those with irritable bowel syndrome, may also benefit from eliminating gluten because it could be contributing to their gastrointestinal distress.

Despite these advantages, there are some drawbacks of cutting out gluten. For example, people who are especially active may find that they perform best when consuming carbohydrates, many sources of which are off limits for those on a gluten-free diet. Other nutrients that are hard to get enough of on this diet include fiber, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin. 

Deciding What’s Right for Your Body 

Depending on your particular situation, the benefits of maintaining a gluten-free diet might be worth the potential drawbacks. If you already belong to a vulnerable population, though, and a nutritional deficiency could exacerbate any medical issues, cutting out gluten may not be ideal. Before making any major changes to your diet, visit a nutritional medicine expert for a full evaluation. Since diet affects virtually every aspect of your health, it is essential to see a doctor before changing yours. This will ensure you are not overlooking any potential side effects that might hurt your well-being. 

If you want to improve your diet and function at the highest possible level both physically and mentally, turn to the nutritional medicine team at IMUA Orthopedics, Sports & Health in Honolulu. A registered dietitian at this practice will give you easy, practical tips for fostering a healthy body from within and achieving performance optimization by eating the right foods. Visit their website to learn more about them, or call (808) 521-8170 to make an appointment with a nutritional medicine expert today.