It Seems Myths About a Gluten Free Diet Still Exist

Being gluten free is a well known choice that many people make. The decide not to eat gluten as it affects their digestion. However, despite the concept of going gluten free being nothing new, people still believe a lot of silly myths. It’s important to know that choosing a gluten free diet is not necessary for people if they don’t have celiac disease. However, many people have stated they feel better when they go gluten free. Many of these don’t have enough knowledge about a gluten free lifestyle to make that claim. What’s really important is knowing the truth about going gluten free and what is actually involved in a gluten free diet. The best way to do that is to know what information about gluten is actually just a myth! 

1 - Myth - Issues With Gluten are a Food Allergy

This is a common myth that is fairly ridiculous and seems to be spouted by a lot of people who aren’t actual celiac disease carriers. Celiac disease is not an allergy. It’s an autoimmune disease. With celiac disease, once gluten is consumed, it will attack the cell lining of the small intestine. Sadly, celiac disease is completely incurable and you have it for life. People with celiac disease truly must follow a gluten free diet at all times or face their own body turning on itself. 

2 - Myth - Gluten Free Diets Are Always Healthier

Gluten free diets are undeniably required for people who have celiac disease. For people who do not however, they are often missing out. Eliminating the items which contain gluten will often deprive a person of adequate fiber in their diet. This can lead to constipation in both acute and chronic forms. In addition, those vitamins and minerals you’d expect to get are missed. Many of the items which are “gluten free” at a grocery store are heavily processed to allow them to be that way. This means that their nutrition can’t match what you’d get from a natural source. This means anyone in a gluten free diet needs to be very cognizant and make up for the vitamins and minerals they are now missing out on. 

3 - Myth - Rice is Full of Gluten

Anyone who states that their gluten issue is flaring up after eating some rice is lying! While gluten is in some grains, it isn’t in all of them. Items like rice, quinoa, buckwheat and potatoes are all perfectly fine in a gluten free diet. In many cases, it’s assumed that gluten is present, but it’s important to read labels to get the real answer on potential gluten. It can be harder when eating out at restaurants. While some things might seem gluten free, you may not know exactly how it’s been prepared, so it’s best to stick with things that are certified gluten free on a restaurant menu. 

4 - Myth - Celiac Disease Means No Dairy

It’s shocking how many people equate gluten free diets with a lactose free diet at the same time. While it’s certainly possible that a person can have both celiac disease and a reaction to lactose, they are not a coupled condition. Celiac disease can enjoy all sorts of dairy products, and oftentimes need to enjoy them to make up for having to avoid any kinds of wheat, rye or barley. That being said, celiac disease is it’s own distinct issue. It’s not related to a loss of dairy enjoyment.