Benefits Of gluten-free Diet If No Allergy

[sharkmom]

Let me say that this site is great. I really sympathize with sufferers of celiac disease. I was recently diagnosed with gluten allergies and in the process of getting rid of all the gluten in my house. Is it right for my family to switch their diet as well?

[ravenwoodglass]

The biggest benefit for you will be that you will make your risk of CC much lower. Celiac disease has strong genetic factors and there could also be benefits for others in your family if they are reactive also but at a level or in a way that is not always recognized. Many doctors don't realize that there is a link for many in 'mood' issues, things like ADD and ADHD, depression and anxiety, joint and muscle pain etc. The gluten free diet is nutritionally sound in that the substitutes for gluten foods can provide just as much nutritional benefit as the traditional heavy wheat diet that most Americans follow, if not more.

[sharkmom]

The biggest benefit for you will be that you will make your risk of CC much lower. Celiac disease has strong genetic factors and there could also be benefits for others in your family if they are reactive also but at a level or in a way that is not always recognized. Many doctors don't realize that there is a link for many in 'mood' issues, things like ADD and ADHD, depression and anxiety, joint and muscle pain etc. The gluten free diet is nutritionally sound in that the substitutes for gluten foods can provide just as much nutritional benefit as the traditional heavy wheat diet that most Americans follow, if not more.

It makes sense, but they are relucant to give up some things they like to eat. Will it still be a benefit to allow some things remain, or does it need to be all gluten-free or can they still have a few things? This is what is confusing for me. Thanks

[ravenwoodglass]

It makes sense, but they are relucant to give up some things they like to eat. Will it still be a benefit to allow some things remain, or does it need to be all gluten-free or can they still have a few things? This is what is confusing for me. Thanks

If they are not diagnosed or showing signs of celiac themselves then it will do no harm for them to continue to eat some gluten foods. The largest risk is crosscontamination and making you sick. There are many who have a 'mixed' household and are able to do so successfully.

[tarnalberry]

There isn't a single answer. Since they share your genes, they may find that they also do better without gluten, but may not notice as big a difference. Or they may not notice any difference at all. Since they share your house, they will increase your risk of contamination. It's a "figure out what works for you and your family".

In my house, my husband has a cutting board on a counter and a toaster marking his space for evil-containing items. He has a small shelf (which I can't even reach ) for his stuff - like granola bars, oatmeal, and cereal. But everything we eat together, or cook (outside of heating water in the microwave or him using his toaster), is gluten free. When he is out of the house, he can have all the gluteny-evilness he wants (he'll often get a hamburger, for instance), but I'm not having that in the house!