Benefits of a Wheat Free Diet

Starting a wheat-free, or gluten-free, diet is a great way to improve your health. Many people have a small allergic reaction to either wheat or gluten, which usually goes unchecked. Symptoms such as rashes, itchy skin, and hives may form, often without known causes. Starting a wheat-free diet has several positive side effects.

Allergy Relief

A wheat-free diet is a blessing for allergy sufferers. Dry, itchy skin which appears soon after meals with foods containing wheat will be a thing of the past. Also, flushing of the skin and the aforementioned hives will no longer be a problem with the absence of wheat and gluten products.

Digestive Help

A wheat-free diet will promote a healthier digestive tract by allowing for easier flow throughout the system. Wheat and gluten byproducts often hinder digestive procedures, clogging up the intestines and creating a number or health issues, short term and long term.

Prevents Weight Gain

A wheat-free diet helps in the maintaining--and possible loss of--weight. Excess wheat tends to stick around inside the body long after any nutrients are pulled and actually promotes weight gain. By eliminating wheat and gluten from the diet, the body's natural metabolism is able to work virtually unhindered.

Joint Health

A wheat-free/gluten-free diet may help in the relief of joint pains brought on by osteoporosis and arthritis. Gluten has been linked to inhibiting the body's natural defenses against joint pain and thought to be a leading factor in its origin (see link in Resources).

Brain Health

A wheat-free diet is also a great plan to follow when at risk for a number of brain-related illnesses. Seizures can be brought on by excessive intake of wheat and gluten, leading to permanent damage or death. Their omission is also recommended for those with Down's syndrome and Autism.

IBS Relief

A wheat-free diet may help in the dissipation of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) symptoms. Although a doctor should be consulted in this matter, the omission of wheat and gluten from sufferers of IBS has been reported to help curb ongoing symptoms.

Blood Health

Some blood types do not appropriately absorb wheat and gluten, resulting in possible blood-related illnesses. A doctor should be consulted to find out if a certain blood type is at risk and, if so, a wheat-free diet is recommended.