Before you decide to go gluten-free as part of your dietary plan, it is important to know about the common misconceptions that surround gluten-free diets, in addition to the great benefits.

1. GOING GLUTEN-FREE:
CELIAC DISEASE VS.
GLUTEN SENSITIVITY
By Dr. Ali Ghahary

2. At Brentwood Medical
Clinic, Dr. Ali Ghahary
is a strong advocate of
patients living healthy
lifestyles, which
includes low-carb and
gluten-free diets.

3. However, before you decide to go
gluten-free as part of your dietary
plan, it is important to know
about the common misconceptions
that surround gluten-free diets, in
addition to the great benefits.

4. Perhaps the most common
misconception of all is that
going gluten-free will help
you lose weight. While
individuals on gluten-free
diets have reported weight
loss, there have been no
studies to support that going
gluten-free alone will help
one lose weight.

5. Gluten-free diets are generally
recommended for those diagnosed
with celiac disease or gluten-
sensitivity. However, if weight-loss
is your main goal, then gluten-free
diets can be great when used in
combination with low-carb diets
(such as the South Beach diet or
Paleo diet), which will not only
leave you feeling healthier and
more energized, but you will also
see noticeable weight-loss results
over time.

6. You might be wondering how you know whether or
not you will need to introduce a gluten-free diet into
your lifestyle. As mentioned above, one of the main
reasons why one might choose to go gluten-free is
due to a diagnosis of celiac disease or gluten
sensitivity. 1 in 100 people in Canada are diagnosed
with celiac disease, while an estimated 50 to 70
percent of Canadians have intolerance to gluten
(otherwise known as gluten sensitivity.)

7. Gluten is a grain
that is found in
wheat, rye and
barley, and it can
cause inflammation
of the small
intestines in those
with celiac disease.

8. SYMPTOMS OF CELIAC DISEASE
Symptoms of celiac disease include increased or
decreased appetite, nausea, bloating, gas,
constipation or diarrhea, and stomach pain.
There are also other health issues associated
with celiac disease, including anemia, fatigue,
skin rashes, joint pain, migraines and
depression.

9. To test for celiac disease, blood tests are
ordered which check for antibodies and
how they respond to gluten. If the blood
test comes back positive then that alludes
to a possible celiac disease diagnosis.
DIAGNOSIS

10. For a more firm diagnosis, your physician
can order an endoscopy. An endoscopy will
show damage of the intestinal cells,
something that is a characteristic of
celiac disease.
DIAGNOSIS

11. Gluten-sensitivity shares similar symptoms
to that of celiac disease, making it more
difficult to diagnose. Eliminating certain
foods from your diet may work as an
indicator as to whether or not you are
gluten-sensitive. Allergy tests may also be
beneficial.
DIAGNOSIS

12. Whether you are
diagnosed with celiac
disease or are sensitive
to gluten, it is important
to be aware of the foods
you are ingesting, as not
all gluten-free promoted
foods are truly without
gluten.

13. For example, certain
processed foods such as
snacks, cookies, and
cakes may still be grain-
based, and may hold an
even higher calorie
count of the wheat-
based grains that they
are replacing.

14. It is always a good idea
to read the labels on the
foods you buy to ensure
that they are in fact
gluten-free.

15. The success of a gluten-free diet is dependent
on your determination and self-discipline, as it
takes a lot of work. It is important to note that
going gluten-free does not necessarily mean
calorie-free, thus why it is a good idea to enter
into a gluten-free diet jointly with that of a low-
carb diet, which is best for weight loss.