Are gluten-free diets good for you?

Summary

In this interview, Cathy Smart, Canada's leading gluten-free expert and registered nutritional consultant, discusses the benefits of a gluten-free diet. She explains how eliminating gluten can improve energy levels, reduce bloating, and enhance focus, especially for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Cathy highlights that going gluten-free doesn't have to be difficult or expensive, as it involves sticking to fresh, natural foods. She advises against substituting processed gluten-free products and emphasizes returning to basic, wholesome eating. Cathy also teases her upcoming gluten-free expo appearance and shares details about her world-famous brownie recipe and free cookbook download.

Takeaways

• 😀 Gluten-free diet eliminates foods that contain gluten such as wheat, barley, oats, and rye.
• 😀 People with gluten sensitivities may experience bloating, weight gain, fatigue, and brain fog.
• 😀 Celiac disease is a condition where individuals are allergic to gluten, while others may have gluten intolerance.
• 😀 Removing gluten from the diet benefits individuals by improving energy levels, focus, and skin health.
• 😀 Going gluten-free is easy when focusing on whole, natural foods like fruits, vegetables, meats, and nuts.
• 😀 The only potential downside of a gluten-free diet could be unintended weight loss for some individuals.
• 😀 Gluten-free products can be more expensive, but the cost of health is priceless.
• 😀 The availability of gluten-free products has increased significantly, and many taste just as good as regular gluten products.
• 😀 It is important to avoid swapping unhealthy processed gluten products for unhealthy gluten-free alternatives.
• 😀 Cathy Smart, a gluten-free expert, will be at Canada's largest gluten-free expo, showcasing her top superfoods and world-famous brownies.
• 😀 Cathy Smart is offering a free download of her cookbook as a celebration of her appearance on the Dr. Oz Show.

Q & A

What does it mean to go gluten-free?

Going gluten-free means eliminating foods that contain gluten, such as grains like wheat, barley, oats, and rye, from your diet.

What are some common symptoms people experience when they have gluten intolerance?

Common symptoms of gluten intolerance include bloating, weight gain, fatigue, and brain fog. Some individuals may also feel discomfort in their stomach or have trouble focusing.

What is celiac disease, and how is it different from gluten intolerance?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder where the body has an allergic reaction to gluten. Gluten intolerance, on the other hand, involves non-immune-based symptoms like bloating and fatigue, without the severe immune reaction seen in celiac disease.

Is going gluten-free beneficial for people without gluten allergies?

Yes, some people without gluten allergies choose to go gluten-free for its potential benefits, like feeling better, having more energy, clearer skin, and easier workouts.

How easy is it to adopt a gluten-free diet?

Adopting a gluten-free diet is easy when you focus on whole foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs, nuts, seeds, beans, and legumes, which are naturally gluten-free.

Are there any downsides to going gluten-free?

The main downside of going gluten-free is that it might lead to weight loss or feeling better in some cases, but there are no significant health risks associated with going gluten-free.

Is gluten-free food more expensive?

Gluten-free foods can be more expensive, but the value of health and well-being makes it a worthwhile investment. Additionally, there is a wide range of gluten-free products available today.

Can people without celiac disease or gluten intolerance benefit from gluten-free products?

Yes, many gluten-free products, such as gluten-free bread, are now available and taste great. However, it's important not to replace unhealthy products with equally unhealthy gluten-free alternatives.

What advice would you give to someone transitioning to a gluten-free diet?

I would advise people to return to basic, whole foods and avoid heavily processed or packaged gluten-free foods. Focus on eating clean, natural, gluten-free options for the best results.

What is Cathy Smart's contribution to the gluten-free community?

Cathy Smart is Canada's leading gluten-free expert. She is a registered nutritional consultant and best-selling cookbook author who educates people about the benefits of going gluten-free and provides recipes and guidance.