Go Gluten Free

GLUTEN, INFLAMMATION, DIETS, AND QUESTION:

QUESTION: "Since gluten free helps reduce inflammation in the body, do you think that it would aid in the reduction of overall inflammation with lupus?” 

ANSWER: Actually, I am unaware that “gluten-free” itself causes less inflammation to occur in the body. This fact is not disproven by science, but it is not a proven fact either. The medical purpose of placing people on a gluten-free diet is if they suffer from a specific autoimmune disorder called gluten hypersensitivity, celiac sprue, and non-tropical sprue. People who have this disorder develop a problem with absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and can develop weight loss as well numerous nutritional deficiencies. They can also have problems with various rashes, and joint pains as well. When those afflicted cut out gluten from their diet, the autoimmune inflammatory problem of the intestines vanishes, allowing them to absorb nutrients properly, and the other problems such as rash and pain resolves as well. 

Therefore, the “anti-inflammatory” part of the diet primarily occurs in those who have the illness itself. However, I will say, that a gluten-free diet is overall a healthier diet than the typical North American diet. People who are on this diet eat less simple carbohydrates and are apt to eat more anti-inflammatory foods such as those rich in omega-3 fatty acids (fish, nuts, flax seed, etc.)

By Donald Thomas, MD

photo credit: thebitchywaiter.blogspot.com