The best food in Melbourne could actually be gluten-free. This could be something that people may give some thought to. Gluten-free or gluten-friendly diet, is it a fad, or is there something more important than this?
In this article, we try to dissect details and information related to a gluten-free diet. Let’s discover if the gluten-free diet is indeed beneficial to your health or just another hyped uptrend that has been happening for so long. If you are ready, then let’s begin.
What is Gluten?
Before antagonizing gluten entirely, let’s define what it is. Well, gluten belongs to a family of proteins present in grains like wheat, rye, and barley. However, wheat is the most common grain that contains gluten.
To break down gluten even further, it has two main proteins: gliadin and glutenin. However, between the two, gliadin gets the most blame for gluten’s bad reputation. When flour mixes with water, it results in this thick and paste-like consistency. This is what bakers desire because it makes the dough easy to knead and elastic.
What are the foods to avoid to enjoy the best foods in Melbourne while following a gluten-free diet?
If you want to have a gluten-free diet, here are the foods you need to avoid. This is especially the case if you think celiac disease is a possibility after showing some of the symptoms above:
- If you are a beer drinker/lover, kiss it goodbye. Beers, alongside other flavored alcoholic beverages, need to be avoided or even totally stop consumption.
- This entails a lot of changes to your condiments and additional sources of flavoring. Sauces also have to be avoided such as soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, hoisin sauce, and many salad dressings (unless specified gluten-free).
- If you like to snack, then your choices will be limited now because candies, muesli bars, roasted nuts, and flavored chips are certainly out of the picture.
- Like having that nice, warm, and fluffy bread for breakfast and dinner? Well, those aren’t allowed anymore.
Help get rid of rashes and promote healthier skin
As stated above, one of the symptoms of celiac disease or gluten intolerance is rashes. Totally avoiding gluten-rich foods enables the body to return to its proper function. Through this, rashes are also eliminated in due time. Those with glucose intolerance have reported that rashes have not been a problem anymore after subscribing to a gluten-free diet.
Interestingly enough, those who don’t suffer any form of celiac disease or gluten intolerance also reported improved skin conditions. This is also one of the reasons why many social influencers and celebrities endorse a gluten-free diet. The best foods in Melbourne may even promote better skin altogether. How great is that?
Reduces bloating
Gluten has a damaging effect on the digestive system. This becomes uncomfortable for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Having a gluten-free diet ensures that no harmful components can further aggravate the digestive system’s already damaged state. In time, it heals which reduces the feeling of being bloated even hours after meal consumption.
Note that working out is deemed incomplete if bloating happens. Even non-celiac disease sufferers experience bloating too. Now, even those without gluten-related conditions find this bit interesting. Since it promotes less bloating, it gives their tummies a flatter and leaner look. Leading a gluten-free life has contributed to less bloating even for those who are entirely healthy.
Boosts energy level
Since people with celiac disease and gluten intolerance have poor nutrient absorption, they often experience chronic fatigue. This case hinders them from performing their best in any physical activity. As such, they get tired just by performing even simple household chores and work-related activities.
By going gluten-free, they are free from any harmful food components that block essential nutrients. As such, they get to live normal and healthier lives with an altogether improved energy level. A gluten-free diet gives the intestines enough time to heal themselves because gliadin is present.
Reduces joint pain
Sufferers of celiac disease have a higher risk of inflammation. One of the strongest manifestations of this is joint pain, particularly in the knees, wrists, and back. This is due to the gastrointestinal tract’s reaction against gluten in general.
Going for a gluten-free diet eases out the gastrointestinal tract until it works normally once again. When it does, reduction (and even elimination) of joint pains is achieved. This suggests that the best foods in Melbourne that are gluten-free contribute to better performance of the joints.
Beneficial weight gain
Because nutrients are properly absorbed and effectively absorbed by the body, a significant and healthy weight gain. Look weight gain, in this case, is never to be frowned upon. Such weight gain is, in fact, highly desired. It signals that the body is absorbing the necessary nutrients it has been deprived of while consuming gluten-rich foods.
Improves bone health and strength
Those who live with celiac disease usually suffer from calcium deficiency. Obviously, this means their overall bone health is compromised. This exposes them to osteopenia and osteoporosis. Upon starting living on a gluten-free diet, these sufferers have shown encouraging improvement in their bone mineral density and overall bone health.
Reduces frequent headaches
Studies have shown that frequent headaches affect those with celiac disease and lactose intolerance. Further research on the matter suggests that there is a significant correlation between brain and gut health.
While further studies are still currently conducted to validate such brain and gut relationship, those who opted for a gluten-free diet reported a reduction in migraine headaches over the course of time.
Promotes better mental health
According to research, people who suffer from celiac disease are more likely to succumb to depression. As the disease significantly alters their activities and life in general, it makes them feel inadequate and unproductive.
Getting into a gluten-free diet reduces their symptoms. Sufferers report that after a certain time, they finally come close to leading a healthy and productive lifestyle. As their lives resume normal programming, so to speak, their mental health improves as well.
In closing
Clearly, there are significant benefits to going gluten-free. Those without celiac disease or NCGS may also opt to follow this diet. However, some important nutrients from wheat may be curtailed. It is important to note that wheat and other grains are essential to promoting a healthier gut. It aids in effectively getting rid of the body’s toxins through proper digestion and excretion.
Whether you suffer from celiac disease or just decide to try going gluten-free, make sure to find other effective alternatives. Make it a point to check that your chosen alternatives provide the nutrients that wheat and other grains have.
At the end of the day, you still need to get the daily intended vitamin and mineral intake for an overall healthier body. Remember, the best foods in Melbourne not only taste so good but are the ones that make you healthy as well.