Celiac patients that are on gluten-free diets should keep the following things in mind as you shop and plan your meals. Side effects can be prevalent when on a gluten-free diet.
You Will Probably Gain Weight
After some time on the gluten-free diet, when the intestines begin to heal, the nutrients in foods can be absorbed. Even though someone might not be consuming more calories now than we did when we were eating gluten, it’s likely that some will going to gain weight. In fact, hard as it may be to imagine for people who were too thin before their diagnosis, studies have shown an increased risk for obesity on the gluten-free diet
Poor Vitamin Status
It’s not uncommon for those diagnosed with celiac disease to be nutrient deficient. Making matters worse , gluten-free products are often low in B vitamins, calcium, vitamin D, iron, zinc, magnesium, and fiber. Few if any gluten-free products are enriched or fortified with these nutrients. When it’s time for an annual check-up, celiac patients should ask their doctor whether their vitamin status needs to be measured, and whether they should be taking folic acid and vitamin supplements.
Your Cholesterol Levels Will Probably Rise
Packaged gluten-free products are often higher in fat than their gluten-containing counterparts. This is especially true of packaged gluten-free cookies, crackers, and cakes.
You Might Experience Constipation or Diarrhea
If you replace the bread and pasta in your diet with only refined white rice, the low-fiber diet may lead to constipation. Conversely, if fiber-rich grains and beans are added to your diet in large amounts too quickly, you might develop gas and diarrhea.
Weight Loss
Dietary changes to eliminate gluten-containing foods can also lead to a decrease in caloric intake and weight loss.
