You Should Stop Eating Gluten Free If This Happens To You

Over the last ten years, going gluten free has been a popular trend. This diet involves cutting out any foods that contain gluten, including foods made from wheat, barley, and rye (via Mayo Clinic). Many processed foods contain gluten, including things like cereal, cookies, hot dogs, soup mixes, and other things that aren't labeled as gluten free. The gluten free diet is mainly recommended for people with Celiac disease but may also be helpful for people with non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten ataxia, and wheat allergies.

The gluten free diet has become popular enough that many grocery store brands and restaurants offer gluten free options for their patrons. However, most experts agree that this diet isn't necessary if you don't have a health reason that requires you to cut out certain foods. "People who are sensitive to gluten may feel better, but a larger portion will derive no significant benefit from the practice. They'll simply waste their money, because these products are expensive," said assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School Dr. Daniel A. Leffler (via Harvard Health Publishing).

According to the New York Times, cutting out grains like wheat, barley, and rye can seriously limit the nutrients in your diet. Many people who embark on a gluten free diet have issues getting enough fiber. Fiber is crucial for digestive health. It also helps you stay full after eating. If you are currently eating gluten free and are experiencing stomach issues, irregular bowel movements, and lack of satiety, you may have a fiber deficiency.

People who eat gluten free may have issues getting other nutrients as well because many gluten products are fortified with vitamins (via Verywell Fit). People following this diet tend to be low in thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and folic acid. They may also have issues getting enough vitamin D, iron, and calcium. Symptoms of a vitamin deficiency will vary depending on the vitamin you are deficient in. Some of the most common deficiency symptoms include brittle hair and nails, mouth ulcers, dandruff, and hair loss. If you are eating gluten free and experience any odd physical symptoms, talk to your doctor about your diet. They can help you determine whether or not a gluten free diet is causing a vitamin deficiency and how to solve the problem.