The Benefits of Going Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free
What do you do when a health issue arises? At first sign, most people immediately turn to medications, prescription strength pills, or over the counter remedies. Have a headache? Take an Advil. Upset stomach? Just pop a Tums. However, food can be a very powerful tool for healing your body and preventing issues from starting in the first place.
Certified personal trainer Emily Schromm suffered from gut and skin issues for years. Once she eliminated gluten and dairy from her diet, everything went away- without having to turn to drugs or medication. Even if you haven’t previously dealt with any allergies or food sensitivities, it is possible to develop reactions to certain types of foods, such as gluten or dairy, after being able to handle it for years.
Why Would I Want to go Gluten & Dairy-Free?
Skin: Gluten and dairy can trigger an inflammatory response, which can lead to skin conditions such as acne or eczema. Also, the hormones found in milk can increase oil production in the skin and clog pores. By eliminating gluten and dairy, you may see drastic changes in the appearance of your skin.
Mental Health: Depression and brain fog are common effects of eating gluten for those with a sensitivity to it. Dairy has shown to affect people’s brain and mood. Many people experience improved mood, reduced mental health issues, and a boost of energy by eliminating dairy and gluten. Going gluten-free and dairy-free may be just what you need to feel like yourself again.
Gut/Digestion: For those who can’t process gluten properly, eating it can damage the lining of the small intestine, leading to a leaky gut. When the lining is damaged, this can cause digestive issues such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, cramps, and other symptoms like irritability. Dairy is also linked to these digestion problems and has been identified as a trigger of other digestive conditions such as IBS. Cutting out gluten and/or dairy can help relieve stomach issues.
Other: Many people with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease have found that their headaches went away when they stopped eating gluten. Since dairy can cause excessive mucus production, those who avoided dairy found that their sinuses and congestion cleared up.
Is Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free for Everyone?
Going gluten and dairy-free isn’t for everyone. It can be a very daunting process to take these out of your diet. Plus, some people’s bodies do well with dairy and gluten so it’s not necessary for all. However, if you are dealing with any of the issues described it’s worth it to at least try giving up gluten and dairy for some time to see how your body responds.
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