Everyone wants to look their best.
It is just human nature, but we all spend too much time on vanity. Many people will try anything to look just a little bit better, from surgery and dieting to botox and hair transplants; we are a narcissistic species that much is clear. However, it is important to the human immune system that we don’t stray too far from what is considered healthy living. A prime example is the cotton ball diet, which is exactly what it sounds like: stupid. Most people realize dipping cotton balls in orange juice and eating it—yes, really—is a terrible idea. But what about a diet that’s all the rage that could also be bad for you?
The gluten-free diet has grown immensely in popularity in the past five years. Now, just about every restaurant offers a gluten-free option. But is cutting gluten out of your life completely a wise decision?
The gluten-free diet was started for people with Celiac disease, which is an autoimmune disease that attacks the small intestine when gluten is ingested. Symptoms are wide ranging but include depression, abdominal pain, diarrhea, bone or joint pain, and fatigue among others. Obviously, those are good reasons for Celiac sufferers to avoid gluten, but what about the rest of us? Gluten itself is pretty useless, which is why gluten-free has become so popular; cut out what’s unnecessary. However, bread, a primary source of gluten, has important vitamins and minerals as well as essential fiber for digestion. There are even studies suggesting whole grains may lower the risk of cancer, heart disease, and you—guessed it—type 2 diabetes.
New research suggests that those of us without any gluten sensitivity may be at risk of diabetes by eliminating gluten completely from our diet. Geng Zong, Ph.D. at Harvard University studied the effects of a gluten-free diet on those who had no medical reason for doing so. In the 30 year follow-up, study participants who consumed more gluten were 13% less likely to develop diabetes. In the same 30 year period, 15,947 cases of type 2 diabetes were identified.
Zong ultimately contends that more research is necessary to prove causality but, “people without celiac disease may reconsider limiting their gluten intake for chronic disease prevention, especially for diabetes.”
Our bodies are complicated organisms; each has their own individual idiosyncrasies. Before starting a diet, whether it is cotton balls or gluten-free, you should consult your physician. For optimal health, people must find what works for them responsibly if they want to avoid potential health issues.
[expand title=”References“]
Cotton ball diet, Accessed March 10, 2017.
Gluten free popularity, Accessed March 10, 2017.
Celiac disease, Accessed March 10, 2017.
New research, , Accessed March 10, 2017.
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