Neha Dhupia, a proud mother of two, continues to stun people with her ravishing personality and her enchanting sense of style. However, beyond her glamorous persona, Neha is deeply committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. A fitness enthusiast, she prioritises staying active and ensures her diet aligns with her health requirements.
The actor recently took to Instagram, sharing the start of her gluten-free journey. In a story, she shared a glimpse of day 1, which included what seemed like a gluten-free alternative to bread with jam spread and a glass jar of refreshing lemonade.
What Is A Gluten-Free Diet?
Gluten is a type of protein found in various grains, such as wheat, barley, and rye. These are present in food products like breads, baked goods, pasta, cereal, and even sauces.
A gluten-free diet is a diet plan that avoids foods containing gluten. It's a common and primary treatment for celiac disease, a condition caused by an immune reaction to eating gluten.
Also Read: Celiac Disease And Fertility: Expert Explains Their Connection And How To Manage It
Who Should Choose A Gluten-Free Diet?
A gluten-free diet can be adopted by anyone, but for certain individuals, it is particularly important. These include people with:
Celiac disease: It is an autoimmune disease that affects the small intestine. Celiac disease occurs when the body has an inappropriate immune response to gluten, leading to symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, gast, constipation, fatty stools, and diarrhoea. According to StatPearls Publishing, the prevalence of celiac disease is about 0.5-1%.
Non-celiac gluten sensitivity: It is a condition that causes gastrointestinal and other symptoms after consuming gluten. While it is not related to celiac disease, it can cause similar symptoms associated with the digestive system. Additionally, non-celiac gluten sensitivity can lead to more extraintestinal or non-GI symptoms, such as headache, brain fog, joint pain, and numbness in the legs, arms, or fingers.
Wheat allergy: It is an allergic reaction to foods that contain wheat, which can lead to symptoms similar to gluten intolerance and celiac disease.
Gluten ataxia: It is a rare autoimmune disease that damages the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls balance, muscle tone, and motor control, as a reaction to gluten.
Foods To Eat And Avoid In A Gluten-Free Diet
When it comes to following a gluten-free diet, it is not only important to avoid certain foods but also crucial to know what are the healthy alternatives and foods that you can eat. Here's a list:
Foods to eat in a gluten-free diet:
- Grains: Rice, quinoa, buckwheat, millet, corn, and amaranth.
- Proteins: Fresh meat, fish, eggs, beans, and tofu.
- Dairy: Milk, cheese, yoghurt (check labels).
- Produce: All fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Nuts/Seeds: Almonds, chia, sunflower seeds.
- Gluten-Free Alternatives: Bread, pasta, baked goods made with certified gluten-free flours.
Also Read: Suffering From GI Disorders? Here’s Why You Should Try The FODMAP Diet
Foods to avoid in a gluten-free diet:
- Gluten Grains: Wheat, barley, rye, spelt.
- Processed Foods: Bread, pasta, cakes, cookies containing gluten.
- Sauces: Soy sauce, gravies, dressings with hidden gluten.
- Beverages: beer and malted drinks.
Conclusion
A gluten-free diet has become more popular over the years, with many celebrities following the same. It is an eating plan that eliminates foods with gluten, a type of protein found primarily in wheat products. People with celiac disease, wheat allergy, and gluten ataxia can benefit from a gluten-free diet. However, consult with your doctor or dietitian for a personalised plan and to know all about healthy substitutes.
Image Credit: Instagram/@nehadhupia