Removing gluten from the diet has been shown to:
Group of answer choices
cause protein deficiency
resolve digestive problems in people with celiac disease
cause kidney impairment
help with weight loss in people trying to lose weight
reduce problems with insomnia
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
Resolve digestive problems in people with celiac disease
Explanation:
Removing gluten from the diet is crucial for individuals with celiac disease, a chronic autoimmune disorder. In people with this condition, consuming gluten—a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye—triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine. This damage impairs nutrient absorption and leads to a range of digestive issues, including bloating, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and malnutrition.
When individuals with celiac disease adopt a strict gluten-free diet, the intestinal lining begins to heal over time. This alleviates digestive symptoms and improves overall health. However, the diet must be strictly adhered to because even small amounts of gluten can trigger symptoms and intestinal damage.
It’s important to distinguish celiac disease from non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), where individuals experience symptoms similar to celiac disease but without the autoimmune damage to the intestines. A gluten-free diet may also relieve symptoms in people with NCGS, but this condition is less well-understood.
Contrary to popular belief, removing gluten does not inherently cause protein deficiency, kidney impairment, or weight loss. Gluten-free diets can still provide adequate protein from other sources like legumes, meat, eggs, and nuts. Weight loss on a gluten-free diet often occurs not because of gluten removal but due to an overall reduction in processed foods or improved dietary habits.
There is no strong evidence linking a gluten-free diet to reducing insomnia unless the person has a gluten-related disorder. While some individuals may perceive general health improvements after eliminating gluten, this is often due to healthier food choices rather than the absence of gluten itself.
For people without a medical reason to avoid gluten, such as celiac disease or NCGS, there is no significant evidence that a gluten-free diet provides health benefits. In fact, unnecessarily eliminating gluten can lead to nutrient deficiencies if not properly managed.