1. To Combat Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that can result in severe damage to the small intestine. The small intestine of the body is lined with small things called villi. Villi are small finger-like parts of the intestine that help the body absorb critical vitamins and nutrients. 

When a person with celiac disease consumes gluten, it can damage the villi, resulting in malabsorption. When the body does not have the appropriate nutrients, it can lead to severe disease, organ failure, and more. 

There is no cure for celiac disease. The only treatment is to live a strictly gluten-free lifestyle. 

2. Relieve Symptoms Of Gluten Intolerance

Some men may not have celiac disease, but their bodies still cannot tolerate gluten. This leads to various symptoms, including, but not limited to: 

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Mood disorders
• Fatigue
• Inflammation
• Migraines
• Difficulty concentrating
• Rash

Men have varying symptoms of gluten sensitivity, but eating gluten does not typically pose long-term health risks.  However, a gluten-free diet is often necessary to alleviate the symptoms of gluten sensitivity. 

3. Control Dermatitis Herpetiformis

Dermatitis Herpetiformis is a skin condition that arises after eating gluten. Most men that have Dermatitis Herpetiformis also have gluten sensitivity, but there are exceptions. 

This skin condition causes red bumps and an itchy rash to develop after consuming gluten. Some people are more sensitive to gluten and will develop the rash after using gluten-containing products, such as lotion.

Rashes that are caused by dermatitis herpetiformis are easily distinguished from other skin conditions, such as eczema, because they are symmetrical. For example, if a man develops a rash on his left arm due to this condition, he will also develop a rash on his right arm in the same location. Not eating gluten is the only way to find relief from this condition. 

4. To Eat Healthier

The reason that not eating gluten turned into one of the hottest dieting trends is due to the fact that it often makes a person eat healthier. Most processed foods use wheat as a preservative. This means that once gluten is eliminated from the diet, a person will make healthier choices. 

However, it’s important to note that there are plenty of gluten-free alternatives to junk food available. One can easily find gluten-free cakes, chips, and other foods that are not healthy at their local grocery store. Because of that, a person should commit to a healthier lifestyle in addition to not eating gluten if their goal is to eat healthier. 

Quite a bit of literature exists regarding vitamin deficiencies resulting from going gluten-free due to the lack of bread, grains, etc. This was a concern my gastroenterologist had as well. After several bouts of blood work, it was confirmed that I was not deficient in any vitamins or nutrients. Education regarding nutrition and a healthy diet packed with a variety of foods can help a person have the vital vitamins and nutrients when not eating gluten. 

5. Losing Weight

Going gluten-free became a fad diet because it is so effective. Once you cut out wheat, rye, and barley, you also cut out many of the things that are found in processed foods. Processed foods are known for helping men pack on the pounds. You’ll be limited regarding what is okay to drink, which will help further cut calories.

Before deciding on this lifestyle or diet to lose weight, it’s important to learn about nutrition. Many people claim that this is not a good idea because bread and grains are packed with complex carbohydrates. Granted, these are where most people get their complex carbohydrates from, but they are not the only foods that contain them. Complex carbs can also be found in potatoes, carrots, yams, and squash. Most starchy vegetables have complex carbohydrates in them. Some gluten-free foods, like gluten-free pizza, have complex carbohydrates as well. 

6. Avoiding Adverse Health Effects

Gluten isn’t just bad for people that have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. It can cause a wealth of health problems, from inflammation that can make arthritis more painful to thyroid problems. A gluten-free diet is often helpful for individuals that have been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. It can ease digestive problems, as well. Often, people find out that they have gluten sensitivity after having these problems for years due to the worsening symptoms. 

To learn more about eating healthy, check out this article about some of the healthiest vegetables that are both gluten-free and will keep you fit!