Are You Getting The Nutrients You Need?

Did you know that up to 50% of people with Celiac disease have multiple nutritional deficiencies?

This often holds true as much as ten years post diagnosis!

And it doesn’t even include those who are merely gluten-sensitive (as opposed to someone with Celiac disease) or allergic to other foods, such as dairy, nuts or eggs.

Yet, I know from personal experience, that it is, in fact – true.

One thing about being gluten-free, or following any kind of special, medically prescribed diet, is that you may not be getting the nutrients you need.

So, you definitely want to make sure you are!

How do you know where you stand, nutrition-wise?

Take time to review each of the following, and you will have a better idea of your present habits, and what likely needs a bit of work.

 

Eat a High Quality Diet

Hands down, good health begins with a whole foods diet.

That means plenty of vegetables, fruit, and nuts and seeds, plus whole grains and legumes.

For protein, you want to rely on free-range poultry, grass-fed meat and wild caught fish.

In other words, the purer your diet, the better off you will be.

Limit highly processed foods as much as possible.

It’s unfortunate, but true, that gluten-free baked goods, as tasty as they might be, are usually very low on nutrition – and highly processed.

One reason is because gluten-free foods are rarely fortified.

So that, the breakfast cereal you eat every morning – unlike the fortified, whole-wheat flakes you may have eaten in the past, your gluten-free cereal may not measure up.

From a nutrition standpoint, that is.

 

Take Supplements

It’s really important to supplement your diet!

One of the main side effects from having Celiac Disease or a gluten-related disorder is that your body doesn’t properly absorb nutrients.

And you end up malnourished – no matter how healthy a diet you’ve been eating!

How discouraging is that?

The easiest way to make up for those missing nutrients is of course, to take supplements.

There are a variety of supplements that are typically recommended – in addition to a good multi-vitamin.

Pay special attention to the ingredients label!

Supplements and medication are one area you need to pay careful attention to, as hidden allergens are often in the fillers.

It’s best to meet with your physician or naturopath, to find out exactly which supplements you should be taking.

Plus they’ll recommend a reliable brand.

 

Meet with a Functional Nutritionist

Better still why not make an appointment with a Nutritionist?

Not only will a good Nutritionist review your present diet with a fine tooth comb, she will also make suggestions on ways to improve.

And then, of course, she’ll recommend the appropriate supplements to balance what may be missing in your diet.

For example, if you’re allergic to dairy – then you not be getting enough calcium from greens alone.

(You’d probably have to eat copious amounts to get anywhere close).

Meeting with a Nutritionist is a little like one stop shopping.

Simply because, she’ll have the knowledge and education to look at the BIGGER picture, and really explore everything that you’re eating – as well as making sure your digestive tract is in tip-top shape.

Addressing such diverse issues as Leaky Gut or your gut bacteria, could be the key to restoring your health.

Sadly, it is often the one area that is also overlooked!

Which is why I recommend working specifically with a Functional Nutritionist, or a practitioner of Functional Medicine.

(Functional Medicine is an emerging area of medicine that focuses on the individual as a whole, rather than viewing the separate parts).

And also give you a pat on the back, for what you’re doing right!