Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/244291
"Unless they have a diagnosis of celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, I do not recommend it." Recovery is within reach. Will gluten-free make me a better athlete? Individualized short-term rehabilitation On-site physician oversight * | Quality postoperative care Digestive issues often plague endurance athletes, such as runners and cyclists, but Crandall doesn't suggest joining the gluten-free trend for relief. "I have seen absolutely no science to back that up," says Crandall, a runner and fitness trainer. She says a high-carb diet (which is often higher in fiber too) is more likely to blame for athletes' digestive distress. Instead of focusing on gluten, she recommends adding a little protein to a pre-workout meal to slow digestion. Can gluten-free help with other health problems? Mueller says anecdotally she has seen patients go off gluten and see symptoms of depression, migraines, arthritis and other conditions subside. And some studies suggest that a gluten-free diet can help people with rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. But Crandall isn't convinced yet: "Unless they have a diagnosis of celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, I do not recommend it. Eliminating entire food groups in your diet can cause a whole host of other nutritional concerns." Berkley Manor Care Center ........Denver | 303-320-4377 Briarwood Health Care Center *..Denver | 303-399-0350 Garden Terrace Alzheimer's ..........Aurora | 303-750-8418 Center of Excellence Hallmark Nursing Center .............Denver | 303-794-6484 Heritage Park Care Center * .Carbondale | 970-963-1500 Life Care Center of Aurora * .........Aurora | 303-751-2000 Life Care Center ...................... Evergreen | 303-674-4500 of Evergreen Life Care Center of Littleton * ... Littleton | 303-795-7300 Life Care Center of Stonegate *.... Parker | 303-805-2085 Villa Manor Care Center * ....... Lakewood | 303-986-4511 Western Hills Health ............... Lakewood | 303-232-6881 Care Center Are there downsides to going gluten-free? 43863 Joint Commission accredited | LCCA.com *On-site physician services available at select facilities. 22 Crandall notes that gluten-free products tend to lack calcium, iron, fiber, and B vitamins, leaving people deficient. And Lazarus warns that people who suspect they might have celiac disease should wait until after they have been tested to eliminate gluten. "If you have someone who thinks they have celiac disease, but they are eating gluten-free, they can have the test, and it will show they don't have it," he says. Comforted by the results, they may end up reintroducing gluten into their diet, harming their intestines even more.