Do you eat a heathy diet but still feel achy and lethargic? Maybe you live an active life but feel bloated and tired? Do you suffer from constant headaches and stomachaches? It’s possible your body doesn’t tolerate gluten, which can cause all kinds of physical and mental pains.
Chiropractic care can help treat musculoskeletal issues and improve overall well-being. But your dietary choices can also impact the effectiveness of your chiropractic treatments. Adopting a gluten-free diet has shown promising results in enhancing the benefits of chiropractic care.
What Is Gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. It’s also used as a binding agent in all sorts of products. It’s in foods like bread, pasta, crackers, cereal, and beer. You can even find gluten in bath and body products.
Protease is a digestive enzyme that helps the body process gluten, but it can’t completely break it down. Most people can tolerate this leftover gluten in their small intestine. However, some people have an autoimmune response called celiac disease. Other people have an allergy, which can be life-threatening, or an intolerance, which is less serious but still affects quality of life.
The Connection Between Diet and Chiropractic Health
The food we consume plays a crucial role in our overall health, including the health of our bones, muscles, and joints. A balanced diet provides the necessary nutrients to maintain strong bones and flexible muscles, which are essential for the success of chiropractic treatments. Conversely, a poor diet can lead to inflammation, weight gain, and a weakened musculoskeletal system, all of which can undermine your chiropractic treatment.
Symptoms of Gluten Sensitivity
If your body doesn’t like gluten, it has lots of ways to show you. You may suffer from bloating, constipation, cramping, diarrhea, and stomach aches. Some people deal with achy or stiff joints, while others feel lethargic.
Gluten intolerance increases inflammation in the gut, which affects how well you absorb nutrients. Your bones may not be as strong as they should be, even if your diet is full of vitamin-rich foods.
Gluten and Inflammation
For individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, gluten can trigger an immune response leading to chronic inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation can exacerbate joint and muscle pain, making chiropractic adjustments less effective or even uncomfortable.
Benefits of a Gluten-Free Diet
Reduced Inflammation – By eliminating gluten, individuals may experience a decrease in systemic inflammation. This reduction can enhance the body’s response to chiropractic treatments, leading to more effective pain relief and quicker recovery.
Improved Nutrient Absorption – Gluten sensitivity can impair the gut’s ability to absorb essential nutrients. A gluten-free diet can help restore proper nutrient absorption, providing the body with the vitamins and minerals necessary for musculoskeletal health.
Weight Loss – Gluten-free diets often lead to a more mindful approach to eating, which can help with weight loss. A healthier weight reduces the strain on the spine and joints, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments.
It takes a few weeks for gluten to be eliminated from your system, but you may start feeling better within a few days. If you don’t tolerate gluten, eliminating it can make you feel more energetic and focused. When you aren’t dealing with chronic headaches or stomach pain, you’ll likely handle daily stressors better.
Implementing a Gluten-Free Diet
Transitioning to a gluten-free diet requires careful consideration and planning. It involves more than just avoiding bread and pasta. It’s about making holistic changes to your eating habits. Patients are advised to consult with a nutritionist alongside their chiropractor to develop a balanced, gluten-free meal plan that complements their chiropractic treatment regimen.
Should You Go Gluten Free?
If you want to see if going gluten free improves your overall health and well-being, you should consult with a nutritionist who can help guide you. You generally start by cutting out gluten for 4-6 weeks and track your diet and symptoms.
Giving up gluten, even temporarily, can be daunting. A nutritionist can help you plan meals based on what you can eat. Many glutinous foods also contain important vitamins and minerals, so you will want to make sure you are still eating a balanced diet with plenty of fiber.
If you don’t feel better after going gluten-free, don’t give up on feeling better. It’s possible that dairy, red meat, sugar, or other foods could be the culprit, instead of gluten. A nutritionist will help you foods that work for you – not against you.
We’re Here To Help
Your chiropractic care is influenced by your dietary choices. A gluten-free diet can offer several benefits that synergize with chiropractic treatments, including reduced inflammation, better nutrient absorption, and effective weight loss.
By considering dietary adjustments such as going gluten-free, patients can potentially enhance the outcomes of their chiropractic care and enjoy a more holistic approach to their health and well-being.
If you want to see if a gluten-free life is right for you, make an appointment with a nutritionist and get started today.
Call 417 Spine to schedule an appointment and get started on the road to better health that comes naturally.
