Article addresses gluten-free diet and its nutritional challenges

In her HealthNewsDigest.com interview, health author and holistic pharmacist Sherry Torkos cautioned readers that by removing gluten from their diet they may also be missing out on some essential nutrients. Torkos listed ways to compensate for a gluten-free diet and its nutritional challenges; She suggested making gluten-free, easy-to-take Sunfiber a part of their daily routine.

A decade ago few people were aware of gluten, a protein found in wheat and other grains. Today, gluten-free products are commonplace. This makes it easier for people with a gluten intolerance or celiac disease, or even those without, to banish this protein from their diet. “A lot of gluten-free products are high glycemic, high in calories, low in minerals and fiber, and are not fortified with vitamins,” said Torkos. “As someone whose body cannot tolerate gluten, I have learned to adjust my diet, and how to compensate for nutrients that might otherwise be missing.”

Torkos explained that gluten-free diets may lack B vitamins, iron and fiber. B vitamins are needed for energy and nervous system support. Torkos suggests looking for a gluten-free B-vitamin complex or multi-vitamin. “People with gluten intolerance are typically anemic,” said Torkos. SunActive Iron is a non-constipating supplement which is easily absorbed by the body.

Fiber is of particular concern because most dietary fiber sources, such as breads and pastas, contain gluten. Torkos suggested looking for products made with garbanzo bean, almond, pecan or quinoa flour and boosting fiber intake by eating more vegetables, seeds and nuts. If meeting the recommended dietary fiber intake is still a challenge, consider a gluten-free fiber supplement. “One that I recommend is Sunfiber,” said Torkos. “Other fiber supplements may say ‘gluten-free’ but may actually contain trace amounts.”

Sunfiber is a prebiotic fiber. Prebiotic fibers nourish the growth and activity of beneficial gut bacteria. They also reduce incidences of uncomfortable bloating and gas, common with some other fiber supplements. Sunfiber is available online at Tomorrow’s Nutrition.