Does Gluten Make You Tired?

Gluten is part of many grain-based foods made from wheat, barley, rye and some oats. Although these grains have been part of people's diets for centuries, the variety of grains cultivated in the early 21st century contain a higher proportion of gluten. Moreover, most people eat more grain products than ever, starting with toasts and breakfast cereals at breakfast, sandwiches at lunch, granola bars or muffins in the afternoon, pasta or couscous for dinner and cookies or cakes for dessert. If you often feel tired and lack energy, it is possible that you are intolerant to some of the foods you eat, and gluten could be the main culprit. 

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease refers to the autoimmune form of gluten intolerance. A recent study published in August 2011 in the "Health Day Reporter" shows that celiac disease rates are on the rise. Moreover, only 3 percent of people affected with celiac disease has been diagnosed, according to the Celiac Sprue Association. Celiac disease is a serious medical condition and although most doctors still believe that you have to be malnourished, losing weight and experiencing chronic diarrhea to have celiac disease, these "classic" symptoms are not always present. Fatigue, constipation, osteoporosis, liver disease or other autoimmune disorders can be the only symptoms of celiac disease. Ask your doctor to be tested.

Gluten Intolerance

Gluten intolerance includes celiac disease, but it also includes other forms of gluten intolerance that now affects at least 18 million Americans, many of whom are still unaware of the link between the food they eat on a daily basis and their health problems. Fatigue, headaches, brain fog, weight gain, skin problems and autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, are some of the many symptoms that have been associated with gluten intolerance, according to Dr. Stephen Wangen, author of "Healthier Without Wheat." 

Eliminating Gluten

Testing for gluten intolerance is not routinely done and many labs only test for one or two forms of gluten intolerance, which means that a negative result does not guarantee you are not gluten intolerant. One of the best ways to identify whether the gluten in your diet is making you tired is to eliminate it from your diet for a period of at least three to four weeks. Read food labels carefully to completely avoid all hidden sources of gluten. Track your energy levels and if you see improvements, you will know that gluten may be problematic for you. 

Energizing Gluten-Free Foods

If you go on a gluten-free diet, avoid basing your diet around commercial gluten-free foods. Although gluten-free breads, pasta and other similar products do not contain gluten, they are usually made of rice or potato flour. Their high glycemic index and low fiber content can be detrimental for your blood sugar and energy levels. Opt for plenty of nonstarchy vegetables, fresh fruits, tubers such as yams and sweet potatoes, plain yogurt, cheese, olive oil, coconut oil, eggs, poultry, meat, fish and seafood as the foundation foods of your diets. These foods are naturally free of gluten, unless they are seasoned or breaded, and will help you feel energized on your gluten-free diet.