A couple of myths regarding celiac disease: The gluten-free diet helps you lose weight. FACT Many gluten-free processed foods (cookies, muffins and other treats) are made with rice flour, tapioca starch and potato starch, which are low in vitamins, minerals and fiber. “These refined carbohydrates break down quickly and you soon get hungry again,” Field says. “This lack of fiber may lead to overconsumption of refined starches and, likely, weight gain.” In addition, many gluten-free packaged items contain more calories per serving than their wheat-filled counterparts. You can’t have celiac disease if you are overweight. FACT Underweight, overweight, anyone can have celiac. “People with celiac disease come in all shapes and sizes. It is possible for an overweight or even an obese person to develop celiac disease,” Fernandez-Becker says.
Posted on: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 14:15:55 +0000