Bodytrim and Celiac Disease

By Daisy Wood

If you have been diagnosed with celiac disease and are needing to lose weight, Bodytrim is the perfect program for you. Read below to find out how Bodytrim  can help with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.  

What is celiac disease?

Celiac disease is a genetic condition in which the body has an abnormal immune response to gluten and simultaneously malabsorption from nutrients occurs. When gluten is eaten by those with celiac disease, their body attacks and destroys the tiny hairs lining the small intestine, which allow nutrients to be absorbed. Over time, this causes malabsoprtion of nutrients no matter how much food is consumed. Outward symptoms that also result from celiac disease range from abdominal pain and bloating to, fatigue, diahorrea, vomiting, constipation and even red skin rashes. If the condition isn’t treated long term, an individual can become malnourished to the point where conditions such as osteoporosis, liver diseases, intestinal cancer and anemia can develop.

How can celiac disease be treated?

The only treatment for those suffering from celiac disease is to consume a gluten free diet for the rest of their lives. This allows the intestine to repair itself. Celiac disease requires a completely different lifestyle  but suffers can still enjoy a healthy balanced diet and obtain all the nutrients they need.  What’s more with a bit of forward planning and education, living with celiac disease is quite manageable.

What are gluten containing foods?

Gluten is a protein that exists naturally in wheat, rye and barley. This means that many cereals, breads and pasta need to be avoided. Many processed foods such as sauces, lollies, chips, crackers and packaged meals can also be hidden sources of gluten as they include additives such as modified food starch, preservatives, and stabilisers made with wheat. Where products are made must also be taken into account.  Some  products may be processed in the same factory as gluten rich foods and therefore contain traces of gluten which can make a celiac sufferer unwell.

Celiac disease and Bodytrim

The great news is that on Bodytrim, you largely avoid the main sources of gluten containing foods such as breads, cereals and pastas. These foods are limited due to the effect they have on your blood sugar levels and your insulin levels. However, there are times when they are permitted on the program  so that's when you can opt for gluten free alternatives. For example, at breakfast when a a starchy carbohydrate is allowed, a bodytrimmer could opt for gluten free bread or, cereal, or use quinoa to make porridge (some sufferers of celiac disease or gluten intolerance are still able to consume traditional oats however this is case dependent). Once bodytrimmers move into maintenance they can consume a carb portion at lunch. Suitable options include gluten free bread, gluten free pasta, rice, potato and sweet potato. Because you are eating mostly fresh meats, poultry, seafood and fibrous vegetables and avoiding many processed foods while on Bodytrim, this cuts out many of the “hidden” gluten sources you would otherwise normally be exposed to. When needing to add flavour to your protein sources, you can opt for fresh herbs and spices.  Just remember to always read labels carefully so you know what’s in the food you’re eating and you can’t go wrong.

Bodytrim products which are gluten free

Wherever possible we make our Bodytrim products gluten free. Sometimes gluten is needed  to help with the final texture profile of the product, however, we’ve been able to make gluten free cookies and desserts that are really delicious. Many of our other products do not contain gluten either such as our protein powders, bars and Nutra Shot but, they are processed in plants with gluten containing products so are not suitable for those with celiac disease. Those with a less severe form of gluten intolerance (and not classed as having celiac disease) may be able to consume these products however it is case dependent and advice should be sought from your healthcare professional.