由 home-healthhaven 
You might have always thought wheat was a healthy grain, but recent research suggests it might not be as great as we once believed. More people are trying wheat-free diets now. Let’s explore why some are avoiding wheat and what steps you might want to take regarding your wheat intake.
### Why Are People Concerned About Wheat?
The issue gained attention because of a best-selling book by U.S. cardiologist Dr. William Davis titled *”Wheat Belly: Lose the Wheat, Lose the Weight and Find Your Path Back to Health.”* Davis claims that modern wheat, which has been genetically altered, is making us sick and overweight. According to him, a protein in wheat called gluten is the main culprit. He also argues that wheat is addictive and leads to what he calls “wheat bellies” – the stubborn belly fat many struggle to lose.
### What Do Other Experts Say?
Not everyone agrees with Dr. Davis. Some experts argue that the data supporting the claim that wheat has changed significantly comes from lab experiments, not traditional plant breeding. There’s no strong clinical evidence to suggest that wheat is harmful to most people. Many nutrition experts believe that while nearly all diets can show short-term results, it might not be necessary to completely avoid wheat.
### Who Should Be Concerned About Wheat?
There are people with a genetic disorder called celiac disease, where their bodies can’t process gluten. Consuming gluten for them means their immune system attacks the small intestine, leading to bloating, skin rashes, joint pain, anemia, and even infertility. About 1 in 100 people have celiac disease. Those with wheat or gluten sensitivities might also benefit from removing wheat from their diet.
### Wheat and Weight
Regarding weight, our society does consume a lot of highly processed carbs, which includes refined grains. This can lead to higher insulin levels, increased appetite, and more fat storage. However, it’s important to note that people in Europe and Asia eat more wheat than those in the U.S., yet they have lower obesity rates. Historically, Americans also ate more wheat but did not face the same obesity rates we do now.
Dr. Davis mentions that some of his overweight patients ate a lot of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and still gained weight. After cutting out wheat, many lost significant weight. He states that even whole-wheat bread can spike blood sugar more than a Snickers bar, posing a problem for diabetics but potentially beneficial for anyone wanting to stabilize their blood sugar levels.
These days, more people are opting for gluten-free products, but be careful – many of these can be high in sugars and simple starches, which also raise blood sugar levels quickly.
### Making Informed Choices
Low-carb diets paired with exercise can be effective for weight loss. If you’re worried about wheat, you could try cutting it out of your diet and see how you feel or what changes you notice. You don’t have to eliminate it entirely but might want to opt for healthier whole wheat instead of refined products.
When considering a healthy lifestyle, such as enrolling in a popular diet program, it’s a good idea to think about the role wheat plays in your diet.