Binge Eating Disorder and Gluten Free Diets

Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope

Choosing to go “gluten-free” may seem like all the rage these days, and following a gluten free lifestyle has become more of a diet fad than a therapeutic intervention. Unfortunately, this has led to many misconceptions about what it means to follow a gluten free diet and the purpose of altering a diet to exclude any food products that contain gluten.

With countless supermarkets, grocery stores, and restaurants offering gluten free products and foods, gluten free is something that many people are now familiar with. Many individuals assume that following a gluten-free diet is “healthier”, but could this misinformation lead to more confusion about nutrition and food?

Gluten And Celiac Disease

First of all, what exactly is gluten and why does it get such a bad wrap? Gluten refers to the naturally occurring protein that is found in the endosperm (or seed portion) of wheat, barley, rye and triticale.

For individuals with the autoimmune disorder Celiac Disease, the body has an abnormal response to gluten, which can actually damage the lining of the small intestine if ingested. Many symptoms that can result from untreated celiac disease include:

• Skin rash
• Digestive issues
• Anemia
• Diarrhea
• Bone pain

One of the most effective treatments for celiac disease includes the avoidance of gluten free products, and following a gluten free diet is essential for individuals who struggle with this disease. For others who do not have celiac disease, following a gluten free diet is no better than eating a variety of foods in moderation.

In fact, many individuals who choose to follow a gluten-free diet for non-therapeutic purposes may be lacking in many essential nutrients, particularly if a diet is restrictive.

BED & Gluten Free

Having an eating disorder, such as binge eating disorder, necessitates the renegotiation with many foods. Following any type of diet can further exacerbate eating disorder symptoms and is not advisable unless for medical reasons, such as the treatment of celiac disease.

If you are dealing with celiac disease and binge eating disorder, be sure to closely work with your doctor, a registered dietitian, and a professional who specializes in eating disorders to find the best therapeutic options for managing celiac disease and binge eating.

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

What do you think contributes to the misinformation about celiac disease?

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Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work. As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.

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The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on November 2, 2015
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com