Living with celiac disease means far more than a life without pasta. Along with other forms of gluten intolerance, this multi-system autoimmune disorder compromises the body’s ability to absorb nutrients. If left unchecked, this can lead to vitamin deficiencies which not only cause G.I. issues, but also detract from the natural beauty of your skin, hair and nails. Let’s take a look at the common issue of vitamin deficiencies in people living with gluten intolerance, along with how these deficiencies may be impacting your appearance.
Overview of Gluten Intolerance
Being gluten intolerant means that your body is unable to digest the gluten protein found in wheat, barley and rye. This can lead to the irritation and inflammation of your small intestine, impeding its ability to absorb nutrients.
Luckily, there’s an easy fix: avoiding gluten allows nutrients to be properly absorbed. Unfortunately, many people either don’t realize the severity of the condition, while others are unaware that they suffer from it. For many, the health consequences are dire.
Gluten Intolerance and Beauty: A Little Known Link
In addition to the more widely known signs and symptoms of gluten intolerance and vitamin deficiencies, lesser known side effects may be taking a toll on your appearance. In fact, malabsorption of a number of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B-12, vitamin D and calcium, can lead to everything from dull, dry skin to thinning hair to brittle nails.
And the link between healthy skin, hair, nails and gluten goes beyond the foods you ingest, according to a report from U.S. News and World Report (1). While scientists continue to learn more about the effects of gluten every day, research now indicates that eliminating gluten from your diet is insufficient. Because cosmetics containing gluten may also trigger symptoms, sticking with a gluten-free lifestyle is the best and only defense against the side effects of gluten intolerance.
Unfortunately, avoiding gluten may be harder than you think, considering that many lip glosses, lipsticks, and other cosmetics use gluten as a binder. So how can you safeguard your health and wellness while enjoying naturally radiant skin, thick, lustrous hair, and strong nails? By choosing beauty products which are certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).
While what you choose to put into and on your body matters for everyone, it’s even more critical for people living with gluten intolerance, gluten sensitivity, and celiac disease. Luckily, innovative, conscientious makeup lines like Afterglow are taking the lead by providing certified gluten-free beauty products carefully formulated to help you look and feel your best.
Reference:
1. http://health.usnews.com/health-news/articles/2012/09/11/are-gluten-free-cosmetics-necessary
