Gluten-free living has become a way of life for countless Americans over the past several decades. But why are so many people in Southern California and throughout the nation opting to eliminate gluten from their diets? The short answer is because they feel so much better, overall. Here’s a look at the specific health improvements patients of the California Center of Longevity and Functional Medicine report after eliminating gluten from their diet.

1. Reduced Stomach/Abdominal Pain and Cramping
   Patients of the California Center of Longevity and Functional Medicine who have an suspected allergy or sensitivity to gluten almost unanimously report fewer stomach/abdominal problems when they eliminate gluten from their diet. Board Certified physician Dr. Allan Kurtz's patients report that bloating, gas, abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhea typically begins to subside within days of eliminating gluten from their diets.
    
2. Increased Levels of Energy
   One of the earmarks of a sensitivity to gluten is a feeling of fatigue, grogginess, or otherwise lethargy. One of the ways that Dr. Kurtz can help patients of the California Center of Longevity and Functional Medicine to determine if gluten is the cause of fatigue is by encouraging patients to eliminate gluten for a week and report on their energy levels. Los Angeles area patients with a gluten sensitivity often find that upon eliminating this protein (which is found in the grains wheat, rye, barley) they have more energy, and feel more alert throughout the day.
    
3. Minimized Joint Pain
   For those who have a sensitivity to gluten, the ingestion of food containing gluten can have an inflammatory response in the body. Many patients, fearing they were developing arthritis have come to the California Center of Longevity and Functional Medicine prepared to be diagnosed with this painful condition. However, upon implementing a gluten-free diet, many Southern California patients find that their pain was merely a symptom of gluten intolerance.
    
4. Improvement in Skin Rashes
   An allergy to gluten may be the cause for "chicken skin" on the back of the arms. Likewise, gluten sensitivity may be responsible for itchy skin rashes that appear on your arms, face, legs and at your hairline. Many of Dr. Kurtz's Southern California patients report that irritating skin rashes clear up within weeks of removing gluten from their diet.
    
5. Improved Mood
   It's not surprising in the least that patients who are consuming gluten, while unknowingly having a sensitivity to it, feel irritable. Mood swings when reported in conjunction with other symptoms of gluten allergies, are often a telltale sign, that you're putting something nto your body that is unwelcome in your body. From being in a bad mood, to feeling chronically agitated and irritated, our diets play a huge role in our overall wellbeing. Countless patients of the California Center of Longevity and Functional Medicine report an improved mood, including feeling more balanced after eliminating gluten from their diet. If you believe that you may have a sensitivity to gluten, rest assured, you're not alone. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Kurtz at the California Center of Longevity and Functional Medicine today to discuss your symptoms. Dr. Kurtz will help you to determine if a gluten free diet may help you to get relief from mood swings, fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and stomach/abdominal pain.

If you believe that you may have a sensitivity to gluten, rest assured, you're not alone. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Kurtz at the California Center of Longevity and Functional Medicine today to discuss your symptoms. Dr. Kurtz will help you to determine if a gluten free diet may help you to get relief from mood swings, fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, and stomach/abdominal pain.