Nutrient Deficiencies

Nutrient deficiencies are common on a gluten-free diet, whether you have celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or are gluten-free for other reasons. Correcting deficiencies can improve your digestion, metabolism, thyroid, energy levels, bones, brain function, hormones, immunity, and tissue repair. I found for myself and my clients just going gluten free was not enough, I had to dig deeper.

Here are four steps to address nutrient deficiencies:

1. Labs:

   • Get lab work to check nutrient levels before making changes. Working with someone that knows how to read labs from an “optimal” perspective will be a game changer. I offer this in my clinic, and highly suggest booking a call as I suffered for YEARS with nutrient deficiencies but my doctors told me my labs looked “good”. Once I figured out that they were not optimal and fixed by deficiencies, I felt like I had gas in my gas tank.

   • Monitor nutrients like iron and Vitamin D, which can be toxic in high amounts.

   • Work with a practitioner who understands "functional ranges" for optimal levels.

2. Digestive Function:

   • You need a healthy gut to absorb nutrients effectively.

   • Going completely gluten-free helps restore the gut lining.

   • If you're still deficient after going gluten-free, consider testing for gut issues like bacterial overgrowth or parasites.

3. Food:

   • Prioritize getting nutrients from food.

   • Pair foods to boost absorption, like lentils with tomatoes (iron and Vitamin C).

   • Optimize your diet to address deficiencies.

4. Supplements (if needed):

   • Use supplements to fill gaps when you can't get enough nutrients from food.

   • Vitamin D and B-12 (for vegans) are common supplements.

   • Work with a practitioner to ensure the right dosage and monitor levels to avoid toxicity.

Correcting deficiencies involves a balanced approach with lab tests, proper digestion, a nutrient-rich diet, and supplements when necessary. Just going gluten free is NOT ENOUGH!