Commencing a gluten-free diet can seem like the ideal route to follow the very moment you suspect to have celiac disease. Actually, a good number of individuals make this decision without a formal diagnosis. Even though it might seem like a remarkable way to enjoy money-saving benefits or easier than going for a gluten intolerance test, sticking to a gluten-free diet for the rest of your life might not be worthwhile.
A decision with a great magnitude such as this must be taken with immense caution if you are to avoid leaving the door for mistakes wide open. After all, you might end up spending way more than budgeted in the first place. Here’s why it is so important to be tested for celiac disease before going gluten-free.
Celiac Disease is Genetic
It is might come as a surprise to learn that 1 in 10 family members have celiac disease. This implies that if you have celiac disease, your family members stand a high chance of developing the same. For this reason, undergoing a diagnostic serves as the ideal way to know if you can pass on celiac disease to your children, or if other relatives should be tested for the same.
Access to the Needed Resources
It is worth noting that a formal diagnosis can get you a physician referral to a dietitian who will then help you know more about the foods to each and to avoid. If this is not enough, they ensure you understand how to get all the nutrients you need, and how to uncover hidden sources of gluten in food labels.
Moreover, a formal diagnosis may come in handy with insurance costs related to celiac disease, including follow-up care with your physician and dietitian, and testing for others autoimmune diseases. Not to mention gluten intolerance test for children can help their condition be taken more seriously by teachers and classmates.
As you can see, numerous benefits accompanying the act of taking a gluten intolerance test. That’s why you should never skimp on this step at any given time.