Why Cutting Out Gluten Might Not Be the Answer (and What to Do Instead)

You’ve probably heard that gluten is to blame for bloating, brain fog, and all kinds of gut issues but what if I told you that, for most people, gluten isn’t actually the problem?

I’m not a fan of cutting out foods unless they serve absolutely no purpose (hello, soft drink 👋). That’s because it’s often not the food that’s the issue… it’s your gut. Once you realise that, you also realise you’re not stuck in an endless cycle of removing foods only to keep reacting the same way.

Gluten is a commonly demonised protein, and don’t get me wrong, there are absolutely situations where removing it is warranted. If you have coeliac disease or an autoimmune condition, gluten avoidance is essential. But as a society, I think we’ve become a bit too quick to blame gluten for every gut symptom.

So why will I not usually ask you to cut it out?

1. It’s probably not the gluten

I can’t tell you how many people say to me, “I’ve cut out gluten but I’m still reacting.” That’s because the issue isn’t the gluten, it’s the underlying dysfunction in your gut that’s making you sensitive to certain foods.

2. You miss out on the good stuff

When we eliminate an entire food group, we often miss out on its benefits. For example, rye bread is amazing for your gut. It helps nourish your good bacteria and support a healthy microbiome. If you don’t actually need to avoid gluten, cutting it out could mean missing out on some major gut benefits.

3. You’re not addressing the cause

Sure, you might feel better when you cut out gluten but think about what else you’re removing. Are you also cutting out burgers, pizza, cake, pastries? Of course you’ll feel better when you reduce those foods, but it’s not necessarily because of the gluten. It’s because they’re often inflammatory, refined, and low in nutrients.

The bottom line

If you have coeliac disease or an autoimmune condition, gluten-free is absolutely the way to go, that’s a different story altogether. But if you don’t, the question isn’t “Should I cut out gluten?” It’s “Why is my gut reacting in the first place?”

When you focus on improving gut function rather than cutting out more foods, that’s when real, lasting change happens.

If you’ve been cutting out foods and still feeling bloated or reactive, it might be time to look deeper.

You don’t have to keep removing foods to feel better sometimes, it’s about restoring your gut, not restricting your diet.

Book a gut health consultation to uncover what’s really driving your symptoms and start feeling comfortable in your body again.

Lisa x

Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to replace individual medical or naturopathic advice. Please consult your healthcare practitioner before making changes to your diet, lifestyle, or supplements.