Poll: Gluten-Free Diet in Athletes–Reason for Improved Performance?
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Jul 30 2011

Poll: Gluten-Free Diet in Athletes–Reason for Improved Performance?

I have been reading a lot recently about several different athletes adopting the gluten-free diet for one reason or another and then having the best performances of their lives.  Is the reason for the change the gluten-free diet?  Or, is there some other reason?

When you think about how a person changes what they eat when first starting the gluten-free diet, it is understandable that an increase in performance could be possible.  I think this may likely be due to a cleaner diet overall – less processed foods and more whole foods will make anyone feel better.  Now, that is not to say that said person doesn’t have an intolerance to gluten or Celiac disease.

Over the past few months I have read about the tennis player, Novak Djokovic, who won Wimbledon and several other tournaments in 2011, after adopting a gluten-free diet.  Now Dana Vollmer, a 23 year old US swimmer, has won the gold medal in the 2011 World Championships.  She too, has just recently started a gluten-free diet.   Coincidence or not?  She claims that a holistic nutritionist recommended a gluten-free diet after food sensitivity tests.  That coupled with a new training routine allowed her to feel more energetic, thus being able to focus on winning the gold medal.

So, what are you thoughts?  Do you think it leads to an improved performance?  Participate in the poll listed below to voice your view and feel free to discuss further in the comments section below.

 

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Article Written by:

Kimberly Bouldin is a gluten-free wife, runner & blogger with two children in Columbus, Ohio. After her celiac diagnosis in 2006, she has made it her mission to embrace an entirely new approach to nutrition in a gluten-free world, exploring options that run the gamut from "made from scratch" homemade bread to sampling and reviewing the gluten-free prepared foods that are continuously being introduced to the market. While navigating the waters of becoming gluten-free, Kim shares her experiences and passes along valuable product reviews in addition to helping other moms of celiac kids develop healthy menus that are kid-friendly and palatable. Kimberly is a valuable resource for those who are newly diagnosed, as well as for the more seasoned gluten-free veterans. Follow @KBouldin on Twitter

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  • Aleka Munroe

    I believe it is likely, given the latest statistics of 1 in 133 people have a gluten intolerance. The odds are in favor of even a mild sensitivity improving one’s general health, and therefore, performance.

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