Is Gluten-Free the Diet for Me?

For the past few years, "gluten free" has been a buzz word. However, as a popular comedian points out below, many people (even some healthcare or fitness professionals) don't truly understand this dietary choice.

 

Gluten is a broad term for a protein found in wheat, rye, & barley. Commonly identified foods include breads, pastas, cakes, etc. However, a surprisingly large variety of foods contain vital wheat gluten (many processed foods) or malt (a barley derivative). Some foods are even inaccurately labeled as "gluten free".

Gluten has been blamed for a laundry list of ailments including bloating, chronic fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, etc. These symptoms can actually be caused by many different health issues or unhealthy habits.

There are some people who do medically benefit from a gluten-free (or the more restrictive & complicated FODMAP) diet, though.

- Celiac disease is a "...serious genetic autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine and other major organ systems." Other symptoms (including those above) may also be present. In this case, gluten can cause bodily harm or even death. It only impacts 1% of the population. (Celiac Disease Foundation)

- Even less people have wheat allergies. As with all allergies, contact can be dangerous or deadly.

- Gluten sensitivity is a newer & less understood condition. These people suffer from some of the above symptoms but don't experience celiac's intestinal damage. Currently, there is no test. Few studies have been conducted. Most were small (meaning limited result application). Some also showed unexpected or even conflicting results.

- Some people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) also show improvement on a gluten free diet.

For the general population, going gluten free is unlikely to offer many benefits. Gluten free foods are often more expensive. They also tend to be less healthy. Manufacturers substitute more calories, fat, sugar, &/or salt to compensate for the missing flavor or texture. Cutting food groups from your diet may lead to nutritional deficiencies. Gluten free items are also less likely to be enriched with important vitamins & nutrients.

For more information, check out:
- Consumer Reports' 6 Truths About a Gluten Free Diet
- CBS News' Is Gluten Sensitivity For Real?
- EatingWell's Unraveling the Gluten-Free Trend

As always, talk with your healthcare provider about any health concerns you have. If you are looking for a primary care provider, call Granville Vance Public Health to schedule an appointment with Dr. Shauna Guthrie (Oxford 919-693-2141 or Henderson 252-492-7915).