Should I go "G-free"?

Q:  A lot of my friends have decided to try a gluten-free diet.  What's your take on this?

A:  Thanks for your question about gluten.  It seems to be a very popular diet among celebrities, but truthfully should only be followed if you have a sensitivity to gluten.

Gluten is a protein found in grains, specifically wheat, barley and rye.  People with celiac disease (also known as "celiac sprue") have an autoimmune disease where they cannot digest and use gluten appropriately.  Gluten is not absorbed, and damages the lining of the small intestine, causing malabsorption and malnutrition over time.  Oats and oat products are often avoided because they are procuced in facilities along with wheat.

Symptoms of gluten intolerance include abdominal pain and bloating after consumption of wheat or the above grains, diarrhea (and sometimes constipation), skin rash, weight loss, joint pain, iron deficiency and even depression.  Some individuals diagnosed with celiac disease may not have any symptoms, but may be tested if they have an immediate family member with the condition.  It can be genetic in nature.

Now- why would someone follow this type of diet?  One benefit of taking gluten out would be you'd drastically cut your consumption of carbohydrates- including bread, pasta, baked goods and desserts and some cereals.  This would reduce overall calorie intake, which may lead to weight loss.  But keep in mind, there are plenty of gluten free brownies, cookies, cakes and other junk food to replace what you've taken out.

Gluten is found in other foods as well including ketchup, soy sauce, processed meats and frozen entrees to name a few.  Following a gluten-free diet  is expensive and the market for these foods is growing.

If you suspect you have celiac disease, keep a food diary to monitor symptoms after eating foods containing gluten.  Do NOT take gluten out of your diet until you have a blood test to see if you are gluten-sensitive as you may end up with a false negative test if you've removed the trigger from your diet.

Finally- the gold standard for diagnosis of celiac sprue is a small bowel biopsy.  Not exactly a walk in the park, but money well spent if your doctor believes you suffer this condition.

I hope this information was helpful!

Nutrigirl