Phipps Feature: Is a Gluten-Free Diet Good for Everyone?
Q: I’ve heard that going gluten-free could help me lose weight. Is a gluten-free diet good for everyone? Thank you for your question! Let’s first talk about what gluten really is. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and spelt. It’s the stretchy material that helps to give these grains their shape. It is important that people with certain medical conditions avoid gluten. One form of gluten intolerance is celiac disease, an autoimmune condition in which the consumption of gluten damages the intestinal lining. While only a small fraction of Americans have been diagnosed with celiac disease, it is paramount that these individuals avoid gluten so that they can digest and absorb other nutrients. Another form of gluten intolerance is called non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). When people with NCGS consume gluten, they commonly experience celiac disease-like symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, joint pain, and fatigue. In these cases, people usually choose to avoid glut