Gluten-Free Diet: a Cure for Some, a Fad for Most

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I went gluten-free to see if it would help my eczema (it seems to) and I lost weight.
But I think the weight-loss was due to many things. For example, there's gluten in a lot of processed junk-food and commercially-prepared meals, which I now avoid. I eat gluten-free muffins, etc, but they're more expensive so I eat less of them. So I think part of the benefit of going gluten-free is that there are fewer options! I'm pretty much forced to eat veggies and more natural foods.

edna of ID 11:08AM October 19, 2010

i have a ph imbalance and i am considering going gluten and yeast free . any info anyone can share would be most helpful. i have tried everything .

Lisa Beinlich of PA 3:40PM September 22, 2010

I don't have Celiac's Disease, but I lost my gallbladder to a wheat sensitivity about a year ago. I've been free of wheat for almost a year now. Personally, I think the fad should become more popular because that would make it easier to find Gluten-free items...maybe even make them less expensive. It's wishful thinking I know, and I know our consumer market doesn't work like that, but a girl can dream.

Kristin of NJ 2:33PM August 12, 2010

I am also a celiac person-and I have to agree-why on earth would anyone want to do this unless is really is necessary! It is time consuming and expensive to boot! Fad-fad-go-away! But I am glad that there is more for us to eat these days. I just wish I could lose weight. Dieting with celiac disease is even tougher than regular dieting!

pkl in colorado of CO 6:02PM May 17, 2010

I agree that taking gluten out is beneficial to many and regret that you are supporting the thinking that eating gluten free is a fad. Gut health and nutrition are barely studied in western medical training, and we are in the midst of a gut-born health epidemic. Research has been done that has shown that kids on the autism spectrum have placked on undigested glutinous material on their intestinal walls. Removing wheat and ALL glutinous foods from their diet can be profoundly helpful. Also, true sour dough can be a very different food to digest than the highly refined wheat that is typically found in the standard Amerian Diet, whereas some gluten free foods, as you mentioned are completely unhealthful. It is a very complex situation and I assure you, we will see more and more main stream research that points to the fact that removing gluten is extremely helpful for the majority of people struggling with health issues.

Joanna of OR 12:49PM May 06, 2010

I have Celiac Disease and have been gluten free for 9 years. My family has adopted my diet out of convenience alone, it is just easier not to have to cook two separate meals. Since going gluten free, they ALL have lost weight and feel better even thought they do not have Celiac Disease. As with all diets, the key is to eat the right foods within that diet. This means eating healthy natural gluten free foods, not the processed high sugar/fat simple carb substitutes. Even if someone can tolerate the consumption of gluten, it doesn't mean it's healthy for them, or that their isn't a healthier whole grain substitute (quinoa, brown rice, etc.) My aunt is a scientist that solely focuses on nutrition and there effects on the body. According to her research, EVERYONE will benefit from eliminating gluten from their bodies. You just need to substitute it for the right foods. Here is a great resource to do that...
http://www.glutenfreedaily.com/

Michael of CA 2:09PM April 12, 2010

This is not a cure all diet for every disease ever known. I have Celiac disease and take it very seriously while some people just think it is a cute fad to jump on. Why on earth would you want to eat Gluten Free if you didn't have to?

Nell of CO 4:54PM April 06, 2010

Really why would having it a fad be bad for those who have Celiac Disease? The more people who eat it this way will cause a need for new products thus making life easier for those who really do live with the disease.

Aaron of WA 4:53AM March 06, 2010