by Jennifer Harshman

Created on: August 30, 2010   Last Updated: August 31, 2010

Millions of people are asking themselves if they should go gluten free. Who might benefit from a gluten free diet? Everyone.

A diagnosis of Celiac Disease is one great reason to go gluten free, but it’s not the only reason. The gluten free diet is no longer the domain of diagnosed Celiac patients. Gluten intolerance is increasing throughout the world, and millions of people are discovering that eating wheat and other foods that contain gluten is causing problems, and just isn't worth it.

Reasons to Go Gluten Free

Gluten is a type of protein that Alessio Fasano, M.D., says is "useless" for humans. At best, it is filler that is taking the place of nutritious food; at worst, it is a poison that is causing the body to self-destruct. Dr. Fasano is Director of the Mucosal Biology Research Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, and he opposes gluten in foods.

Kenneth Bock, M. D., often prescribes a gluten free diet for patients who have Autism, ADHD, asthma or allergies. In his book, Healing the New Childhood Epidemics (Ballantine, 2007), he explains that gluten and casein are proteins that cause problems in the body, triggering the immune system.

Gluten Free Diet May be A Natural Treatment for Diabetes and Other Medical Conditions

A gluten free diet can help improve symptoms associated with many medical conditions. Examples of conditions that might be helped by the diet are fibromyalgia, autism, asthma, and diabetes. A gluten free diet may make it easier to control blood sugar levels, according to Donna Korn in her book Living Gluten Free for Dummies (Wiley, 2006). Some Type 2 diabetics find that they no longer need insulin or medications after going on a gluten free diet.

The desire to improve a chronic disease may prompt some to go gluten free. A gluten free diet might also help those who haven’t been diagnosed with a chronic disease, but are suffering from various symptoms such as headache, constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, or acid reflux. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common diagnosis that might actually be an intolerance to gluten.

A simple diet of unprocessed fruits, vegetables, and protein sources such as legumes, fish and meat is naturally gluten free. Eating nutritious whole foods is healthier than eating processed foods, and experts agree that everyone should eat unprocessed, healthy foods.

Consult a Medical Professional Before Going Gluten Free

Only a medical professional can give medical advice, and it is always best to consult

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