the symptoms are relieved. However, it is unclear whether this is related to gluten or some other association with gluten-containing foods.
While many of our processed foods in the United States contain some element of gluten, many do not! Gluten-free foods consist of:
Many processed foods today will say whether they are gluten-free or not. If you have a question, check the ingredient label to see if it contains any wheat, rye, or barley products.
While gluten-free diets are certainly necessary for many individuals with CD or NCGS, the gluten-free diet has become popular for individuals that aren’t afflicted with symptoms as well. While a gluten-free diet is not unsafe—as long as you are getting an adequate amount of foods containing a diverse set of vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients—it’s generally not necessary. In addition, a gluten-free diet does limit what you can eat and can be significantly more expensive, especially if you purchase specialty foods targeting individuals with gluten intolerances.
So the moral of the story: know your body, pay attention to symptoms, and eat a healthy diet! If you have questions about whether or not you should go gluten-free, check with your physician or a dietician. And, above all, eat fresh when possible!
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