Every two or three years there seems to be some sort of new health discovery that changes labels on packaging and menus in restaurants. For the past year or so I have noticed the words " Gluten Free" on a lot of the products I buy and meals I order. I know gluten has something to do with wheat because when I was in seventh grade a made a ball of it for extra credit in science class. Beyond that my knowledge of gluten and the issues associated with it drop off considerably.

There is a definite malady associated with gluten, it is called celiac disease. It's something your real doctor diagnoses. Notice I said real doctor, that means you actually went to a medical facility and saw someone who has earned a degree in medicine. Web MD is a wonderful site but you're probably going to want to lay down a co-pay to confirm this diagnosis.

If gluten free is good for some then why isn't it good for all? Denise Holsten-West a dietician with the LSU Ag Center told the Louisiana Radio Network this about that,

"Eliminating all gluten products from your diet, or gluten containing products, can really create some deficiencies, especially with your B vitamins, folic acid, and even iron."

Statistics show that only 1%-3% of the population has actual diagnosed issues with gluten. Unfortunately thanks to medical websites and misinformation it seems like every kid in the carpool is now eating gluten free and that might not be the best for them.

So why not do your friends a favor if they are currently riding the gluten free train. Ask them if they've had a blood test for celiac disease. That's the only way to really determine if gluten is an issue in your diet. If it's not then you could be tipping the scale in the wrong direction by trying to be trendy and hip when that's not what's best for your body.

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