The Newest Diet in Town: A Few Observations on Gluten-Free Dieting

You know how you can sense something? Then you catch the wind; maybe you heard about it from a friend, or you read an article. Suddenly - BAM! - It appears everywhere! To me, that's the term "gluten-free."

Last week, I knew almost nothing about the proteins found in wheat, rye, and barley. However, in recent days, it has appeared on all horizons. This could be due in part to the fact that Chelsea Clinton's 500-pound wedding cake was not only a small trampoline size, but just as important, it was also gluten-free. The sudden popularity of gluten (at least in my world) can also be attributed to the fact that gluten-free diets are increasingly popular among the upper crust of Hollywood (which, of course, will be made without flour).

There are legitimate reasons for a gluten-free diet, especially Celiac Disease (CD) treatment, also known as gluten intolerance. Lifelong digestive disorders affect approximately one out of every 133 people. For patients, eating gluten-free foods may damage the small intestine, prevent the absorption of food properly, causing symptoms from diarrhea to weight loss, bloating or lack of nutrition. There is also a connection to osteoporosis, and in some cases, a lack of treatment for CD has also been linked to cancer. (Some people believe that children with autism are sensitive to gluten, and avoiding protein can improve certain symptoms, even if the idea is controversial.)

Go gluten-free to shed pounds but use a stimroller to level the wheat dough free. It will get a job, but there is an easier way to do it.

Thinking of trying it? Get ready to read each label individually for each product you buy. Some ingredients must be clear, such as wheat, wheat gluten, barley, or rye. However, others are hidden: malt (made from barley) and hydrolyzed vegetable protein (usually containing wheat). Oats are an alternative but for some, they can cause stomach aches, bloating, and diarrhea.

The gluten-free diet has no cakewalk, um, er, oatmeal. It's obviously difficult and is for the really dedicated. The list of prohibited foods consists of more common breads - including white, wheat, marble, and rye. No more lox and cream cheese on the bagel either; or for that matter, muffins, croissants, hamburgers, or scones. Pizza, and pasta are wonderful memories, like most breakfast cereals, cakes, pies, and other dishes. One positive note is that those who follow this strict diet will not worry about beer belly. Yep, most beers are made from barley malt, others on the list of illegal ingredients.

There are many alternatives to many of these foods, and what is allowed is not necessarily rare. Chow down rice, potatoes, fresh fruit, vegetables, eggs, milk products, chicken (not nuggets), fish, and beef. It is concluded that unprocessed coconut milk mixture is excellent for gluten-free diets.

Of course, from a practical point of view, if we eat fresh, unprocessed (gluten-free) foods, and emphasize fruits and vegetables, we may be healthier, and most likely, at our own weight. However, it doesn't look unhealthy. It's not easy, and it tends to be more expensive than just balancing your diet, so if you try, you might be a little stressed - especially at first. The good news is that alcohol and alcohol are generally gluten free so at the end of a long day reading the label, you can still drink.

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