What Does a Gluten Free Diet Really Mean?

Bast notes that the current studies suggest that even going gluten-free isn’t going to cure celiac disease, especially in children. She acknowledges the possible treatments currently available, but hopes that scientists will find a more effective cure in the future as they seek the answers patients need, “The good news is that there are currently several types of treatment in varying phases of research seeking to find additional options for patients. Combined with (and perhaps one day in place of) the gluten-free diet, these could improve the health and quality of life for celiac disease patients” (Bast).

Though many questions remain, hopefully the more important ones will be asked and celiac disease can be cured, or at least more deeply understood. In doing so, the role of gluten should become clearer and pop culture’s slanderous myths about the wheat compound should be dispelled.

Sources

“18 Health Benefits of Whole Grains.” Health.com, www.health.com/food/18-health-benefits-of-whole-grains#what-are-whole-grains-anyway.

“For Medical Professionals - Gluten May Not Be Culprit in Nonresponsive Celiac Disease.”Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/clinical-updates/digestive-diseases/gluten-may-not-be-culprit-in-nonresponsive-celiac-disease.

“What Is Celiac Disease?” Gluten-Free Living, 12 June 2017, www.glutenfreeliving.com/gluten-free/celiac-disease/what-is-celiac-disease/.

Bast, Alice. “Celiac Disease Research: Asking the Right Questions.” Allergic Living, 16 Nov. 2017, www.allergicliving.com/2017/11/16/celiac-disease-research-asking-the-right-questions/.

Hamblin, James. “Science Has Begun Taking Gluten Seriously.” The Atlantic, Atlantic Media Company, 18 May 2017, www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2017/05/gluten-research/526335/.

L.D., Jennifer K. Nelson R.D. “5 Great Gluten-Free Whole Grains.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 26 Mar. 2015, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-blog/gluten-free-whole-grains/bgp-20056134.

Specter, Michael. “Against the Grain.” The New Yorker, The New Yorker, 19 June 2017, www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/11/03/grain.