O on G-Free Diets

Yes, even Oprah is looking into the advantages (and possible pitfalls) to a gluten free diet.

Gluten? Good, bad, ugly, innocuous..let O help you!

I read the following article in O Magazine this month and then went to her website http://www.oprah.com/ to find that she had several other articles posted about going g-free. I thought you all might be interested in reading what O had to say.

Gluten free-is it for me?
http://www.oprah.com/health/Gluten-Free-Is-It-for-Me-Daphne-Oz

Should you go on a gluten free diet?
http://www.oprah.com/health/Should-You-Go-on-a-Gluten-Free-Diet-Gluten-Intolerance

Gluten: Friend or Foe?
http://www.oprah.com/food/Benefits-of-Gluten-and-Gluten-Free-Alternatives-Aine-McAteers-Blog

The more I read on gluten free diets the overwhelming sentiment seems to be that if you feel that you may have celiac disease, you should definately get tested. And if you do in fact test positive for celiac the ONLY treatment is a gluten free diet. There is no magic pill that will fix it, you must change your diet. But with a gluten free diet, those with celiac disease are able to lead a healthy life.

But if you don't test positive for celiac disease you may still be gluten intolerant. I have included another article from O magazine below that distinguishes between allergies and intolerances. If you think you may be gluten intolerant the best way to confirm or deny your suspicious is...you guessed it, go on a gluten free diet and see if your symptoms clear up.

Allergies vs. Intolerances
http://www.oprah.com/health/Food-Allergy-and-Intolerance-Awareness

Some symptoms of intolerances:

• Nausea
• Stomach pain
• Gas, cramps, or bloating
• Vomiting
• Heartburn
• Diarrhea
• Headaches
• Irritability or nervousness

With this listing of symptoms, I would venture to say even if you only have a few of these you will KNOW when you feel better and not likely want to go back to feeling like junk.

Bottom line (in my humble opinion): Listen to your body. Do what makes you feel the best. You don't need anyone else to validate how you feel (sorry not even Oprah), you can tell. Just listen.