With repeated attacks, the small intestine loses its ability to absorb vital nutrients, such as calcium and iron. Even trace amounts of gluten can cause significant damage. In people with this autoimmune disease, gluten triggers the immune system to attack the small intestine. Here are the top three reasons on each side of the issue.
But there are equally good reasons not to go gluten free if you don’t have to. People with certain medical conditions have very good reasons to avoid gluten, the gluey, chewy protein found in wheat, kamut, spelt, rye, barley, triticale and malt. Sitting on top of the “hot” list of today’s diet fads is the gluten-free diet. Three reasons to go gluten free and three reasons not toīy Shannon Lewis, M.D., gastroenterologist, The Oregon Clinic, and Niki Strealy, RD, LD, outpatient dietitian, Providence Nutrition Services
