U.S. News and World Report characterizes the gluten free diet as “a cure for some, a fad for most”. Calling it a “fad for most” seems a bit severe, but many experts agree that many (if not most) of the people living gluten free are fad dieters. Here is a quote from Cynthia Kupper, director of The Gluten Intolerance Group: “surveys show that about 15 to 25% of customers report looking for gluten-free products, apparently far eclipsing the number put on the diet by their doctors….While there’s no firm evidence that the diet is helping them, most nutritionists say there’s nothing known to be risky about it either.” I disagree slightly with that quote. The gluten free diet is inconvenient and expensive. People should think very carefully before they attempt it, particularly if they are doing so with the sort of a physician.
I certainly agree with this part of the article: “For those who have a clear medical need for gluten free products, the surge in options is a boon,…Now…gluten free options abound…. the plethora of new products makes adhering to doctor’s orders easier.” Amen!!!
USA Today recently published an article with the same point-of-view but placing more emphasis on the the down-side of the gluten free diet. In my opinion, this is must-reading for anyone who is considering going gluten free without competent medical supervision.
Finally, I recommend this article published by Celiac.com. It continues the words “With every new trend comes controversy, but ultimately, the growth in interest in a gluten free diet will mean more research, more diagnoses, and more food options.”
What does this mean for us? There are certainly thousands of people who are using the gluten free diet for the wrong reasons. How we deal with them is a matter of personal ethics so I will not deal with that. The increased interest in the gluten free diet certainly benefits us but it also requires us to shop and dine more defensively. For example: many restaurant managers have discovered that advertising gluten free pizza crusts is good for their bottom line. These people may or may not understand that preparing a gluten free pizza involves much more than providing a gluten free crust. Be careful my friends!
P.S. added March 2: This article has generated lots of interest. Be sure to read the comments at the bottom of this article. They shed light on this rather complicated subject.
DISCLOSURE: The comments that appear in blue are my personal opinions based on ten year’s living gluten free and eight years writing on the subject. I have no credentials as a physician or dietitian.
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