What People Really Think of Gluten-Free Diets
If you've contemplated going on a gluten-free diet, you're not alone.
Last year, an estimated one in three American adults tried cutting down on the protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye, according to a small, non-scientific survey by the consumer marketing research group, NDP.
Are there any real health advantages to avoiding gluten in the absence of an allergy? Does it help with weight loss? And what does celiac disease have to do with the gluten-free diet trend?
ABC News held a tweet chat this week to answer these questions more about the gluten-free frnezy. Click here for a full transcript of the chat, moderated by chief health and medical editor Dr. Richard Besser. Our catch the highlights below.
T1: #gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley & rye products. #abcDRBchat
— Montefiore (@MontefioreNYC) June 10, 2014
Did you know? RT @jamielaurenzimm: T1: #gluten is actually composed of two different proteins: gliadin and glutenin #abcdrbchat
— Christy Wilson (@ChristysChomp) June 10, 2014
T2 ~1% of population has #celiac, but imp to note that MANY still undiagnosed which is why SO imp to get tested B4 going #GF #abcDRBchat
— EA Stewart, MBA, RD (@TheSpicyRD) June 10, 2014
T3 Check out this great #infographic on the symptoms of #Celiac disease by @GlutenDude #abcDRBchat pic.twitter.com/whlTKmfvuI
— Lori Rosenthal, RD (@LoRoRD) June 10, 2014
T3 #Celiac disease is sometimes referred to as the great masquerader - it can masquerade as a great number of other conditions. #abcDrBchat
— Dr. Daniel Flanders (@drflanders) June 10, 2014
T5 Celiac disease is managed by a gluten-free diet. Read labels to determine if product contains gluten. #abcDRBchat
— Amy Macklin RD, LDN (@gfroots) June 10, 2014
T6. A #glutenfree diet is not always healthy.Many products have more fat, calories, and carbs than gluten containing foods #abcDRBchat
— Christina TennysonMD (@DoctorTennyson) June 10, 2014
T7: Another downside to going gluten free is the financial cost of the diet, which prevents money going to a healthier option. #abcdrbchat
— Scott & White (@swhealthcare) June 10, 2014
T7: Jimmy Kimmel shows that most people going #GF do not know what #gluten is! http://t.co/lhyKh9kxNQ #abcDRBchat
— Liz Neporent (@Lizzyfit) June 10, 2014