Labeling medications as 'gluten-free' helps those with celiac
disease (BPT) - Going gluten-free has become an emerging
nutritional topic and trend in the world of dieting and weight
loss. Some celebrities even tout the gluten-free lifestyle as a
way to shed pounds. But according to the University of Chicago
Celiac Disease Center, the gluten-free diet isn't a choice for
at least 3 million Americans - it's a necessary way of life.
Celiac disease is a condition that affects certain individuals
whose bodies react negatively to foods containing gluten - a
protein found in wheat, barley and rye - causing damage to the
lining of the small intestine. The damage prevents the small
intestine from absorbing certain nutrients in foods, and the
person will become malnourished. Symptoms of celiac disease are
different for everyone, but can include constipation, abdominal
pain, diarrhea and bloating. However, many people with this
condition don't have any digestive symptoms at all, but may have
symptoms similar to those of