Is Going Gluten-Free a Cure-All or Gimmick?

Image from Pexels

Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, rye, and barley. When you think of gluten, you might first think of your friend whose core personality trait is being gluten-free. You’ll obviously think of gluttonous foods such as muffins, cookies, bread, and an Edge favorite, Goldfish crackers (@Pepperidge Farms please make a gluten-free version…we’re begging). 

But, gluten also sometimes hides in a variety of foods and drinks under secretive names such as “artificial flavors” or “natural flavors.” It’s even found in some hard seltzers, liquor, and most beers. Those with Celiac disease have to pay extra close attention to nutrition labels to prevent getting “gluten-ed” and taking on a plethora of undesirable side effects that can last for up to a month depending on the severity of the allergy. 

The Harvard Medical Journal shares that even “just 50 milligrams of the protein—about the amount in one small crouton—is enough to cause trouble. In people with celiac disease, gluten in the bloodstream triggers an immune response that damages the lining of the small intestine.”  This causes grocery shopping and dining out as a gluten-free person to be an exhausting and expensive process. Dr. Daniel A. Leffler, the director of clinical research at the Celiac Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, remarks that unless diagnosed with Celiac disease or an official intolerance, there is no need to avoid the protein and that those who do are not only wasting their money but also voluntarily putting themselves at risk for deficiencies in vitamin B and fiber. 

The inconvenience and steep cost associated with going gluten-free and the potential medical risks associated with such a diet are reasons enough to continue consuming a gluten-filled diet. If you are a sufferer of Celiac disease, there are plenty of options on or around Elon’s campus for you to enjoy safely. An Edge favorite is Red Bowl. The restaurant has an entire gluten-free menu and is extremely aware of and cautious with cross-contamination concerns. For something on the sweeter side, a great breakfast bite can be grabbed at Press where all crêpes can be made in a gluten-free buckwheat shell (which is absolutely amazing). The color is a little off-putting, but we promise they taste great. 

All in all, a gluten-free diet can provide the effect of feeling lighter and more energized. With that being said, if you are feeling these life improvements from the absence of gluten in your diet, you likely have a gluten allergy or intolerance and should seek medical testing to confirm what diet plan is the best for you. 

Those with Celiac disease avoid gluten at all costs, and such diets should not be glamorized. A gluten allergy is equally as serious as a peanut allergy. More options and improved community commitment to cross-contamination prevention are wanted and needed across campus and in the surrounding community, and you can help!

Tag us on Instagram to show us your gluten-free grub! Visit healthharvard.eduto learn more!