Ask Leyla: Should I avoid gluten, even if I don’t have celiac disease?

Q:  Why should I avoid gluten when I don’t have celiac disease or even gluten sensitivity as confirmed by my test results? Why does my practitioner still recommend I do a trial gluten elimination?

A: There are instances where gluten elimination from the diet can help resolve symptoms you may be experiencing.  Here are some examples:

GERD:  Eliminating gluten can help resolve heartburn and acid reflux.  In my experience, those individuals who give up gluten—even without any indication of sensitivity or non-celiac gluten intolerance—experience a resolution of GERD symptoms.  

IBS and SIBO:  No matter which type of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (constipation or diarrhea, or a combination of both), those with IBS symptoms report diminished symptoms and even resolution of their IBS following a trial elimination of gluten.  A FODMAP diet is often indicated for those suffering with IBS or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth.  Gluten is a FODMAP.  An elimination diet can help diminish and resolve symptoms such as gas, bloating and abdominal distension.  

Leaky Gut and Candida:  Gluten is a contributor to leaky gut as well as candida overgrowth—which in turn leads to a leaky gut.  Ingesting gluten grains like wheat, rye, and barley can lead to increased zonulin production, a protein implicated in compromising gut permeability.  

This is a just a short list of conditions often made worse by eating gluten.  Conditions ranging from acne, allergies, autoimmune diseases, and psychiatric maladies all benefit from the elimination of gluten from the diet. 

To your health!

Leyla Muedin, MS, RD, CDN