And up to a third of Americans are cutting back on it in the hope that it will improve their health or prevent disease. To call something a myth, it's important to define the term. My non-scientific definition of a health myth requires most of the following:. From this definition, the notion that a gluten-free diet will improve health is a certifiable health myth for most people.
There is at least some truth to the idea that gluten can be harmful. As mentioned, people with celiac disease avoid sickness and maintain much better health if they follow a gluten-free diet. For them, a gluten-free diet is nothing short of essential. And then there are people described as "gluten-sensitive. One cause is wheat allergy, a disorder that can be diagnosed by skin testing.
But for many, the diagnosis remains uncertain. Some have begun calling this "non-celiac gluten hypersensitivity," a poorly defined condition about which we have much to learn. Avoiding gluten makes sense for people with celiac disease, wheat allergy or those who feel unwell when they consume gluten. There is no compelling evidence that a gluten-free diet will improve health if you don't have celiac disease. The same is true if you can eat gluten without trouble.
Of course, future research could change this. We may someday learn that at least some people without celiac disease or symptoms of intestinal disease are better off avoiding gluten.
Editorial Reviews
Actually, just about any health intervention comes with some risk. Eliminating gluten is no exception. Before you buy into the gluten-free life, buyer beware! It may not help, may cause trouble, and it'll likely cost you more. While many people in the Consumer Reports survey thought gluten-free diets were more nutritious and contained more minerals and vitamins than conventional foods, the opposite is often true.
Gluten-free foods are commonly less fortified with folic acid, iron and other nutrients than regular, gluten-containing foods. And gluten-free foods tend to have more sugar and fat. Several studies have found a trend toward weight gain and obesity among those who follow a gluten-free diet including those with celiac disease. Meanwhile, gluten-free foods tend to be more expensive than conventional foods. It reminds me of the organic food option: People are often willing to pay higher prices for foods they think are healthier.
The problem is that there is little or no proof that these foods are actually better for you. If you feel well and have no digestive symptoms, enjoy your good health! And stop worrying so much about gluten. But if you have symptoms that might be related to gluten, or if you have significant and unexplained symptoms, talk to your doctor.
About the Author Christy is an award-winning public relations and marketing practitioner, as well as a wife and mother. Product details Age Range: Kindergarten - 6 Paperback: Halo Publishing International October 31, Language: I'd like to read this book on Kindle Don't have a Kindle? Our favorite toys for everyone on your list Top Kid Picks. Share your thoughts with other customers.
Write a customer review. Showing of 2 reviews. Top Reviews Most recent Top Reviews. There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later. As I have celiac disease I was interested to read this book.
It's great to see a book for kids on the subject. Whilst I wasn't too keen on the idea that the character, Beckmin, was singled out so much for having celiac disease I'm not sure kids would like the idea , I did like the positive attitude he showed about it.
- EMANATIONS (THE BOOK Book 2)?
- Gluten-Free Me Beckmin Goes to School by Christy Bykowski!
- Search Harvard Health Publishing;
- Ditch the Gluten, Improve Your Health?;
- See a Problem?.
More than teaching kids about celiac disease I think this book carries a message for parents and teachers. It clearly shows the attention of the adults towards the child and teaches that how they deal with it will have an effect on how the child deals with it.
Gluten-Free Me Beckmin Goes to School
I also liked that at the end of the book it had a very brief, simple description of what celiac disease is. Two thumbs up for raising awareness on the topic. To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up. Lists with This Book. Jul 25, Jo Linsdell rated it liked it.
Gluten-Free Me Beckman Goes to School by Christy Bykowski - FictionDB
As I have celiac disease I was interested to read this book. It's great to see a book for kids on the subject. Whilst I wasn't too keen on the idea that the character, Beckmin, was singled out so much for having celiac disease I'm not sure kids would like the idea , I did like the positive attitude he showed about it. More than teaching kids about celiac disease I think this book carries a message for parents and teachers. It clearly shows the attention of the adults towards the child and teach As I have celiac disease I was interested to read this book.
It clearly shows the attention of the adults towards the child and teaches that how they deal with it will have an effect on how the child deals with it. I also liked that at the end of the book it had a very brief, simple description of what celiac disease is. Two thumbs up for raising awareness on the topic.