Common Food Trends #4

Contrary to common belief, going gluten free isn’t necessarily a healthier option. In fact, to doctors and nutritionists it doesn’t make much sense as to why people would avoid eating gluten if they are not celiac or gluten sensitive. People who are celiac or gluten sensitive are actually allergic to the protein gluten itself and even a small amount can cause them to have negative reactions and get sick if they consume it. For example, some outcomes of eating gluten could lead to osteoporosis, infertility, nerve damage, and seizures . Doctors are able to take blood tests to see if you have celiac disease or not. In grocery stores, you may notice lots of products labeled with the statement “Gluten free.” You also may notice that the prices for gluten free foods are much greater compared to regular food products. You are correct, it can be twice as expensive to buy gluten free food. This is because manufacturers have to go through every ingredient to make sure it is not contaminated, and most gluten free foods such as bread, have over 20 ingredients in its recipe to compensate for the lack of wheat which is a lot of money on their part. Therefore, people who are not ciliac or gluten sensitive and are purchasing gluten free products thinking that they are being healthier or more hip since everyone is doing it, are actually wasting money from the much higher cost. Not only is it more expensive, gluten free diets actually have a lack of nutrients such as vitamin B6, folate, Vitamin D, iron, and vitamin B12. It is possible to get the nutrients from other foods, but it takes time and can be stressful. After interviewing and talking with a friend, Mairin Strauss who has been gluten sensitive for most of her life, I got a good perspective of what it is like to be constantly aware of what to eat and buy. “Being gluten free is not fun at all, in fact, it is super frustrating to not be able to eat the way I would like to.” To the people who eat gluten free food just to be healthier, this probably isn’t the right diet for you. With a lack of nutrients, and a high price in food, I would hope that everyone will talk with a doctor before assuming they need to eat gluten free food.