Gluten is a protein that is found in the grains wheat, rye, and barley. People living with celiac disease cannot eat gluten at all, even in the tiniest amounts, as it destroys their intestinal wall. This damage can prevent people from absorbing nutrients into their bodies. Other people may have non-celiac gluten sensitivity in which the body responds poorly to gluten. This can lead to gaps in the intestinal lining that allow larger food molecules and organisms like bacteria to leak into the bloodstream. Keep in mind a gluten-free diet is not necessarily a “weight loss” or “healthy” diet but can be therapeutic if indicated. There are many ways to test for celiac and gluten sensitivities; talk with Sally today for more information.