Gluten

It is often claimed that no one benefits from a gluten-free diet except patients with celiac disease. This is the most severe form of gluten intolerance, affecting under 1% of people (61, 62).

But another condition called gluten sensitivity is much more common and may affect about 6-8% of people, although there are no good statistics available yet (63, 64).

Studies have also shown that gluten-free diets can reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, schizophrenia, autism and epilepsy (65, 66, 67, 68).

However… people should eat foods that are naturally gluten free (like plants and animals), not gluten-free “products.” Gluten-free junk food is still junk food.

But keep in mind that the gluten situation is actually quite complicated and there are no clear answers yet. Some new studies suggest that it may be other compounds in wheat that cause some of the digestive problems, not the gluten itself.

Bottom Line: Studies have shown that many people can benefit from a gluten-free diet, not just patients with celiac disease.