Gluten Exposed

February 1, 2016
Green and Jones, previously coauthors of Celiac Disease: A Hidden Epidemic, take on the “gluten hysteria,” hoping to straighten out reality and myth and illustrate that while “gluten is a piece in many medical puzzles,” it’s the “ultimate answer to only a few.” Readers looking for quick and easy advice or diet plans won’t find them here. This is a serious and comprehensive look at gluten intolerance, its many causes, and the related problem of celiac disease—the suddenly much-discussed problem that is estimated to affect 1% percent of the U.S. population. Green and Jones point out that many people have difficulty digesting gluten without necessarily having celiac disease. They also note that though gastrointestinal disorders were once most strongly associated with celiac, problems of malabsorption, such as anemia, osteoporosis, and fatigue, are now more commonly observed symptoms. The coauthors have a clear-cut bottom line for those suffering in silence: stop searching for information on the Internet and make an appointment with an actual doctor. Moreover, unless you are one of the few who have celiac disease, a “diverse diet is the healthiest.”