Question: I have been having a lot of stomach and digestive issue and a friend suggested I stop eating gluten.
I’m not sure what that means or how to do a gluten-free diet.
Answer: Before you eliminate gluten from your diet, I would strongly suggest that you:
1. Make an appointment with your primary care provider/MD or a specialist (gastroenterologist) and let them know you are having these issues to make sure these aren’t a symptom of a serious medical problem.
2. Keep a food diary/log for several days and try and note when your symptoms are better/worse. This information will also be helpful to your medical provider.
3. Talk to your PCP/MD about getting a blood test for celiac disease to rule that out.
For more information about the gluten-free diet and testing for celiac disease: Celiac Disease Testing and Diagnosis | BeyondCeliac.org
Leah McGrath, RDN, LDN
Ingles Markets Corporate Dietitian