The lies about gluten and celiac disease
The good thing about the internet is that anybody can have a voice. The really bad thing about the internet is that anybody can have a voice.
There’s an old axiom that says “I read it on the internet, so it must be true.” It is meant to be said with dripping sarcasm and I’ve noticed lately more than ever the amount of staggering misinformation online, especially when it comes to gluten and celiac disease.
I sign up for Google Alerts for the terms “gluten” and “celiac”. If you’re not familiar with Google Alerts, I get emails at the end of each day from Google that lists a handful of articles that Google has deemed “relevant and important” written about gluten and celiac.
It keeps me informed and allows me to have the best damn blog about celiac disease and gluten on the entire internet (also said with dripping sarcasm.) How Google selects these articles is beyond me, but some of what is sent to me is really unbelievable and downright dangerous.
I’m going to pull a few quotes from articles I received last just last night. Read em and weep.
“Gluten free diets have become increasingly more popular in the last years. This type of diet is recommended to those who suffer from celiac disease.
Dude’s note: No, the gluten free diet is not “recommended” for those with celiac disease, it’s mandatory. If you don’t go 100% gluten free, it can lead to a miserable and shortened life.
“Recent studies have shown that a gluten free diet is beneficial not only for those diagnosed with celiac disease, but for every individual who wants to stay healthy.“
Dude’s note: This is insane. Yes, I’ve said in the past that most people are better off without gluten. But just removing it from your diet means nothing. What you are replacing it with means everything.
“Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, oats, and other grains.“
Dude’s note: Gluten is NOT found in oats. There are arguments that oats are prime suspects for cross-contamination during production, but oats do not contain gluten on their own.
“Eating gluten free foods help you lose weight.“
Dude’s note: There is now steam coming out of the Dude’s ears. A statement like is exactly why eating gluten-free has become a fad diet.
“Celiac disease is becoming more common because people need attention. It’s super rare for anyone to actually have this.“
Dude’s note: Where do I even start with this one? Super rare? Really? 1% of the population is super rare? I think the possibility that this author’s brain cells actually function is super rare.
“If you have celiac disease, the cost of gluten free food is tax deductible.“
Dude’s note: Now wouldn’t this be nice if I could write off my $8 bag of four bagels? But what you actually need to do is compare the cost of your bagels with a normal bag of bagels, subtract the difference and then THAT is your write off. Yep, for every food item you buy. Honestly, who’s got the time?
“Redbridge beer is a clean beer with solid body and nice, subtle finish.“
Dude’s note: Redbridge beer sux.
So there you have it. And this is just one day’s worth of Google Alerts.
So the lesson for all you kids out there is don’t believe everything you read…unless of course you’re on my website.
Janelle
165 days ago
Gluten free tax deductions got me thinking about this… in some parts of the UK, gluten free food is a PRESCRIPTION! Wouldn’t that be nice!! In parts of Ireland, Scotland and Wales, it’s a FREE prescription! http://www.coeliac.org.uk/gluten-free-diet-lifestyle/food-on-prescription
The Gluten Dude
165 days ago
I know…crazy. How nice would that be? If that idea was brought up here, we’d need a super-committee to lock themselves in a chamber for four months just to consider it.
Amanda Da Silva
165 days ago
I like Redbridge beer lol, mind you what do I know, I love your website!!! I wouldnt know what real beer tastes like. I do miss getting my gluten free prescriptions.
Keep up the good work.
The Gluten Dude
165 days ago
Thanks Amanda! If nothing to compare it to, Redbridge is drinkable.If comparing it to real beer, it’s…ummm…disappointing.
Rachel
164 days ago
LOVE this post! There is so much misinformation about Celiac Disease and gluten free that it boggles my mind. I’ve had 2 GI doctors tell me that I can cheat whenever I want and that I have “mild” Celiac Disease and that i “might benefit from the Gluten Free diet.” Needless to say, I never saw those doctors again! It just makes me mad.
The Gluten Dude
164 days ago
It really boggles the mind the ineptitude of some of our medical “experts”. The problem is that, while you were smart enough to walk away and find another doctor, many won’t. And they will surely pay the price.
Rachel
153 days ago
did you see these articles? These make you want to weep:
http://www.fox21online.com/?q=healthreport/gluten-free-another-fad-diet
and
http://community.supplysideshow.com/blog_page.php?BlogIcode=337
The Gluten Dude
153 days ago
I saw the Fox one and just read the other one. Look…I don’t disagree with what they say. Gluten free is becoming a fad diet. And it’s infuriating to people like us. But society as a whole is gullible. And once the media feeds into something, it takes on a life of its own.