Can a Gluten-Free Diet Hurt Your Health?

That's what some experts are now saying. It's estimated that between 1 and 2% of the general United States population suffers from Celiac disease, a condition characterized by an over-response of the immune system to the presence of a grain-based protein known as gluten. When someone with celiac disease consumes gluten, his or her immune system responds by causing inflammation within the small intestines. This can lead to a wide range of other symptoms, including nausea, indigestion, constipation, fatigue, headaches, weight gain, bloating and more.

But if you don't suffer from celiac disease, you should think twice before embarking on a gluten-free diet. According to a new study, people who go "gluten-free" and don't suffer from celiac disease place themselves at a greater risk of health problems, including heart disease.

This is somewhat confusing given that gluten triggers inflammation in the small intestines, which can in turn increase the risk of heart disease. However, cutting back on gluten when you don't necessarily need to can also increase the risk of heart disease, according to this study.

For the study, researchers analyzed data from more than 64,000 women and 45,000 men living in the United States to determine the association between long-term gluten intake and heart disease risk. Data was acquired from a food questionnaire send to individuals in 1986. After analyzing the responses, researchers found the consumption of gluten was not linked to heart disease. Furthermore, they found that participants who didn't get enough whole grains in their diet -- such as gluten -- had a higher risk of developing heart disease.

The bottom line is that you shouldn't cut gluten from your diet unless you suffer from celiac disease. Gluten is a common protein found in rye, wheat, barley and oats. Cutting it from your diet means you won't get these otherwise beneficial grains -- and these grains are a key part of a healthy diet.

If you believe you are suffering from celiac disease, schedule an appointment with your physician. A simple in-office blood test can reveal whether or not you suffer from this disease. And by knowing this information, you can make the necessary changes to your diet and lifestyle.

"Even those with the lowest amount of gluten consumption experienced the same rate of heart disease as those who were consuming the most gluten,” explained Andrew T. Chan, MD, MPH, gastroenterologist and chief of the Clinical and Translational Epidemiology Unit in the Massachusetts General Hospital division of gastroenterology.