Gluten-free this and gluten-free that. It’s all the buzz lately everywhere you turn. You may be wondering – “What’s all the fuss about?” Is this simply one of those trendy fad diets that surfaces every few years? Is it a sign of the times? Or is there a real reason to adopt a gluten-free diet? While some people may simply decide to adopt trendy diets and ask questions later in the hopes of either “feeling better” or “losing weight” – it’s important to avoid buying into all the hype, do a little research and consult a professional before delving into any major lifestyle or dietary changes. After all, restrictive diets may mean you’ll be missing out on key vitamins and nutrients.

What is gluten anyway? 

According to the Gluten-Free Survival Guide website, gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, rye, some hybrid grains and is present in a lot of processed foods like cereal, bread, pasta and even alcohol. Gluten is well-known for its viscoelastic properties (Wikipedia). Basically, it's what helps bread rise and makes bagels chewy.

Now, if you, or a person you know, happens to suffer from Celiac Disease or Gluten Sensitivity (aka, Gluten Intolerance), then you may be interested in finding creative ways to accommodate these special dietary restrictions. The Toledo Lucas County Public Library can help! Check out our wide variety of gluten-free resources available at your local library or online.

Cookbooks Featuring Gluten-Free Recipes 

eBooks Featuring Gluten-Free Options

Articles about Gluten-Free Diets

Against The Grain: Should You Go Gluten-Free? - The New Yorker

Can Baked Goods Taste Good Without Gluten? - Eating Well

The Gluten-Free Craze: Is It Healthy? - The Wall Street Journal

Gluten-Free Diet: Benefits & Risks - Live Science

How A Gluten-Free Diet Can Be Harmful - NutritionFacts.org

Should You Go Gluten-Free? The Facts Behind The Food Fad - Prevention

Top 10 Tips For A Gluten-Free Diet - BBC Good Food

The Trouble With Wheat - Better Nutrition

What's Behind The Gluten-Free Trend? - WebMD

What is Gluten? Why It Makes Some People Sick And What Food Scientists Are Trying To Do About It - Popular Science

Find more information about Gluten with these online resources

Beyond Celiac

Celiac Disease Foundation

Gluten Dude

Gluten-Free Diet - Mayo Clinic

Gluten-Free Girl

Gluten-Free Goddess

Gluten-Free Living

Gluten-Free Society

Gluten Intolerance Group

No Gluten, No Problem

Featured Image Credit: The Gluten Free Aisle by Memphis CVB (flickr, Creative Commons license).

Disclaimer: This blog provides information for educational purposes only. Always consult a medical professional before starting a new diet or exercise plan.