A recent study in Spain showed that the gut health of individuals on gluten free diets was worse than those not on gluten free diets.  The theory behind this study’s results is that when we remove gluten containing grains from our diet, we reduce the amount of food that probiotics (healthy bacteria in the gut) have to feed upon and stay healthy. 

This information doesn’t help those who have no choice in eating a gluten free diet such as those with Celiac disease and food allergies but should give those pause who go on a gluten free by choice without a direct medical need.  What can help the gut health of those who must be on the gluten free diet medically is to eat gluten free foods that are prebiotic (the “food” for those healthy probiotic bacteria).  Prebiotics are a type of fiber rich carbohydrate that are not as easy to digest as some kinds of foods.  Examples of prebiotics are:  oats (pure, gluten free oats, most – 95% of Celiacs - can tolerate these), inulin, resistant starches, gums, asparagus, bananas, artichokes, spinach, cranberries, garlic, onions and legumes such as chickpeas, lentils and navy beans.

If you are attending the Canadian Celiac Association Conference this weekend in Waterloo, please come by and visit me in Booth 37.  I’m then home for 3 days and then off to the Gluten Intolerance Group Conference in Seattle for June 4 and 5th.  Come see me there too!