Health and fitness enthusiasts are on the constant look out for new exercise regimen and healthy diet. As more people opt to be healthier, new diet plans are continuously introduced in the market.

One famous diet is the G Free diet or gluten free diet. It is popularized by celebrity Elizabeth Hasselback who even wrote a book about it. The G Free diet aims at eliminating gluten in the food intake. It primarily targets persons with celiac disease. Gluten is a type of protein. It is found in rye, barley, wheat and oats and is being used as an additive to other products like medicine and ketchup. Studies reveal that there are many people unaware that they are suffering from gluten intolerance. Symptoms of gluten allergy include ulcers, anxiety, pain in the abdomen, muscle joints, headaches, diarrhea and skin irritation, among others. If left untreated, it can lead to other serious medical condition like celiac disease. Celiac disease affects the digestive system of the body. People with this disease are allergic to gluten. Gluten destroys villi that lines the small intestine and are responsible for the proper absorption of food nutrients. When the villi are damaged, the body fails to absorb the nutrients. The G Free diet provides the guidelines for persons with celiac disease and it can also benefit health and fitness buffs who want to try something new.

The gluten free diet is all about eliminating food with gluten in the diet. Since almost all food may have gluten in it, it is important to carefully scrutinize food packages and labels. The diet also promotes awareness of gluten free food so it is easier to substitute food with gluten. Vegetables and fruits are examples of gluten free food as well as fish, eggs, poultry, meat and fish. Not all grains have gluten. Corn, buckwheat, amaranth, rice, potato starch, tapioca and cassava are some of gluten free grains that can be incorporated in the diet. Most of the food without gluten is readily available in supermarkets. Some restaurants also include gluten free meals in their menu to cater to their clients who may be allergic to gluten.

Although the G Free diet benefits persons with celiac disease and raised awareness about the disorder, health experts are not quick to advise others to start the diet. Studies reveal that too much reliance on gluten free food can lead to deficiency in vitamins, fiber, iron and other nutrients. Experts also clarify that the G Free diet is a lifetime commitment for those suffering from celiac disease to avoid gluten and not just a fad. In fact, the diet is not proper for weight loss. Processed gluten free food found in supermarkets are usually loaded with more sugar and carbohydrates making weight loss almost impossible. Health experts are also alarmed that the G Free diet is being promoted as a new diet craze instead of being a treatment to celiac disease. They also fear that people will try the diet without even knowing whether they have celiac disease or not. Giving up gluten is difficult because of its presence in almost every food so it is important to seek medical advice first before trying any diet. People suspected to have celiac disease must consult a doctor or a nutritionist to get a correct diagnosis. Self medication can bring more harm than good. Starting the gluten free diet prior to consultation will render an inaccurate diagnosis because determination of celiac disease requires the presence of gluten.

As with any other diet, it is advisable to consult an expert first before trying anything. Health and fitness will only be attained through proper diet and exercise.