AMARILLO, TEXAS -- One in 133 Americans suffers from gluten intolerance. For many, there is confusion surrounding what the term "gluten-free" entails.
"Gluten is the protein that's found in wheat, barley, rye, is where it mainly comes from. It's also contaminated in oats. It also is anything that's made with those products", says Tim Cunningham, a registered dietician.
Celiac disease, gluten allergies, and gluten sensitivity affect the body's ability to process nutrients. "It causes the microvilli, the little fingers that stick out in the small intestine that absorb nutrients, they go flat. When they go flat you don't absorb your nutrients", says Cunningham.
Digestive issues, a body rash, rheumatoid arthritis, and fatigue are just some of the symptoms of gluten intolerance and celiac disease.
The only known cure for celiac disease is a 100% gluten-free diet. There are no pharmaceutical remedies for the often misdiagnosed disease.
Over 3 million Americans suffer from celiac disease.
