Q: I have gone no flour, no sugar in my life and was told that gluten-free products are no flour. Is that true? Do you recommend it for this lifestyle?

A: Gluten-free (GF) does not mean flour-free. Gluten is a type of protein found in several types of grain, including wheat, barley, spelt, triticale, kamut and rye. Oats are gluten-free but must be harvested separate from gluten-containing grains to avoid cross-contamination. Individuals who are gluten-sensitive or gluten-intolerant (celiac disease), cannot properly digest and consume gluten. Symptoms can include gastrointestinal upset or distress, diarrhea, headaches, bloating, gas, itchy skin, fatigue, constipation, depression, irritability, malnutrition, and more. The gluten actually causes damage to the intestinal linings which, in turn, causes malabsorption of nutrients but this damage can be reversed by avoiding all sources of gluten.
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