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Is Gluten Free for Me?
 Gluten free diets have skyrocketed in popularity this past year. It has entailed much controversy. Gluten free diets claim to be the key to everyone’s diet success yet has also labeled the largest fad diet of the decade. Before hoping on the gluten free bandwagon or totally ranting on it, take some time to understand gluten and why people are trying to cut it from their diets. 
What is gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Products such as noodles, cereal, and bread hold together and keep their shape through the power of this protein ("What Is Gluten? - Celiac Disease Foundation")
Why is gluten bad?
The thought that gluten is harmful to everyone is a common misconception. Gluten has a different affect on each individual and it is quite unlikely that you need to go completely gluten free. The only people who truly cannot have gluten are those with celiac disease.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes damage to the small intestines during the digestion of gluten. Not to worry though only about 1 in every 100 people have celiac disease; however, celiac disease is a 
very serious issue and without treatment can cause serous damage. Avoid self-diagnosis and treatment. The best way to go about treating it is to maintain a regular diet and go to the doctor as soon as possible. Their blood tests can determine if this disease is present. They then will help cut this part out of the diet without sacrificing other essential vitamins and minerals ("What Is Celiac Disease? - Celiac Disease Foundation"). The other more likely reason to cut gluten from a diet is due to gluten sensitivity. About 1 in every 20 people suffers from gluten sensitivity on some. This is a less serious non celiac disease that would also cause you to benefit from dropping gluten. The best way in this situation or just out of curiosity about gluten’s affects is to try going gluten free for thirty days ("Why Going Gluten Free Can Be Unhealthy").
What are the symptoms of celiac disease and gluten sensitivity?
Many of the symptoms are general such as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, anemia, irritability, mouth ulcers, and irritated skin rashes. If these symptoms are present, consult a doctor.