Answer :Robert M. Russell, MD, emeritus professor at the Friedman School, replies, The answer is no. In celiac patients there is an immunologic reaction against a component of gluten that is contained in wheat, rye, barley. So, a gluten-free diet is fairly restrictive and expensive to maintain. That being said, if you are having a problem with intermittent abdominal bloating and pain, unintentional weight loss or chronic diarrhea, you should consult your doctor, who can now diagnose celiac disease with a simple blood test. A gluten-free diet will result in a prompt lessening of symptoms in those who have been diagnosed with clinical disease. Although many people with celiac disease are asymptomatic, there is no good evidence that a gluten-free diet will benefit most people in any way.
