By Kate Stager

        Gluten is everywhere. It is found in the majority of the items in the bread group like crackers, cookies, bread, pizza crust, etc. It even sneaks into unexpected places like salad dressings, and oatmeal. This is why it can be so difficult for some people to be gluten-free. So why give it up then?

        Many people are forced to cut gluten out of their diet because they have been diagnosed with celiac disease, if they have a gluten intolerance, or if they have an allergic reaction to wheat. In each of these cases, eliminating gluten from your diet clears up all of the major symptoms. Most people who follow a gluten-free diet have celiac disease, which is a serious genetically-based autoimmune disease. It triggers an immune system reaction that damages the lining of the small intestine.

        Although there are people with diseases/allergies that prevent them from having gluten, there are people who just prefer to be gluten-free. There are many health benefits to not eating gluten.

Senior Gabby Thomas said, “before I found out I had celiac disease, I had trouble focusing and needed to take 2-3 naps a day. Since becoming gluten-free, I no longer need to take naps and can focus for longer periods of time.”

        Though with the benefits, having to go gluten free surely has its downsides. “The most challenging part about having to go gluten-free is finding restaurants to accommodate my request. It’s also really challenging when someone offers me food and I have to decline it because it contains gluten.” Gabby said.

Gabby has found that overall, cutting out gluten from her diet has been a lot better for her. Bottom line: if your diet is rotten, going gluten-free could be the improvement you need.