November is National Gluten-Free Month, a time to spread awareness of gluten-related health issues, including their effects on people, and to show support for those who follow a gluten-free diet. For many high school students, following a gluten-free diet goes beyond being a choice, it significantly impacts their daily routines and overall lives.
For people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity avoiding gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye is essential. This requires people to look for non-gluten-containing alternatives in meals, snacks, and even everyday goods.
Health issues like celiac disease, which harms the intestines when gluten is consumed, make a gluten-free diet a necessity. Grace Egan, senior at East was recently diagnosed with celiac disease.
“I had to go on a gluten-free diet 2 years ago when I got an endoscopy done to see if I for sure had celiac disease,” Egan said. “It’s not the easiest habit to keep but it helps a lot with my health and regulating my blood sugar.”
Many assumptions are made about a gluten-free diet. This creates many misunderstandings about what a gluten-free diet does to the body.
“For people with gluten intolerance and allergies, it sure is healthier,” Egan said. “But for people who don’t need to be gluten-free, it is unnecessary.”
For Lofton Lepinske, a senior at East, avoiding gluten is important due to his wheat allergy.
“I have a lot of food allergies that just don’t let me eat gluten essentially, I’m allergic to wheat,” Lepinske said.
Following a gluten-free diet can have many positives and negatives. Despite the challenges, Lepinske sees positives to his gluten-free lifestyle.
“I can’t eat a lot of fast food, fried foods, and a bunch of unhealthy foods that have gluten in it,” Lepinske said.
Those with gluten-related disorders may benefit from a gluten-free diet, including better blood sugar regulation, decreased inflammation, and enhanced digestion. However, it does come with difficulties, such as fewer food options in settings where gluten is common.
During National Gluten-Free Month, the requirements and challenges of the gluten-free community are brought to the public’s attention. Some see it as a medical necessity with obvious health advantages, while others may choose it as a personal wellness option. This month should remind people of the importance of understanding, encouraging, and helping those living a gluten-free lifestyle.
Written by Seniors Morgan Luberda, Zach Jacobson, and Endia Bownes. Edited by staff writers for Oswego East’s online news magazine The Howl.