You probably have a friend or two who are on a gluten-free diet. Maybe you’ve heard of Celiac Disease, and know that for those who have been diagnosed, it can be deadly to consume gluten. But what about gluten sensitivity? Is it a real thing or just another food trend?

Non-Celiac gluten sensitivity is in fact an established medical diagnosis. Functional medicine specialist, Dr. Mark Hyman states that gluten sensitivity is “actually an autoimmune disease that creates inflammation throughout the body with wide-ranging effects across all organ systems including your brain, heart, joints, digestive tract and more.” Unfortunately, many people who have it don’t realize it. The symptoms can be as subtle as occasional digestive upset, low energy, excess weight and feelings of bloat, or it can manifest in serious autoimmune diseases, chronic illness, and mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. If any of those sound familiar, it’s time to take a gluten challenge!