Gluten Free: News 12 looks into the facts and fiction of gluten-free diets

Many consumers are looking into gluten-free diets. News 12's Elizabeth Hashagen looked into what kind of benefits it has. Theis Weckesser says he tried going gluten free - thinking he'd be healthier

News 12 Staff

Feb 18, 2016, 3:00 PM

Updated 3,135 days ago

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Many consumers are looking into gluten-free diets. News 12's Elizabeth Hashagen looked into what kind of benefits it has.
Theis Weckesser says he tried going gluten free - thinking he'd be healthier and lose weight - but he says that's not what happened.
Registered dietitian and nutritionist Pam Bonney says several clients tried going gluten free only to find it's not a health and weight loss plan. 
Gluten-free food is a medical necessity for people who suffer from celiac disease or are diagnosed with gluten intolerance. For them, the protein that gives dough an elastic texture and foods like cereal and bread a chewy quality, wreaks havoc on their intestines.
When consumers check the nutrition facts, they find that the gluten-free version has more calories and more sodium.
The same is true for baked goods. For example, a regular bagel could have seven grams of sugar, while the gluten-free version could have 14 grams.
Before buying a gluten-free muffin, Bonney suggests talking to a professional so you can make the right choice for your body.