This week, singer Miley Cyrus became the latest celebrity to endorse a gluten-free diet, telling fans and critics she didn't have a weight disorder, but a food allergy (or two).
"For everyone calling me anorexic I have a gluten and lactose allergy. It's not about weight it's about health. Gluten is crapppp anyway!" she tweeted Sunday.
Later that day she added, "everyone should try no gluten for a week! The change in your skin, phyisical and mental health is amazing! U won't go back!"
Cyrus, who has recently been photographed taking a lot of pilates classes and looking fit, may indeed be thriving on the challenging gluten-free diet, a tough regimen that cuts out wheat and some other grains.
But her recommendation that "everyone should try" it isn't on target, experts say.
ADVERTISEMENT
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and other grains. Gluten-free diets have soared in popularity in recent years. Market research firm Packaged Facts projected in 2011 that sales of gluten-free foods and beverages in the U.S. would exceed $5 billion by 2015.
But the diet is only strongly recommended for people who are diagnosed with celiac disease, a condition whose sufferers have an immune response to gluten in the small intestine. Celiac disease can cause pain, diarrhea and other digestive symptoms, Over time, potentially, it can result in permanent intestinal damage and malnutrition.
What SheSays: This one's pretty easy: Listen to your doctor, not celebrities, when it comes to health advice.
