Goodbye gluten.(EDITOR'S NOTE: TO YOUR HEALTH)(Editorial)

Several years ago, when I was struggling with chronic allergies, a naturopath suggested I eliminate wheat and other gluten grains from my diet. I thought she was completely crazy. At the time, I couldn't understand how avoiding a certain food would help me stop sneezing. And who wants to give up bread and pasta, anyway? It wasn't until a few years later that I came to appreciate her wise advice.

Here's how it happened: I started a new diet (similar to the South Beach or Atkins Diet) that restricted most gluten-containing grains. Like many of the gluten-free bloggers on the Internet (and I do mean many!), I noticed a dramatic change in my health. My skin started to clear up. My eyes became brighter, not so red. And my face looked less puffy, especially underneath my eyes. Most striking was the diet's positive effect on my digestion, energy levels, and yes, my allergies! If I "cheated" and ate something high in carbs (and therefore usually gluten), my symptoms returned with a vengeance.

Gluten intolerance or even wheat sensitivity are not unique, but they often ...