Gluten: The latest dietary villian

Now that trans fats are widely recognized and on their way out (ever so slowly, however), gluten seems to be the latest dietary "fall guy." Many people are beginning to swear that when they cut out gluten they feel more energetic, less irritable, and have better skin. Some even claim a gluten-free diet helps lessen anxiety and help solve infertility problems.

Up until recently, most of the people bothering to avoid gluten were those diagnosed with celiac disease or a gluten allergy. Going on a gluten-free diet is hardly easy, as gluten is found in so many foods. Avoiding wheat, rye, and barley might not sound that daunting until you consider just how many products have some form of one or the other. Besides bread and bread products, even foods like soy sauce, malt vinegar, and treats like Twinkies and Ho Hos have gluten (well, you should really be avoiding those two anyway!).