Is it dangerous to self-diagnose a gluten-free diet?

[Star Tribune, July 08, 2013] One morning last fall, Erin Warhol began her day by reading a magazine article about gluten intolerance. What she read stopped her from eating her typical breakfast of two slices of whole-wheat toast.

“I saw that this was something I needed to explore,” said the 48-year-old Stillwater woman. “I passed on the bread, and within 48 hours I felt a dramatic difference.”

Carolyn Denton, licensed nutritionist at the Penny George Institute for Health and Healing, part of Allina Health, sees many clients who have self-diagnosed and changed their diet.

"They start eating gluten-free products and they feel better. They might drop weight and have fewer stomachaches or less joint pain. But then they feel worse again,” Denton said. To read the entire article, go to startribune.com.