Importance of Gluten-Free Diet for Celiac Disease

A gluten-free diet is essential for individuals diagnosed with celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten. This condition affects around 1% of the population, and consuming gluten can lead to severe damage to the small intestine. In the discussion, it was emphasized that while a gluten-free diet is crucial for managing celiac disease, it does not necessarily apply to those without such a diagnosis. The speaker also clarified that although gluten-free diets may fall under the broader category of autoimmune diets, they should not be confused with other restrictive diets that patients might be misled to follow.