Breaking Down Gluten: Understanding Intolerance & Celiac Disease

What does it really mean to be “gluten-free” and how do you know if it’s something you actually need?In this episode, Dr. Steve Edelman sits down with registered dietitian EA Stewart (aka The Spicy RD) to talk through the difference between celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, and why that distinction matters. They explain how celiac disease develops, why it’s often missed, and how it connects to other autoimmune conditions like type 1 diabetes.

This conversation helps make sense of a topic that can feel confusing. Dr. E and EA walk through symptoms that go beyond digestion, the importance of getting tested the right way, and what it means to truly follow a gluten-free diet.
They also talk about the day-to-day side of things—how to approach food, avoid cross-contamination, and build a way of eating that works in real life.
The main takeaway: not everyone needs to avoid gluten, but if you do, understanding the reason behind it can make it a lot more manageable

Key Topics
• What celiac disease is and how it differs from gluten sensitivity
• The role of genetics, triggers, and gluten exposure
• Why celiac disease is often undiagnosed
• Common and less obvious symptoms
• The connection between celiac disease and type 1 diabetes
• How to properly test for celiac disease
• Why you need to be eating gluten before testing
• What a gluten-free diet actually looks like
• Naturally gluten-free foods and better alternatives
• Hidden sources of gluten in everyday foods
• Cross-contamination and why it matters
• Nutrient deficiencies and when supplements may help
• Tips for eating out and traveling

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