Miley Cyrus criticized by experts over “gluten-free” diet, detrimental to health

Report by JENIFERLAMUG

Does a gluten-free diet really safe and effective to losing weight? Miley Cyrus, who had been recently photographed looking fit, tweeted last Monday to defend herself against critics about her possible eating disorder. But in fact, the reason behind is a gluten and lactose- free diet- a tough regimen that cuts out wheat and some other grains.

Miley Ray Cyrus‏@MileyCyrus For everyone calling me anorexic I have a gluten and lactose allergy. It's not about weight it's about health. Gluten is crapppp anyway!” And later that day the 19-year old pop star had even recommended to her 5.4 million followers that they should try gluten at least for a week and notice an amazing change in their skin, physical and mental health. However, experts also warned that the diet is not advisable for everyone.

Professionals say a gluten-free diet is a kind of heavily restrictive diet and detrimental to health if a person is not genuinely allergic to gluten. It is only recommended for people who are diagnosed with celiac disease- an extreme intolerance to gluten. People with celiac disease should avoid foods, beverages, and medications that contain wheat, barley, rye, and possibly oats, according to the National Institute’s of Health’s PubMed website. "There’s absolutely no evidence that a gluten-free diet promotes weight loss," said Karen Ansel, a registered dietitian and spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Though she added that gluten-free products that lack fiber can also help people to manage their weight, Today.com reported.

But as a matter of fact, people who adhere to this kind of dieting can even put on weight if they rely mostly on highly-processed gluten free products, says Rachel Begun, a food industry consultant with a Coeliac disease. “Many tend to be higher in fat, calories and sugar than their gluten-containing counterparts.”

The singer-actress is not the only one who endorses a gluten and lactose-free diet. Reportedly, some celebrities including Zooey Deschanel, who is sensitive to dairy products, eggs and wheat and TV Host Elisabeth Hasselbeck, who has Celiac disease had been promoting it in recent times.

Celiac disease cannot be cured. For more information, visit National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)

Your best bet towards a healthier lifestyle and a slim physique, eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Don’t forget to exercise regularly.