Uncovering the untold story of gluten avoidance

There are a number of people that report following a non-prescribed gluten-free diet in order to mediate health symptoms they believe are directly associated with its consumption. These choices are often met with scepticism and can lead to major dietary change without the guidance of medical professionals. This research was aimed at developing an in-depth characterisation of this population in order to identify the factors that drive these choices and behaviours. The results indicate that non-prescribed gluten avoiders are a distinct and homogenous group, sharing similar perceptions and food choice preferences that modify their relationship with food as a whole. The perceived symptoms experienced by this population may be masking a more general sensitivity dysfunction, driven by heightened sensual experiences with all types of food. An examination of individual differences confirms that these symptoms are connected with the capacity to attend to, and cope with internal stimulation – including the sensations associated with eating. This research is amongst the first to consider the role that psychology plays in the manifestation of these symptoms, expanding our understanding of the issues that drive this select group of dieters.