What is a common reason for following a gluten-free diet aside from celiac disease?

Choosing a gluten-free diet can indeed be motivated by non-celiac gluten sensitivity, which is a recognized condition that affects individuals who do not have celiac disease or a wheat allergy but still experience symptoms similar to those of celiac disease when they consume gluten. These symptoms can include gastrointestinal issues, fatigue, headaches, and mood disturbances. Identifying gluten sensitivity often involves the elimination of gluten-containing foods from the diet, allowing individuals to evaluate if their symptoms improve as a result. Since this condition does not damage the intestinal lining as celiac disease does, it often requires careful management rather than strict adherence to a gluten-free diet for those diagnosed.

The other options, while they might contribute to overall health goals, do not specifically connect to the primary motivations behind adopting a gluten-free diet outside of celiac disease. For instance, improving digestion may be a generalized goal, but it’s not directly linked to avoidance of gluten unless one has specific sensitivities. Controlling cholesterol levels is more associated with dietary fats and fiber rather than gluten intake. Reducing saturated fat intake focuses on different aspects of dietary management, unrelated to gluten. Thus, the option highlighting non-celiac gluten sensitivity directly addresses a legitimate reason many individuals choose to follow a gluten-free lifestyle beyond the presence of