A month on a gluten-free diet was found to adversely affect gut flora and immune function, potentially setting up those on gluten-free diets for an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in their intestines.40 This is due, ironically, to the beneficial effects of the very components wheat-sensitive individuals have problems with—such as the “FODMAP” fructans that act as prebiotics and feed your good bacteria, or the gluten itself, which may boost immune function.41
