The Hidden Risks of Unnecessary Gluten-Free Diets in Children

The Hidden Risks of Unnecessary Gluten-Free Diets in Children

Author: Dr. Mercola February 6, 2026 Duration: 7:03
  • Gluten-free diets were initially intended for children with medical conditions such as celiac disease, wheat allergy, and non-celiac gluten sensitivity
  • A review published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that gluten-free diets, when not medically required, can cause nutrient gaps and raise health risks for children
  • A recent study in The American Journal of Gastroenterology found that young patients exhibited a significant increase in urinary arsenic and other metal levels after only six months on a gluten-free diet
  • When cooked properly, white rice can be a smarter choice than brown rice because it's easier to digest, contains less arsenic and heavy metals
  • Instead of cutting out foods that are good for your gut, include healthy carbs, choose stable fats over seed oils, and learn to calm your food fears

Each week, Dr. Joseph Mercola-Take Control of Your Health offers a direct conversation about navigating the often-confusing world of wellness. Dr. Mercola brings decades of experience as a natural health advocate to these discussions, focusing on practical strategies that go beyond conventional approaches. The episodes dig into the interconnected areas of holistic health, physical fitness, and alternative methods for building resilience. You’ll hear detailed explorations of how everyday choices impact long-term vitality, with an emphasis on personal agency and evidence-informed alternatives. This isn’t about quick fixes but about understanding the underlying principles that can help you make better decisions for yourself and your family. The tone is straightforward and investigative, aiming to equip you with knowledge that is frequently overlooked. Tuning into this podcast feels like accessing a deep resource of non-mainstream health perspectives, all centered on the fundamental goal of sustainable well-being. It’s for anyone who feels that managing their health requires looking at the full picture, from nutrition and movement to the less obvious environmental factors. Dr. Mercola’s weekly insights serve as a catalyst for taking a more active, informed role in your own health journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health
Podcast Episodes
Low Lycopene Intake Tied to Higher Risk of Severe Gum Disease [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:26
Severe gum disease reflects chronic inflammation and strongly links to broader health risks, including heart disease and diabetes, not just tooth loss Older adults with low dietary lycopene intake face a much higher risk…
Exploring the Link Between Niacin and Fatty Liver Disease [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:19
Fatty liver disease is the most common liver disorder, driven by obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and insulin resistance. It often progresses silently for years before symptoms appear Niacin helps your body use energy better. I…
Reaching the Right Vitamin D Level Cuts Breast Cancer Risk in Half [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:35
Blood vitamin D levels, not supplement dose, determine breast cancer risk, with studies showing roughly a 40% to 50% lower risk once levels rise into protective ranges Women who maintain blood vitamin D levels around 50…
Astaxanthin — A Therapeutic Agent in Cardiovascular Disease [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:37
Heart disease develops quietly over years as blood vessels lose resilience under oxidative and inflammatory stress, long before symptoms appear Astaxanthin supports heart health by protecting cell membranes and blood ves…
[not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
Gestational diabetes now affects nearly 1 in 10 U.S. pregnancies and raises long-term metabolic risks for both mother and child Research shows that exposure to PFAS, common industrial chemicals found in most people's bod…
New Study Shows Hobbies Help People Find More Meaning in Their Jobs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:24
A five-week study of nearly 200 working adults found that leisure crafting, using hobbies more intentionally, boosted creativity and meaning at work, often more strongly than benefits seen in participants' personal lives…
Arthritis Is Forcing Millions of Americans Out of Work [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:16
Arthritis-related disability remains high, with nearly half of adults with arthritis struggling to perform basic daily movements that affect independence, mobility, and quality of life About 40% of working-age adults wit…
Aspartame's Hidden Effects on Your Heart and Brain [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:46
Long-term, low-dose aspartame intake caused measurable changes in heart structure and brain energy use in mice, even at amounts far below current safety limits Weight and body fat dropped with aspartame use, but this cam…