@ashleyjshields: Why do I sometimes remove gluten in the beginning of a gut-healing protocol? For certain people, gluten can be another variable contributing to digestive symptoms or immune activation—especially when the gut is already irritated. Gliadin can influence zonulin signaling and intestinal tight junctions, and genetics such as HLA-DQ2/DQ8 can also affect the bigger picture. This doesn’t mean EVERYONE needs to avoid gluten forever. 👏 Sometimes we temporarily remove potential triggers while we work on what’s happening underneath the symptoms. ⚠️ Important: If you suspect celiac disease, get tested BEFORE going gluten-free because removing gluten can interfere with accurate testing. Have you ever removed gluten and noticed a difference in your gut symptoms? Comment ‘GLUTEN’ below and tell me what changed. #GlutenFree #Gastritis #GERD #SIBO #BarrettsEsophagus