What is gluten? Should I follow a gluten-free diet?

Gluten is actually a protein – two proteins to be exact. It's often confused with and used interchangeably with bread products and carbohydrates. While gluten is in many bread products, gluten itself is entirely its own thing, and following a gluten-free diet is only necessary for certain individuals. Talk to your dietitian about whether a gluten-free diet is right for you.