Chicago Cub understands food intolerance

Byrd’s food fight

Outfielder Marlon Byrd is some 25 pounds lighter because he learned he suffered from food allergies.‘‘I went to a doctor in New York and found out I was intolerant to wheat and dairy,’’ he said. ‘‘I was this close to celiac disease [an intolerance to gluten].’’ He has had to eliminate all wheat, dairy and gluten from his diet. ‘‘I can eat meat, vegetables, sweet potatoes and white potatoes. No rice,’’ he said. ‘‘No soy. But coconut [milk]. But I feel great.’’

Contributing: Gordon Wittenmyer Chicago Tribune