What is GLUTEN INTOLERANCE?
So what the heck is this Gluten Intolerance or Gluten Sensitivity or Celiac Disease anyway? Great question and I have to say one that is starting to get alot of attention. Apparently if you are allergic, even a little, to gliadin, a protein found in gluten which is in many of our foods, well you are or will suffer anywhere from no side affects (right now) to life threatening side affects. And yes you might not have any side affects that you think are caused by this protein but have other things going on in your body that no one is sure what causing it and it can be a gluten sensitivity!
Recently I’ve had a client come to me with questions about what I know about this and I told her quite frankly “not much”. I know that it is an allergic reaction to grains and if you stick with REAL food as God MADE THEM (NOT humans) like: potaotes, sweet potatoes, brown rice, oats (a little controversy over this one), all other fruits and vegetables and lean protein you wouldn’t have any problems. And quess what? I was right! That is exactly what we teach our clients when they come to us to get healthy and fit. STOP eating the JUNK and great things will happen. By the way that would mean Gluten Free Junk is a no-no too if your looking to actually be healthy and fit and not just reduce symptoms you currently are dealing with that are making your life miserable.
So I got on the Net to delve a little further into this topic and I have to say there is a TON of information and now I think EVERYONE should go on a gluten free diet for at least 30-60 days to see what happens. In fact the website I found most interesting was http://www.easy-immune-health.com/Diagnosing-Gluten-Allergy.html. Excellent information. In fact this site recommends that people do a self test like I just suggested to find out if they have a gluten intolerance instead of going the medical route. Apparently it is very difficult for doctors to diagnosis a gluten sensitivity with the current tests available. It also appears that MOST doctors will not even look for it.
At this point you might be saying WHO CARES? Well you should care because here are some of the symptoms. See if you can recognize any from your life.
1. Excessive fatigue, depression, and weight gain – MOST common and also the most common with all chronic illnesses
2. Body aches and joint pains
3. Frequent infections – colds and sinus, allergy problems
4. Infertility problems
5. Immune problems as it casues an autoimmune response in your body
6. Nutrient deficiences – or malabsorption of nutrients
And the list goes on….this should make you sit up and notice. If you suffer from any of the above and have for a long period of time without a diagnosis then what the heck. Give it a shot. Try living gluten free for a while and research some more and who knows what can happen. Here is a very short list of foods you will have to give up. This list is by no means a complete list.
1. All forms of wheat ( including semolina, spelt, kamut, eikorn, and farro) and this means: bread, crackers, cereal and pasta made with these flours
2. Rye
3. Barley
4. Triticale
5. Oat bran
6. wheat germ
7. bran
8. graham, gluten, or durum flour
9. farina
Some of the following also have gluten like many, many processed foods
1. salad dressing
2. cold cuts
3. egg substitutes
4. Beer
5. Instant flovored rice mixes
6. flovored potato chips
7. some herbal teas
8. licorice and some chocolates
Ok at this point you may be thinking “holy cow BUT I will have to change everything I eat and do with food.” Well isn’t that better then continuing to suffer, maybe needlessly? Are you going to give it a shot? In fact if 30 days is too long then how about just two weeks. At the end of that time do a check on your symptoms. How are you feeling? Are you sleeping better? DO you have more energy? Less stomach problems? Lot less physical problems? You could end up feeling like a brand new person.
Always love feedback. Would love to hear your responses.
God Bless You,
Evey
June 1st, 2010 at 5:41 pm
Hi Evey! I jumped here, from Susan Sablone’s face book page. I’m BonBon’s mom from Brent’s class
*I* have Celiacs and you are RIGHT. I was ACCIDENTALLY diagnosed almost 2 years ago–*I* thought I had ulcers, and had treated ulcers on & off for close to 10 years. When I had an endoscopy (looking for ulcers or evidence there had been ulcers), the doc found evidence of celiacs, NOT ulcers!
if I’m true to what I should eat, I can sneak a little gluten here or there with no side effects. But when I eat too much, I am all those things you said. Exhausted. Sluggish. Stomach upset. Headaches. and, let’s just say, bowel discomfort.
Yes. If God made it, I can eat most of it. You’re SO right. When “man” starts mucking with it, I have no idea. Labels! I ate a prepackaged rice & veggie steamer the other day, only to realize AFTER the fact that there was gluten in it. grrrr.
You look AMAZING.
June 2nd, 2010 at 10:13 am
Thanks BonBon’s Mom for your comment. Unfortunately Doctor’s do not always have the answer or event he correct answer for that matter. I feel strongly that we, as a people, need to educate ourselves and ask lots and lots of questions.
Do you know my son Brent is in your daughter’s class? Just yesterday, Lynn and I, were in the class for the awards day stuff. You must be so proud of your daughter. She did so well. I also volunteer in Erica’s classroom (Mrs. Mitchell) and I believe your son is in her class! Small world isn’t it.
Always appreciate feedback on my blogs and our newsletter.
Evey