John Kelly’s mocking of food intolerances may make him laugh but not so to the estimated 20 million Americans with non-celiac sensitivity and 3 million with celiac disease, a genetic disorder.
Gluten is what gives kneaded dough its elasticity. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley and some oats due to contamination during transportation and processing. If you have Celiac disease any gluten is a problem and there is a wealth of information at www.celiac.com and other sources online.
The winter wheat used for American bread flour has a higher gluten content in order to make our soft, fluffy breads and huge bagels. American wheat is also hybridized i.e. selectively bred to have a higher gluten content unlike European wheat. The difference between heavy, dense loaves of bread and fluffy,light bread is the gluten content.
There are many surprising products and foods that contain gluten including lipsticks, play doh, beer, “natural flavors” and malt. I was very unhappy when I had to give up my favorite movie theater candy, Malted Milk Balls!
Many doctors who specialize in auto immune disorders (lupus, MS, RA) suggest their patients eliminate gluten. “Gluten often causes the body to flood with inflammatory chemicals called cytokines which send an already wound up immune system in to hyperdrive, attacking tissue”, says Naturopathic physician Brooke Kalanick, N.D..
What you need to know: A gluten sensitivity isn’t just a gut problem. The New England Journal of Medicine reports 55 diseases that can be linked to gluten ranging from osteoporosis to depression, to migraines to fatigue, to balance problems.
Dr. Mark Hyman, founder of The Ultra Wellness Center in MA and author of one of my favorite books, The UltraMind Solution, considers gluten sensitivity an auto immune disease because it causes inflammation through the body. He recommends treating the cause (gluten) rather than the disease first.
So how do you treat the cause? Simply,but not always easily, by eliminating gluten from your diet for 2-4 weeks and see how you feel. No expensive blood tests needed.
Is it worth trying? You bet. Many parents report that learning and behavioral problems, even some symptoms of autism, are reduced or disappear with a gluten free diet.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is not intended to substitute for medical counseling. Intentional Health does not treat, prevent, cure, or diagnose any disease or ailment.
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