How Gluten affects our bodies

Most people now think of Gluten-Free as the newest fad, like Atkins or Fat-Free or even the Paleo diet.

Unfortunately, there's more to being Gluten-Free than just a diet fad.

Gluten is actually very harmful to us and research is starting to show more and more studies that are PROVING Gluten is the cause of many of the Auto-immune, Skin and most Health-related diseases.  

Gluten is a protein found in grains, such as wheat, barley, and rye.  Gluten is a good source of protein, but many people are either sensitive or completely intolerant to it.

For those that are either sensitive or intolerant, Gluten can create what's called, Leaky Gut.  In sensitive people, Gluten causes the gut cells to release a protein which breaks apart the tight junctions that hold your intestines together.

Once these tight junctions break apart, the gut becomes leaky, which allows microbes, toxins and undigested food particles to escape from the intestines and travel through your body through the blood stream.

Here's some Gluten facts:

* 99% of people who are Gluten intolerant or have Celiac disease are NEVER diagnosed!

* About 15% of the US population are Gluten intolerant

The following symptoms are linked to Gluten:

1) Gas, Bloating, Diarrhea and Constipation 

2) Hormonal imbalances, such as PCOS, PMS or even infertility

3) Inflammation, joint pain or swelling

4) Anxiety, Depression or Mood swings and even ADD

5) Migraines

6) Hashimoto'syndrome, Rhumatoid arthritis, Ulcerative colitis, Lupus, Psoriasis, Eczema, Scleroderma or MS

7) Keratosis Pilaris (chicken skin on the backs of arms) or white bumps on the backs of arms

Now that we understand what Gluten intolerance or sensitivities cause in our bodies, how do we know if we are??

The best way is to implement an elimination diet.  This
means COMPLETELY eliminate Gluten for a minimum of 2-3 weeks!  

Gluten is a large protein, it may take more than 3 weeks for Gluten to completely be removed from your system.  If you can, try going longer than 3 weeks.

Here's the tricky part, even if you're not eating breads, pastas, or grains that contain gluten, sometimes there are still traces of Gluten hidden in these foods.  

When eating out, always ask for a Gluten-Free menu, because these items are NOT made with any gluten and if you tell the waiter you have a sensitivity, the chef will not contaminate the food.

Keep a food diary of not only the foods you're eating but also the way your body is feeling during this elimination period.

Once you've eliminated Gluten from your diet, slowly add in gluten.  For example on day 1, eat a small bowl of pasta for lunch.  See how you feel throughout the afternoon and evening. 

Again, keep notes in your food diary and note any changes or signs that you notice.  For example, do you feel better without eating Gluten??  More energy, no headaches, less fatigue, etc.

Or do you feel worse once re-introducing Gluten??  Bloated, gassy, stomach pains, headaches, fatigue, etc.

If you are still unsure, you can always have testing done from your doctor to see if you are sensitive or intolerant.

Any other questions, please feel free to email me: samanthaspagirl@yahoo.com