Gluten – to EAT or NOT to EAT that is the (digestion) question?
Going gluten free has become an increasing trend in recent years. In fact it appears to be more fashionable than smashed avocado. But there is often scepticism expressed about the medical need, and concern about any dietary deficiencies associated with going gluten free.
Gluten avoidance in Coeliac disease and wheat allergy is vital. Now there exists good evidence that gluten can cause a myriad of other health problems in those without Coeliac Disease and wheat allergy
Many people have discovered this through their own process of elimination, the detrimental effect of gluten on their health.
Symptoms sufferers experience can include
• foggy / cloudy mind
• depression
• headache
• fatigue
• leg and arm numbness
• hyperactivity
• schizophrenia
AND
• abdominal pain
• diarrhoea
• bloating
• constipation
• weight loss
• anaemia
AND
• skin itch, redness
• eczema
It has now be shown that the same genes that predispose people to Coeliac disease (these genes exist in up to 30% of the population) also are involved in a condition called Non Coeliac Gluten Sensitivity(NCGS). Despite the fact that only a small percentage of these people develop Coeliac Disease, it has been shown that up to half the people with these genes have and will develop gluten sensitivities and that these are responsible for the many symptoms that they experience
Going Gluten free for these people is important to improve their health.
I am a strong advocate for testing for the genes that pre-dispose you to NCGS & Coeliac Disease. This is a test that can be done by your GP or by us at Botanica Medica (at a cost to yourself). If you are positive for either of these 2 genes (known as HLA-DQ 2 and DQ8), then this can explain why you have a problem with gluten.
WHY DOES IT START?
Different factors, at any stage of life, can lead those with this genetic predisposition to develop gluten sensitivity.
• Gastroenteritis
• Antibiotic induced diarrhoea (even recurrent antibiotic use without diarrhoea)
• Stress
• Chemical exposure (food and environmental)
• Early introduction of gluten
• Reduced breastfeeding of infants
• Change in gluten (Modern agriculture has led to the development of wheat with higher gluten content)
• Gluten overload (if you have your toast, weet-bix for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch and pasta for dinner, you may be maxing out on gluten!)
It is not uncommon to suffer from just the neurological effects of gluten sensitivity, with little or no bowel discomfort. This is due to the production of antibodies to not only gluten but enzymes important for healthy brain, mental and skin health.
The good news is that along with avoiding gluten, we can reverse the damage by using specific probiotic, herbs and nutritionals (and good foods as well!) This can lead to many or all of your symptoms disappearing quickly.
WHAT DO I EAT INSTEAD?
Including whole foods such as chickpeas, quinoa, buckwheat, beans and peas can ensure you get all the fibre and nutrients you need, if you go gluten free.
Always best to buy whole foods. Many processed gluten-free foods, whilst having no gluten may not be a good source of important nutrients
So if you suffer from any of these complaints, come in and book a consult with Craig today at Botanica Medica 97 Glen Osmond road Eastwood or Ring 8271-1827 to arrange an appointment now
To read the follow – on “More Gluten Talk” click the link below
MORE GLUTEN TALK
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