Are you one of the many people who are confused about gluten? Is gluten really a problem for so many of us, or is gluten-free simply a fad?
Fact:
Humans have been consuming wheat in one form or another for thousands of years. Governments and dieticians tell us whole wheat is part of a 'balanced diet'.
However:
Renowned neurologist Dr Perlmutter, author of The Grain Brain Whole Life Plan, attributes the increase in neurological diseases to gluten and carbohydrates, labelling them 'your brain's silent killer'.
A few key things to bear in mind about gluten:
Wheat is not the same today as it was one-thousand, one-hundred, or even sixty years ago.
Wheat, in particular gluten, exists today in an over-processed, hybridisation form;
Whereas historically, grains were soaked, sprouted and fermented, and bread was baked using slow rise yeasts, today flour is bleached and bread is baked with quick rise yeast.
Modern wheat involves cross-breeding and crude genetic manipulation, which has changed the nutrient and protein composition of the plant.
Modern wheat contains more of the problematic glutens.
Compared to older wheat varieties, modern wheat has adverse effects on blood mineral content, cholesterol and inflammatory markers, potentially contributing to disease.
Common wheat-harvest protocol in the United States is to dredge wheat fields with Roundup several days before harvest.
Roundup contains the deadly active ingredient Glyphosate, which has been implicated in numerous health issues. [1]
Just because you have no gut-related symptoms, this does not necessarily mean that you do not have a problem with gluten.
Fact:
More and more studies are showing that even those who believe they do not have a problem with gluten are actually experiencing life-depleting side effects from eating it without realising. In fact, in a recent study, five out of six people who believed they had no gluten related symptoms had inflammatory autoimmune blood proteins when exposed to gliadin (gluten). [2]
So:
The biggest problem with gluten is the number of people who are unaware that it is a problem. Just because you have no gut-related symptoms, this does not necessarily mean that you do not have a problem with gluten. Did you know that the following symptoms are often due to gluten sensitivity?
Anxiety
Depression
ADHD
Muscle and joint aches
Chronic fatigue
Brain fog
Autoimmune diseases
Low immunity
Migraines and headaches
Skin problems
Hormonal imbalances
Adrenal fatigue
It is common to blame these symptoms on something else rather than considering gluten could be the cause or contributor.
TT's top tips on gluten
If you are not feeling well for any reason, try cutting out gluten for a few weeks and see how you feel.
Better still, get tested.
Be aware that even when testing negative for celiac disease, many people still have a gluten intolerance.
Gluten intolerance symptoms fall along a spectrum, with some people suffering more than others. Gluten sensitivity is not an 'all or nothing'.
Beware the new gluten-free, highly processed, highly-refined products, spiking blood sugar and insulin levels.
Look to buy gluten-free paleo breads such as Cru8 from Planet Organic, made from almonds, eggs, virgin coconut oil, pumpkin seeds, coconut flour and apple cider vinegar
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