A simple yet very informative article on gluten written by a good friend!
What is gluten
In lay terms, it is the glue (protein) in wheat, oats, barley and rye. For more info please read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Research and experience
Both my husband I have been observing a gluten free diet for over a year as I had done considerable desktop research and also went on an inclusion and exclusion diet to identify the issue. At first, I found that most people who are A and O blood groups are most effected by the gluten protein. Then I found that most people would have impacts as the issue is happening at crop level. Grains such as barley, wheat, rye and oats are foods that were introduced later. Some of these grains have been modified and have bug resistant genes and drought resistant genes included. The glue content in wheat has also been increased and nearly all processed foods such as chips, ice-creams, chocolates and you name it has wheat included. Therefore people are consuming much more wheat that what is necessary. Moreover, those people who do not have the correct acid/alkaline balance to break down such foods will be the ones who are impacted upon first. So, here's what happens when we have gluten intolerance.
The glue in wheat, rye, oats and barley flattens the villi in the small intestines. The villi is responsible for micronutrient absorption. Since the villi is flattened, most of these items are sent down to the large intestines (colon) without being absorbed. In the large intestines, the process of digestion happens through fermentation. Since the villi did not do its job in absorbing the micronutrients, the large intestines get overburdened with all sorts of fruit acids (fructose) and milk solids (lactose) etc. These things then get fermented. That causes immediate responses such as gas, bloating, irritable bowel etc. These excessive acids and sugars also erode the lining of the large intestines. The eroded intestinal lining as well as the lack of micro nutrient absorption causes all sorts of long term health issues.
Illness caused by gluten intolerance
There are umpteen illness caused by gluten intolerance - they are blood pressure, diabetes, fibromyalgia, arthritis, fatigue, dullness/depression, asthma, skin allergies, reproductive issues, thyroid issues, eye sight issues etc. It depends on the genetic predisposition of our families. For example, in my family most have a weak liver - hence this issue would first impact on liver/gall bladder/stomach/pancrea function. In my husband's family most issues present in the skin. For years my husband had skin allergies. After he went gluten free- he has not had any issues.
Please watch this video clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Please research on the net and also read the following articles.
Tests
There are blood tests to determine whether a person is allergic to gluten or have become a celiac. However, the tests are never conclusive if a person is plainly intolerant to gluten. The celiac test usually comes back negative as those of us who have stayed clear from gluten will not show up as celiac. The following article is useful http://www.celiac.com/
A home based test is to eat a plain raw onion salad and observe what you feel. If you are burping or feeling uncomfortable - then it means the villi has already been flattened and the sulphur from the onions have passed through to the large intestine.
Another test is to go completely gluten free for two weeks. Then during the end of the second week eat bread (whole meal) or pasta and observe what you feel. If you are feeling sleepy, pressure in the eyes, itchy back/fingers, dull pain on the back of the neck, gas, bloating, unusual bowel movements, headache, pressure in the ears/vertigo or any of these symptoms. That is a good indication of villi damage.
Additional info to keep in mind
When the villi is flattened, the acid/alkaline balance in the body goes haywire. So, vegetables (night shade vegs) such as tomato, potato, egg plant, capsicum and tapioca should not be consumed for at least a year as the body is already acidic and these vegs can become harmful in the system. Also, all citrus fruits - oranges, lemons, lime etc. will cause disturbance such as acid reflux, burping, burning of intestinal walls etc. High sugar fruits such as mangoes, pineapple, papaya etc. also will have to be avoided for a while. Stick to an alkaline diet.
Good News
If a person eliminates gluten from their diet - the villi will repair within a year or so. Then they can start introducing the night shade vegs and acidic fruits etc. after the first year. However, will have to stay away from gluten. The person will also have to take a good gluten free multivitamin and keep the nutritional balance to repair the gut lining.
Results: On the surface - the person will start looking younger because their skin, teeth, hair and overall appearance improves. As you know, our skin mirrors what is happening inside us.
On the inside - the stomach lining will repair and start doing its job and all health issues will start clearing. The first thing you will notice is improved eyesight.
What you could do
Once you read and understand all this, please go on an exclusion and inclusion diet and see if gluten is having an impact on your health. Also, once a year for two months- please do a liver cleanse with Liva Tone (health food shop). Once the liver is clean, then issues such as cholesterol won't be a problem. Also, do deworming and a colon cleanse. After a good internal cleanse and repair, take a good multi-vitamin and multi-mineral tablet daily. A couple of ultra filtered fish oil caps will help in repairing the stomach. Also take an iron tonic (e.g. floradix floravital -gluten free). Nutrients in liquid form is best until the villi repairs. Homeopathic cell salts such as Calc-phos, Mag phos (by Martin and Pleasance) etc. are also good. These are available from the health food shop.
Above all, if a person has developed the capacity to keep their mind in the present - then they will be in charge of themselves and their physical, emotional and mental health. Wishing you enhanced health!
