RISING WOMEN EXPERT ADVICE...

Can gluten be the cause of many of my health issues, including my daily acid reflux?
    By Iris da Silva of Renewed Vitality

Gluten sensitivities and immune conditions like Celiac Disease can be the underlying cause for the majority of health issues if left undetected. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, kamut, spelt, rye and contaminated oats.

Most people who eventually find out they have a gluten problem will spend several years going to medical doctors looking for an answer for their indigestion, acid reflux, loose stools, abdominal bloating, chronic fatigue and pain syndromes. Gluten grains can often trigger autoimmune diseases like insulin-dependent diabetes or hypothyroidism. In addition to these, many neurological conditions can develop such as schizophrenia, mood disorders such as bipolar and learning difficulties. These have been linked to gluten. Patients who are unresponsive to conventional therapies need to consider removing gluten from their diet to see if their health improves.

This may seem like an easy task but those who have tried to eliminate gluten or need to be on a gluten-free diet because they are Celiac may fall into a trap if they give into their cravings. Gluten produces a euphoric effect on the brain creating the “craving” therefore perpetuating the problem; many individuals may be in constant state of addiction and withdrawal.

Unaware of this cycle, people often think that they have no willpower or they wonder why they are binging for no reason -- however, there is a reason, it’s your food! If it is not gluten that is causing the problem, it may just be another food intolerance causing you the same addiction cycle.

If you believe that you have an issue with gluten, avoid it for at least 12 weeks and see if your health improves. Go the extra mile and avoid the other highly allergic foods along with gluten. These include sugar, corn, soy, egg, peanut, dairy, aspartame and MSG. You might just surprise your doctor on your next visit when your blood pressure has dropped and your medication is decreased.

Head into 2010 with your best health ever!!

For more advice on food intolerance & allergies, contact Iris da Silva of Renewed Vitality at 403.589.6295. To learn more about Iris’ services, visit her website at www.renewedvitality.ca