by Mitchell A. Fleisher, M.D., D.Ht., D.A.B.F.M., Dc.A.B.C.T.
Modern science now knows that there is a wide spectrum of health problems due to the gluten content of foods. Gluten is the complex protein found in grains, which can cause the immune system to attack the intestinal lining, and other vital organ systems. The surface of the intestines becomes inflamed, preventing the absorption of essential nutrients into the body.
The best known, gluten-related disorder is Celiac Disease, an autoimmune disorder that often runs in families. About 1% of the U.S. population has celiac disease, accounting for almost four million Americans. Over 95% of people with celiac disease may be undiagnosed and/or misdiagnosed with other conditions. About 6% or more of the U.S. population, or twenty million Americans, are affected by non-celiac gluten sensitivity.
Gluten can cause the human body to become allergic to itself, which is called autoimmunity.
Gluten reactivity is a systemic, autoimmune disease with many manifestations. Autoimmune disease, the third leading cause of illness in the industrialized world, is 10 times more common in gluten sensitivity. Earlier identification might result in earlier treatment, better quality of life, and improved prognosis.
Symptoms can range from those affecting the skin to those affecting the internal organs. Some affected people may have no apparent signs or symptoms of disease. Life events such as serious infections, surgery, pregnancy, or severe, psychological stress can trigger the onset of celiac disease, and other gluten-related disorders.
Current, standard lab tests measure the presence of only one type of gluten. There are over sixty types of gluten now identified. There is new, precision laboratory technology now available that measures the presence of the top ten forms of gluten. These tests can diagnose Celiac Disease and/or Gluten reactivity more accurately. It can also detect the presence of immune reactivity to our own vital organs induced by gluten and gluten-related foods.
The most effective way to prevent developing the symptoms of the gluten-related disorders is to totally avoid eating any foods that contain gluten. You will need to avoid all foods that contain the grains wheat, kamut, spelt, triticale, barley, and rye. However, avoiding the well-known gluten foods may not be enough. Clinical experience with gluten sensitive patients, as well as the new, precision laboratory testing, reveals that many people test positive for allergic reactivity to the allegedly “gluten-free” foods, such as amaranth, corn, fava bean, garbanzo bean, potato, quinoa, rice, sorghum, tapioca, and teff. Avoidance of these foods becomes necessary as well to maintain health. It is best to undergo the new, laboratory testing to determine if you are sensitive to gluten and/or the alleged, non-gluten foods.
An important, initial step in developing a gluten-free, health-preserving lifestyle is to introduce high quality, clean, gluten-free, super-foods into your daily diet. One such super-food, L.O.V. (Live.Organic.Vegan.) SuperMeal, is a 100% organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, balanced, high protein, greens powder that is extremely nutritious. Blend it with organic blueberries banana, organic, virgin coconut oil, and pure water to make a delicious, and nutritious, extremely healthy, gluten-free greens smoothie. Information about L.O.V. SuperMeal can be obtained from www.mypurium.com/hrwellness.
If you suffer from any of the conditions mentioned above, have a family history of these conditions, and/or have unexplained symptoms, I highly recommend that you undergo the new, precision laboratory testing to determine if you are, in fact, gluten sensitive.
About the Author:
Dr. Mitchell A. Fleisher, M.D., D.Ht., D.A.B.F.M., Dc.A.B.C.T., is a double board-certified family physician specializing in classical homeopathy, nutritional and botanical medicine, chelation, bio-oxidative, and bio-identical hormone therapy with over thirty years experience practicing the art and science of integrative medicine. Dr. Fleisher is in private practice in Nellysford, Virginia, and can be contacted at (434) 361-1896. He may also be reached via his website, www.alternativemedcare.com, an international resource for integrative, complementary, alternative medicine.Back to Blog