What is Gluten? Gluten is a protein found in the endosperm of grains, especially wheat, rye, spelt and barley. It constitutes about 80% of the proteins in wheat, and is composed of the proteins gliadin and glutenin. Gluten is also used as a food additive in the 
form of a flavoring, stabilizing or thickening agent, often hidden as dextrin, maltodextrine, and dextrose found in ice cream, soy sauce, ketchup, beer and many other items. Gluten provides elasticity to dough, which gives breads and bagels their chewiness.
One does not have to have Celiac disease to suffer the negative effects of gluten. Celiac disease and gluten intolerance are most common among people of Scandinavian, Irish, English, Scottish, and Eastern European. Often it’s assumed that gluten intolerance is a food allergy, however it’s actually an autoimmune disease that creates inflammation and intestinal permeability which compromises your immune system.
An estimated 1 person in 133 in the U.S. has celiac disease (CD). Gluten intolerance affects an overwhelming percentage of the population, and is often misdiagnosed or undetected. One estimate says that 97% of all sufferers (hidden non-celiac gluten sensitivity) don’t even know they’re intolerant to gluten since most doctors are unfamiliar with it. Even more astonishing is a review in the New England Journal of Medicine which listed 55 diseases caused by gluten! Many of the diseases are neurological and psychiatric including anxiety, migraines, epilepsy, neuropathy, schizophrenia, dementia, depression, and autism.
Scientists at the University of Maryland, School of Medicine's Center for Celiac Research have proven that gluten sensitivity is different from celiac disease at the molecular level and in the response it elicits from the immune system. The research, published online in BMC Medicine provides the first scientific evidence of a different method that leads to gluten sensitivity.
Dr. Alessio Fasano says in an article for Scientific American, "a person whose immune system has managed to tolerate gluten for many years might suddenly lose tolerance if the microbiome [gut flora] changes in a way that causes formerly quiet susceptibility genes to become active." Stress and other factors may also turn on the susceptibility genes.”
Eating foods you’re sensitive to increase inflammation in the body. According to Dr. Mark Hyman "the two most common sources of inflammation in the 21st century are sugar (and refined carbohydrates), and hidden food allergens (perhaps most important, gluten).”
If you have mood, attention or autistic disorders, eliminating wheat and gluten should be high on your priority list. An article published in Health Psychology Review, noticed ‘dramatic remission’ when gluten was eliminated in those with in mood, attention and autistic disorders.
One of my clients was diagnosed by her physician with rheumatoid arthritis. Upon my suggestion, she completely eliminated gluten from her diet. She'd been on numerous prescription drugs (some with awful side effects). The very first day of her gluten-free diet was amazing. After years of hell, her pain and suffering were finally gone. She stopped taking the drugs and has never looked back.
Gluten intolerance is an inability to digest the protein portion of grains (wheat, rye, barley, spelt and oats). In those who are gluten intolerant, these grains cause a reaction in the intestines that sets off various symptoms. Often it goes undiagnosed because the reaction can appear 12-24 hours after eating gluten.
Gluten intolerance causes multiple nutritional deficiencies and inhibits absorption of nutrients. Wheat raises blood glucose higher than almost all other foods; higher than a Milky Way bar or a Snickers bar.
Conditions Related to Gluten Intolerance
| Alcoholism | Candida | Chronic fatigue | Celiac disease |
| Allergies | Infertility | Diabetes | Hypoglycemia |
| Anemia | Depression | Eating disorders | Crohn’s disease |
| Inflamed Brain | Rosacea | Osteoporosis | Ulcerative Colitis |
| Hypothyroid | IBS | Autoimmune Disease | Gut Inflammation |
Symptoms of gluten intolerance can vary per individual. Children may experience allergies, asthma, anemia, a constant upset stomach or milk intolerance.
Are Your Symptoms Related to Gluten? Answer yes or no
| Fatigue, anxiety or depression | Weight Gain |
| Diarrhea and/or constipation | Brain fog |
| Skin rashes and/or acne | Gas, bloating, cramping, swelling |
| Nasal and throat mucous | Dry Skin |
| Joint pain, muscles aches, inflammation | Headaches and migraines |
| Digestive issues | Tendency to overindulge in alcohol |
| Hormone imbalances | Food allergies/sensitivities |
Number of “Yes” Responses for Gluten Intolerance 
| 4 or less = Not likely |
| 5 – 8 = Suspected |
| 9 or more = Very likely |
If your score is 5 or higher, for 60 days completely avoid breads, pastas, bagels, cereals and all items with gluten. After 60 days you’ll notice major relief. It can take 30-60 days for the inflammation to subside, and 9-12 months for the small intestinal lining to heal. If you identify yourself as gluten intolerant, you must avoid gluten for the rest of your life to prevent the damaging effects of gluten. Sources: Dr. Daniel Kalish
Following a gluten free diet means Reading the List of Ingredients. Gluten is in every grain except rice, quinoa, amaranth, buckwheat, and millet. Some labels reveal if the product contains gluten, but most don’t. Usually, the more processed a food item is (often evidenced by a long ingredient list), more than likely it contains at least some gluten.
Hidden Sources of Gluten
| OTC or Rx meds | Beer | Malt vinegar |
| Cosmetics, lipstick & gloss | Pickles | Couscous |
| Glue on envelopes | Root beer | Canned baked beans |
| Soy sauce | Pudding | Boxed soups |
| Twizzler’s licorice | Salad dressings | Powdered gravy |
| Communion wafers | Sausages and cold cuts | Blue cheese |
Many restaurants and supermarkets offer gluten-free items. Also, there are numerous cookbooks with gluten-free recipes.
Ready for the Challenge? Do you want to look and feel your best ever? Are health, vitality, longevity and fat loss important to you? Do yourself a favor….Avoid all wheat and gluten from your diet and let me know how fantastic you feel and how much better you look.
While eliminating gluten from your diet can alleviate various symptoms for some, I encourage people to see qualified medical professional for a celiac panel for a proper diagnosis to rule out celiac disease.
Contact me and I will guide you onto a healthier path. My Ultimate Personal Plan is a lifestyle that includes a healthy menu options, nutritional supplements, dietary recommendations, hormone balancing, and lifestyle guidance. Guaranteed Results!
Copyright © 2011 Paula Owens
