Do you find it difficult to eat certain foods such as wheat and grains without experiencing bloating, embarrassing gas, stomach cramps and diarrhea?
It took scientists and researchers decades to discover why a certain food could make one person feel good, yet that same food could trigger numerous health problems in another person. Sticky proteins called lectins—which make up part of a plant’s natural immune system—have been found to be the root cause of most all digestive distress.
Your genetic make-up determines how and to what degree lectins affect you, and this explains why food allergies often run in the family. “Many food allergies are actually immune system reactions to lectins,” according to the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
And the most common lectin protein found in wheat, rye, barley and oats is gluten. Gluten is also in foods containing these grains such as beer, grain-based alcohols, mayonnaise and grain vinegar. If you’re gluten-sensitive and you ingest any of these foods, your digestive tract may go haywire and you could experience…
- Headaches, poor concentration and brain fog.
- Skin problems such as itchiness, eczema and acne.
- Weight gain, bloating and puffiness around the eyes.
- Constant fatigue.
- Repeatedly clearing your throat and excess mucus buildup.
- Joint stiffness, discomfort and inflammation.
- Upset stomach, cramping, excessive belching and embarrassing gas.
If you believe you have a gluten sensitivity, you should ask your doctor to check you for “anti-gliadin antibodies and endomysium antibodies.” If either test comes back positive, you should request a “celiac panel” to rule out other serious digestive problems.
And in the meantime, you should take supplements that can help you combat the effects of the gluten on your health. Helpful supplements include bladderwrack, N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG), D-mannose, mucins, pepsin and sodium alginate.
Michael Cutler, M.D. is a board-certified family physician with 18 years experience specializing in chronic degenerative diseases, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue.
A graduate of Brigham Young University, Tulane Medical School and Natividad Medical Center Family Practice Residency in Salinas, Calif., he serves as a medical liaison to alternative and traditional practicing physicians. His practice focuses on an integrative solution to health problems.
Dr. Cutler is a sought-after speaker and lecturer on experiencing optimum health through natural medicines and the Founder and Editor of Easy Health Options™ newsletter—a leading health advisory service on natural healing therapies and nutrients and is Medical Advisor for True Health™—America's #1 source for doctor-formulated nutrients that heal.
For more information visit www.truehealth.com.
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