Are You Gluten Free?

It can be a challenge for those of us who are just learning that they have an allergy to wheat or discovering that they have celiac disease. What about those folks who have no idea why they feel so horrible all the time. Maybe they are gluten intolerant, but how will you know? 

So what is Gluten and how do you know you have a problem? Gluten  is a protein found in foods processed from wheat and related grain species, including barley and rye. Gluten gives elasticity to dough, helping it rise and keep its shape and often gives the final product a chewy texture. Gluten may also be found in some cosmetics, hair products, and other dermatological preparations.

Human beings cannot digest the gluten protein completely, and in one to five percent of folks , the protein creates a toxic effect on the body and it's immune system. The body defends itself as it is attacked by the gluten protein and in turn damages the lining of the small intestine and other organs in the body. Once the intestinal lining is attacked it eventually over time becomes compromised resulting in malabsorption of nutrients. When the body cannot feed it's cells, disease and malfunction start to take it's place.

Next you may develop another autoimmune disease such as, rheumatoid arthritis, where the joints are attacked. MS, where the nervous system is attacked and or Diabetes, involving the pancreas.  There are many more.

This is pretty serious. Not to be taken lightly either. Your body attacks it's own tissue and you start to feel horrible.  I am lucky to be alive and well. I had been suffering for several years with an unknown wheat allergy. I am truly grateful to the doctor who referred me to a specialist two and a half years ago. My body is still healing and I am giving it all the best I can. I have also found a whole food approach which helps tremendously by adding organic nutrition into my daily dietary regime.

If you are suffering from Digestive, Neurological, Skeletal, Hormonal or Immune Symptoms, you will want to take this self test from Doctor Oz.
www.doctoroz.com/videos/gluten-sensitivity-self-test

Traveling and Gluten Free?
Here is a  free App for your iPhone & Android:
www.GlutenFreeTravelSite.com

I hope that you have found some simple help here. I know all of this can be so confusing when you are in your initial discovery of this diagnosis. I wish you well on your journey towards better health. Don't give up, have faith, and Do Not Cheat on this diet, your body will thank you for it. 

Check back for more information and resources. I will be sharing all my favorite gluten free food finds with you in my next article. Thanks for reading!

I encourage you to get in touch with me so we can talk about some of the things that have worked for me and some of the things that have worked for others that I know. Wishing you success!
 

Your Wellness Advocate,

Deana Hodell, LMT

+1.401.523.4275