Gluten and Recovery

Thinking About Gluten Reminds Me of What George Bernard Shaw Suggested “Better Keep Yourself Clean And Bright: You Are The Window Through Which You Must See The World.” 

Gluten = Glue….

Gluten is derived from the Latin word for glue and is one of the many proteins found most especially in wheat but also in rye, barley, oats, kamut, and spelt. It can also be hidden in foods such as soy sauce and even in French fries.

Research has shown that gluten is inflammatory and has been shown to damage internal organs and tissue. Celiac disease (CD) is a serious result of gluten intolerance. It is a genetically inherited sensitivity to gluten. When people with this disease eat gluten-containing products, their body’s immune reaction damages the mucosal lining of the intestinal tract resulting in chronic inflammation of the cell lining of the small intestine.

Potential Damage From Gluten…

Celiac Disease often manifests with the classic GI symptoms of diarrhea and weight loss due to mal-absorption of nutrients (vitamins and minerals). Depression is common in Celiac Disease patients, perhaps due to these nutritional deficiencies. Celiac Disease sufferers are also known to be low in key mood regulating neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin.

A multitude of other diseases and conditions are associated with Celiac Disease. Listed here are only a few: anxiety, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), autism, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, headaches/migraines, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), schizophrenia, thyroiditis…and many more. When the small intestine is damaged as it is with Celiac Disease, nutrient deficiencies (vitamins and minerals) occur. Even though Celiacs may overeat or binge on such foods as pizza, bread, cookies all containing gluten, their intestines are not absorbing necessary nutrients. As a result, these nutritional deficiencies lead to cravings and the potential of reoccurring alcohol or drug use.

So let’s keep our windows clean and gluten free.

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