BY: Kelly Hall, Wellness Resources Inc.
Did you know: more than 55 diseases have been linked to gluten, the protein found in wheat, rye and barley? It is estimated that one in seven adults suffers health issues related to food sensitivities or has some form of gluten intolerance. Gluten and gliadin are proteins found in grains like wheat, rye, barley, and malt. In individuals who are allergic to gluten and gliadin, the immune system perceives these substances as foreign invaders and inflames the small intestine where nutrients are absorbed. This can profoundly affect the entire body and has been linked to bloating, headaches, joint pain, autoimmune conditions, RA, psoriasis, fibromyalgia, infertility, Crohn’s disease, mouth ulcers, and ulcerative colitis (IBS).
For 16 years I have worked as an educator in the field of holistic nutrition and functional medicine with numerous practitioners who consider the strong possibility that gluten could be at the very forefront of many unexplained health conditions. I started Wellness Resrouces Inc in 1997 because my own daughter was suffering from a skin condition linked to the consumption of gluten. I was grateful to be working in conjunction with medical practices supporting their patients in the area of individualized nutrition. We began teaching people about food intolerances and topics like individualized weight management.
A large demand from clients who were suffering with issues ranging from weight gain, bloating, reflux, IBS, fatigue, skin conditions (eczema, acne, psoriasis) migraines, sinus conditions, chronic fatigue, autism, ADHD, joint pain, thyroid, rheumatoid arthritis and even premature aging. The question is: how do you know if you have a problem with gluten, dairy or other foods that you eat every day?
Gluten and gliadin are proteins found in grains like wheat, rye, barley, and malt. In individuals who are allergic to gluten and gliadin, the immune system perceives these substances as foreign invaders and inflames the small intestine where nutrients are absorbed.
There are now special tests for food intolerances, that take the guesswork out of understanding how food plays a vital role in feeling your best or contributing to your poor health. It was once thought that gastro-intestinal symptoms alone caused celiac disease, but now we know that is not necessarily the case. There are many tests for learning about your sensitivities; so make certain that your practitioner understands the difference between allergy, sensitivity, and intolerances. These tests are different from the standard celiac test and allergy/Rast tests, and many experts and medical journals have questioned the accuracy of the previous testing in getting a clear picture of the true nature of these sensitivities. This outdated testing has lead to a large number of people being misdiagnosed or undiagnosed.
Gluten intolerance and/or Celiac disease are no laughing matter. According to experts: for those with Celiac disease, even accidentally consuming an extremely small amount of gluten, as often as one time per month, could raise the risk of mortality and morbidity by as much as 600 percent.
If you are concerned that you, or someone you know, could have a food intolerance, get tested by someone who is knowledgeable and has considerable experience about this subject. This could be a nutritionist, health coach, or functional medicine provider.
Also, be aware that personal care products contain various petroleum based chemicals and very harsh acids. Would you rub crude oil on your skin?! In addition to the nutritional aspect with gluten-free food offerings, there is also a gluten-free, anti-aging, nue skincare product, patented and clinically proven to address multiple skin concerns in both men and women, it helps to improve fine lines, deep lines, sun damage, uneven skin tone, wrinkles, pore size and more.
■ For more information about Total Wellness Resources, visit: http://wellnessresourcesinc.com
