Last week, I shared with you the colossal damage inflammation can cause. Some of my favorite comfort foods have been Oreos and Chick-fil-a waffle fries with 2 Chik-fil-a sauces. I understand the urge to jump for those inflammatory foods because they can feel like a hug to your palate, but we need to realize the implications of that momentary hug. Girl, it’s toxic!
If you’re already depressed or stressed about something, gluten’s inflammatory proteins are worsening your depression by producing inflammation on your brain and your thyroid. Throwing off your hormones and blocking your organs from receiving proper nutrients propels mood swings and common irritability. Unfortunately, popular gluten-packed comfort foods are more detrimental than helpful if you have a gluten sensitivity or allergy.
Of all the gluten-related diseases, celiac receives the most coverage in typical medical practice, despite holistic research suggesting that it’s fairly rare. Only about 1 percent of adults most likely have true celiac disease. It’s your body screaming that it can’t handle the sticky proteins and if left unmanaged, it will tear your intestines apart. However, there are still a plethora of illnesses related to gluten. Just because your multitude of tests adds up to a negative diagnosis for celiac disease doesn’t mean you’re not being affected by gluten sensitivity.
1. Dermatitis Herpetiformis
This chronic skin condition is caused by a reaction to gluten ingestion. A majority of patients who suffer from this may also have celiac disease. Itchy bumps or blisters show up on both sides of the body that are most commonly found on the forearms near the elbows, the buttocks, along the hairline, and the knees. DH is sometimes misdiagnosed as eczema.
2. Gluten Ataxia
The rare neurological autoimmune condition occurs when gluten poses an irreversible threat to your cerebellum. This piece of your brain essentially pilots your body. You use it to make voluntary movements, balance, coordinate, and maintain posture. Without a functioning cerebellum, it may be hard for you to speak clearly, move your limbs, or move altogether. Undiagnosed Gluten Ataxia can lead to rapidly progressive disability, especially if the symptoms have been delayed for quite some time. As with most diseases, catching it early makes it so much easier to manage before it is irreversible.
3. Wheat or Grain Allergy
Like many gluten-related problems, this allergy may not be immediately noticeable. We had no idea my daughter was allergic to wheat until we got her muscle tested by a chiropractor. He put pieces of food in her hand and was able to tell if she was allergic to them by the reaction her muscles gave. Sometimes, this allergy may not come up on a blood test, so this is an awesome way to get a second opinion if you suspect a grain allergy in you or a loved one. Symptoms include shortness of breath, irritation of the mouth and throat, congestion, headaches, cramps, nausea, and even situations as life-threatening as anaphylaxis.
4. Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity
While the symptoms are very similar to celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity isn’t the same. Celiac disease means gluten poses a more immediate threat to your health, whereas gluten sensitivity is a slower destruction of your body. With NCGS, you’ll typically experience gas, bloating, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fatigue, and even balance problems. Gluten can affect any part of the brain, but through research, the cerebellum seems to be one of its favorite spots, which is scary! Another sneaky sign is the swelling of the eyes. You may think you simply have a seasonal allergy, but it could be your body crying for a gluten detox.
I truly encourage you to pay attention to how gluten affects your body. I challenge you to minimize the gluten in your diet, eating more fresh produce, and implementing more gluten-free substitutes in your kitchen. See how your body reacts if you eat a little more gluten than other times.
Keep an eye out for our next blogpost where I spill the secrets to discovering if you have a gluten allergy or sensitivity before invasive testing! We will also share some testing options. You have the power to protect your health. Be sure to subscribe to my email list so you don’t miss out on this life-giving information!