{"id":784,"date":"2017-08-17T20:11:08","date_gmt":"2017-08-18T00:11:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dev.nutrition-connection.com\/?p=784"},"modified":"2019-02-24T19:14:53","modified_gmt":"2019-02-25T00:14:53","slug":"the-gluten-and-grain-befuddlement","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.nutrition-connection.com\/the-gluten-and-grain-befuddlement\/","title":{"rendered":"The Gluten and Grain Befuddlement"},"content":{"rendered":"

[cs_content][cs_section parallax=”false” separator_top_type=”none” separator_top_height=”50px” separator_top_angle_point=”50″ separator_bottom_type=”none” separator_bottom_height=”50px” separator_bottom_angle_point=”50″ style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1\/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_feature_box title=”” title_color=”” text_color=”” graphic=”image” graphic_size=”60px” graphic_shape=”square” graphic_color=”#ffffff” graphic_bg_color=”#2ecc71″ align_h=”center” align_v=”top” side_graphic_spacing=”20px” max_width=”none” graphic_image=””]Going on a Gluten-Free diet seems to be the latest diet craze, or even cutting ALL grains out completely. With this new diet trend comes the promise that we will lead healthier, thinner and more energetic lives. But is this really true, and why, all of a sudden, are wheat and other grains being demonized? Before deciding to jump on the gluten-free train, please read ahead to have a better understanding of whether this is actually a nutritional approach you should take in your own life.[\/x_feature_box][\/cs_column][\/cs_row][\/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” separator_top_type=”none” separator_top_height=”50px” separator_top_angle_point=”50″ separator_bottom_type=”none” separator_bottom_height=”50px” separator_bottom_angle_point=”50″ style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1\/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h4″ looks_like=”h4″ accent=”false” class=”cs-ta-center”]What the heck is gluten anyway?[\/x_custom_headline][cs_block_grid type=”two-up”][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 1″]Anatomy of Grain<\/strong>
\nAs you can see, within the husk of plants in the grass family, there are three parts to a grain; the outer layer, or Bran, the middle layer or Endosperm and the inside layer, or Germ.[\/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 2″]\"\"<\/a>[\/cs_block_grid_item][\/cs_block_grid][cs_text]Gluten<\/strong><\/em> is a storage protein that is found, primarily, in the Endosperm, and provides the nutrients needed to help the grain seed grow into a plant. Gluten is made up of two main parts:<\/p>\n

1. Prolamin<\/strong> \u2013 Storage Protein
\n2. Glutelins<\/strong> \u2013 the \u201cglue\u201d holding the prolamins together<\/p>\n

So why is this important to understand? Well, the Prolamin in wheat gluten (Gliadin) is what causes Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity\/Intolerance and the Glutelin in wheat (Glutenin\u2026 why these names had to be SO similar I have no idea!) is the main cause of wheat allergies. There are roughly 55 diseases that have been linked, so far, to gluten sensitivity.[\/cs_text][cs_text]<\/p>\n

What Grains Contain Gluten?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

[\/cs_text][cs_text]Wheat<\/strong>
\nWheat-varieties<\/strong> including spelt, kamut, farro and durum
\nWheat-based products<\/strong> such as bulgar and semolina
\nBarley<\/strong>
\nRye<\/strong>
\nTriticale<\/strong>
\nOats*<\/strong> (not all but 1 in 5 individuals with Celiac Disease react to Oats as well since the protein in oats is very similar to Gluten)[\/cs_text][\/cs_column][\/cs_row][\/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” separator_top_type=”none” separator_top_height=”50px” separator_top_angle_point=”50″ separator_bottom_type=”none” separator_bottom_height=”50px” separator_bottom_angle_point=”50″ style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1\/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][x_custom_headline level=”h2″ looks_like=”h4″ accent=”false” class=”cs-ta-center”]What is the Difference Between Celiac Disease, Wheat Allergy and Gluten Sensitivity or Intolerance?[\/x_custom_headline][cs_text]<\/p>\n

Celiac Disease:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

[\/cs_text][cs_text]Is an autoimmune disease that affects the small intestine. In all people, the Prolamin in wheat, rye and barley can not be broken down through digestion. In most cases this does not cause any issues, but in people with CD, the gluten protein interacts with a certain enzyme in the lining of the small intestine. This interaction triggers the body\u2019s immune system to attack the lining of the small intestine, causing massive damage to the micro-villi (hair-like structure) in the small intestine, responsible for absorption of key nutrients. The only treatment for CD is a 100% gluten-free diet. Untreated CD eventually causes deprivation of vital nutrients to your brain, nervous system, bones liver and other organs and will often lead to malnourishment, other autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis, Type 1 Diabetes, thyroid disease, adenocarcinoma, and lymphoma of the small intestine.[\/cs_text][cs_block_grid type=”two-up”][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 1″]Usually people with CD exhibit gastrointestinal symptoms such as cramping, bloating, chronic constipation, or diarrhea. Disturbingly, more and more people are testing positive for CD without exhibiting any of these gastrointestinal symptoms, but instead have more vague symptoms of fatigue, body aches and anemia.[\/cs_block_grid_item][cs_block_grid_item title=”Block Grid Item 2″]<\/p>\n

Celiac Disease is a Multisystem Disease<\/strong><\/h3>\n

It affects the whole body, not just the GI tract<\/strong><\/h3>\n

[\/cs_block_grid_item][\/cs_block_grid][cs_text]The cause of CD is both genetic and environmental. People prone to CD have certain genes, but they may not be activated until late adulthood, and usually are activated by an environmental factor such as pregnancy, surgery, viral infection or severe emotional distress.
\nAgain, the ONLY treatment for CD is a 100% gluten-free diet for life. Even so much as a crumb of wheat can create issues for people with CD.[\/cs_text][cs_text]<\/p>\n

Wheat Allergy: <\/strong><\/h3>\n

[\/cs_text][cs_text]Although both wheat allergy and Celiac Disease involve the immune system, the two should not be confused. Wheat allergy is most common in children, and is usually outgrown before adulthood. As with other allergies, symptoms are immediate and can range from mild such as hives and rashes, to severe, such as anaphylaxis. There are many different components to wheat, and not everyone with a wheat allergy reacts to the same thing. Researchers have identified 27 different potential wheat allergens, one of which can be gluten.<\/p>\n

Celiac Disease and wheat allergy is NOT the same thing. With Wheat allergy, the body\u2019s immune system overreacts to a component of wheat identifying it as a harmful foreign substance, deploying the body\u2019s antibodies against the wheat component, itself. In Celiac Disease, there is only one component involved: the Prolamin portion of gluten in wheat, rye and barley that reacts with the body in such way, that triggers the immune system to attack exactly what its trying to defend \u2013 the body itself \u2013 causing an autoimmune disorder.
\nNote: the term \u201cgluten allergy\u201d is not an actual thing.[\/cs_text][cs_text]<\/p>\n

Gluten Intolerance:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

[\/cs_text][cs_text]Or gluten sensitivity, also involves the immune system, and often has similar symptoms to Celiac Disease, without the severe damage to the intestine. Even though there is not severe damage, the intestine is still affected, to some degree, by inflammation and malabsorption of nutrients. Unlike Celiac Disease, inflammation is not just contained to the digestive tract, and can cause wide-spread inflammation and autoimmune responses throughout the body. This means gluten intolerance can manifest itself in many ways, that may not even involve digestive tract symptoms. In fact, gluten intolerance has been connected to many other diseases.[\/cs_text][x_gap size=”50px”][x_accordion][x_accordion_item title=”Rheumatic Diseases Associated with Gluten-Sensitivity:” open=”true”]1. Sjogrn\u2019s Syndrome \u2013 Autoimmune disease that affects the glands that produce tears and saliva.
\nMain Symptoms: Dry, burning, itching eyes with blurry vision or light sensitivity; Dry, chalky, cotton mouth, with difficulty swallowing, speaking or tasting, dental decay and mouth infections.
\n2. Fibromyalgia \u2013 Chronic widespread muscle and connective tissue pain, debilitating fatigue, joint stiffness, and sleep disturbance.
\n3. Osteoporosis \u2013 due to malabsorption of vitamins (vitamin D in particular), minerals and other micronutrients.
\n4. Psudogout \u2013 type of arthritis that mimics gout causing severe episodes of localized pain, most often in the knees but also in wrists, elbow, shoulders and hands. This is, again, caused by Vitamin D deficiency related to malabsorption in the gut.[\/x_accordion_item][x_accordion_item title=”Rheumatic Disease Less Commonly Associated with Gluten:” open=”false”]1. Scleroderma
\n2. Rheumatoid Athritis
\n3. Lupus[\/x_accordion_item][x_accordion_item title=”Non-rheumatic Diseases Often Associated with Gluten Intolerance:” open=”false”]1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
\n2. Dermatitis Herpetiformis
\n3. Celiac Disease
\n4. Schizophrenia
\n5. Autism
\n6. Bipolar Disorder
\n7. Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
\n8. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
\n9. ADHD
\n10. Peripheral Neuropathy
\n12. Depression
\n11. Seizure Disorder
\n13. Migraines[\/x_accordion_item][\/x_accordion][cs_text]So this is a pretty intense list of stuff! The good news is that if the diseases, listed above, are due to gluten sensitivity, the disease can often be completely reversed by going gluten free.[\/cs_text][\/cs_column][\/cs_row][\/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” separator_top_type=”none” separator_top_height=”50px” separator_top_angle_point=”50″ separator_bottom_type=”none” separator_bottom_height=”50px” separator_bottom_angle_point=”50″ style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1\/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]<\/p>\n

I Thought Gluten-Free Diets Helped with Weight Loss!<\/strong><\/h3>\n

[\/cs_text][cs_text]The answer to this is yes, no and maybe. Confused? Let me explain:
\nFor those suffering from Celiac Disease, rapid weight loss is actually one of the symptoms with continued consumption of gluten, but NOT a good symptom, because the weight loss is a direct result of your small intestine being damaged and unable to absorb nutrients. By continuing to eat gluten, an individual with CD is actually in a form of starvation.<\/p>\n

In situations where people have gluten sensitivity, weight gain is a very common problem. Why is this? Well when there is widespread inflammation, your body is in a state of stress, which causes increased levels of cortisol (\u201cthe stress hormone\u201d) elevated blood sugar levels and elevated insulin levels. When cortisol and insulin are chronically elevated for a continuous amount of time, your body is much more likely to store fat, and over time, develop insulin resistance. Eliminating the inflammatory-causing gluten can result in weight loss for those who are actually suffering from gluten intolerance. My concern is that if you do in fact have gluten intolerance, weight should be the last thing on your list of concerns (as I clearly demonstrated through the list of related disease above) and going gluten-free should be a complete lifestyle change for you, not just a temporary diet to lose that last stubborn 10 pounds.[\/cs_text][\/cs_column][\/cs_row][\/cs_section][cs_section parallax=”false” separator_top_type=”none” separator_top_height=”50px” separator_top_angle_point=”50″ separator_bottom_type=”none” separator_bottom_height=”50px” separator_bottom_angle_point=”50″ style=”margin: 0px;padding: 45px 0px;”][cs_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” style=”margin: 0px auto;padding: 0px;”][cs_column fade=”false” fade_animation=”in” fade_animation_offset=”45px” fade_duration=”750″ type=”1\/1″ style=”padding: 0px;”][cs_text]<\/p>\n

Gluten-Free Diets are not Necessarily Healthy:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

[\/cs_text][cs_text]Just because the food says \u201cGluten-Free\u201d does not give it the automatic stamp of health, especially if its a processed food. Lets face it, processed foods are processed foods whether they contain gluten or not. For example, replacing pasta with organic, whole grain rice, or spaghetti squash is a great option. Picking up gluten-free cookies and thinking its okay to nosh away, is not a great option. Many gluten-free sweets, breads, and cereals are nothing but over processed corn, rice and potato starch which means empty calories, and spikes in blood sugar, resulting in hunger binges and sugar cravings\u2026. and you got it, weight gain. So if you choose to go gluten free, don\u2019t go hog wild on gluten-free stuff, thinking that its the new weight loss magic you\u2019ve been looking for. You still gotta stick to avoiding the overly processed foods, and choose whole foods instead.<\/p>\n

Should you be Concerned? Do you have gluten issues? Or are you one of the lucky folks who tolerates gluten just fine?
\nWell, glad you asked! Have you had persistent issues with any of the following?<\/p>\n