Contributed by Dr. Anna Altair
Gluten is a protein that must be broken down in digestion to be used as fuel in our bodies. Many humans cannot break down the proteins because their stomach acids are too weak to get the job done.
When this happens, the long chain proteins are simply excreted, and some of them escape into the blood stream. The blood cells are alert to notice "foreign" substances that are not supposed to be in there. So the blood deals with these "foreigners" as best it can. The blood makes antigens to combat the foreign long chain proteins. Over time, an auto-immune disease is noticed and labeled.
Here are several labeled auto-immune diseases we have come to know in our society: Osteo-Arthritis (OA), Psoriatic-Arthritis (PA), Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Muscular Sclerosis (MS), Glomerular Nephritis, Diabetes and there are many others. These are in fact, digestive disorders. Unfortunately, the "symptoms" of disease are treated with drugs, instead of treating the cause of the disease - which is undigested food.
I strive to get to the root cause of a problem and change patterns rather than treat symptoms. For instance, if a person is constantly having flu-like symptoms, try eliminating all dairy for a month to dry up the sinuses instead of giving drugs. See what happens during that time. If the mucous dries up, the person is intolerant to dairy. The following month, try eliminating gluten. You get the idea.
Most gluten is from wheat or barley or rye. One of these grains is in nearly every processed food and many other things we buy. Most vitamins E found in shampoos and skin lotions is mainly from wheat. So if your scalp is itching, check your shampoo, conditioner and body cream.
Some symptoms caused by gluten intolerance are:
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Panic Attacks
• Pain
• Brain Fog
• Abnormal Immune Functioning - this can look like colds and flu all the time.
• Abdominal Cramping and Painful Gas
• Headache and Migraine Headaches
• Joint and Muscle Inflammation and Pain
• Sudden Weight Gain
• Dental Issues - mouth sores - decreased calcium levels
• Skin Problems - itching, blisters, eczema , pimples, rashes
My life has dramatically changed since I learned about gluten intolerance and how to avoid the symptoms and have a full life. Please let me know if I can help you. Good health is your birthright!
Dr. Anna Altair practices in Wasilla, 3161 Palmer-Wasilla Hwy. Suite #1. She is eager to help those wanting to be healthy without drugs. Her approach is wholistic; she treats the whole person and helps patients make permanent changes in their well-being. Feel free to call 907-357-1818.
