Why Gluten Free?

Gluten is the tough elastic protein in wheat, rye and barley. The presence of gluten is what allows bread to expand and become bread; this is due to its very high content of the sulphur containing amino acid cystine, which gives gluten its elastic and expandable qualities. It is, however, this exact trait that also makes gluten very difficult to digest because gluten is not easy to breakdown. If a person's digestive system is the least bit compromised, it is very likely that the gluten will not be fully digested and be allowed to pass through to the intestines, where undigested proteins are the perfect nourishment for bad, putrefying bacteria. Because of the physical nature of gluten, it is an especially unfavorable substance to have in the intestines. It has a tendency to stick to the walls and combine with another hard to digest protein, casein. The two proteins can form an adherent mass on the intestinal walls that makes absorption of essential nutrients problematic, if not impossible. It can also make the passage of waste material extremely difficult (constipation) contributing to overall body and bowel toxicity. This intestinal build-up can put an enormous toxic burden on the body, making it vulnerable to an infinite amount of chronic conditions.
Alternative medicine has long identified the potential hazards of gluten and has come to recognize its association with allergies (immune system reaction). Gluten appears to be a trigger in some cases and a cause in others. This allergic response can be acquired when some of the partially digested gluten is absorbed into the bloodstream. Gluten is one of the few substances that does not have to be digested to be absorbed into the blood stream. If the gluten makes it past the liver, which is equipped to manage partially digested substances but can be overloaded already, then the undigested gluten will be allowed to pass into the bloodstream where it is not recognized as "self" by the immune system. The immune system will then initiate an immune response against the gluten causing a wide range of allergic symptoms. The more widely recognized symptoms include bloating, gas, water retention and a stuffy nose. The lesser known reactions primarily exhibit them themselves mentally. In recent years there has been growing evidence that those who suffer from certain forms of schizophrenia, autism and multiple sclerosis benefit from a gluten free diet seeing a marked improvement in their symptoms when gluten is removed.
Chron's disease and Coeliac disease are two conditions in particular that are directly related to an intolerance for gluten. Chron's disease is an intestinal disease where the small intestine is dysfunctional, and results in considerable pain and discomfort when one side of the intestine has turned inside on itself. This disease is frequently associated with a long history of gluten consumption. Coeliac disease is an example of an extreme intolerance and allergic reaction to gluten. Symptoms include rapid passage of food through the intestines (diarrhea) which does not allow for proper absorption of important nutrients, the inability to digest fats, bloating, gas and associated discomfort.

Removing gluten from ones diet is a sensitive area to address as we have all been raised on cereals and breads as familiar staples and comfort food. If an intolerance of gluten were suspected then switching to a diet that limits the intake of cereals to rice, millet and buckwheat would be favorable.

Supplementing a Gluten Free Diet

For someone who suffers from a gluten sensitivity, keeping their nutritional status at optimum will be challenging as result of the issues it creates with digestion and absorption. Some practitioners suggest the use of vitamin and mineral supplement powders or liquids to maximize the potential for absorption and hopefully help give the body the nutrients it needs to manage flare-ups and heal.
ALL ONE manufactures three completely gluten free (and dairy free) formulas. ALL ONE Rice Base, Green Phyto Base and the Fruit Antioxidant Formula. The protein base is from rice and helps facilitate better absorption. ALL ONE Fruit Antioxidant formula has the additional benefit of anthocyanins, which are showing great promise as effective for the treatment of inflammation. One of the most noted symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Having a sensitivity to gluten does not mean an end to your culinary world and well-being. It merely requires a habit adjustment and attention to detail that my have been overlooked before. Gluten free can be glorious and give you a whole new handle on your life.

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