Old Time Remedies, Health and Wellness: 5 Cancer Causing Foods You Should Never Eat

Old Time Remedies, Health and Wellness: 5 Cancer Causing Foods You Should Never Eat: Eating clean means eating healthy food in it’s natural state which has been as minimally processed as possible. The following foods are not ...

What Is Gluten?

Gluten refers to the proteins found in wheat endosperm (a type of tissue produced in seeds that's ground to make flour). Gluten both nourishes plant embryos during germination and later affects the elasticity of dough, which in turn affects the chewiness of baked wheat products.
Gluten is actually composed of two different proteins: gliadin (a prolamin protein) and glutenin (a glutelin protein).
Though "true gluten" is sometimes defined as being specific to wheat, gluten is often said to be part of other cereal grains — including rye, barley and various crossbreeds — because these grains also contain protein composites made from prolamins and glutelins.

Why is gluten bad?
Gluten isn't necessarily bad, but some people are gluten-intolerant, meaning their bodies produce an abnormal immune response when it breaks down gluten from wheat and related grains during digestion.
The most well-known form of gluten intolerance is celiac disease, which affects one in every 141 people in the United States, according to the National Institutes of Health. When someone with celiac disease consumes gluten, it triggers an immune response that damages their intestines, preventing them from absorbing vital nutrients.
Wheat allergy is a rare type of gluten intolerance — it's a classic food allergy marked by skin, respiratory or gastrointestinal reactions to wheat allergens.
Recently, scientists have become aware of another potential form of intolerance called nonceliac gluten sensitivity. After consuming gluten, patients with gluten sensitivity may experience many celiac disease symptoms, such as diarrhea, fatigue and joint pain, but don't appear to have damaged intestines.
In cases of gluten intolerance, doctors typically recommend a gluten-free diet. Patients must avoid eating any foods and ingredients that contains gluten, including bread, beer, french fries, pasta, salad dressing, soy sauce and even some soups (unless otherwise marked as "gluten-free").
In recent years, many people without gluten intolerance have taken up gluten-free diets. Experts worry, however, that going on these diets without explicitly needing to could be detrimental to a person's health, as gluten-free foods are often nutrient-deficient.

More: http://www.livescience.com/39726-what-is-gluten.html


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Gluten Sensitivity Symptoms and Side Effects

By Dr. Josh Axe

Gluten free is rad. Wheat is bad.

Or something like that. Even if you’d admit to not knowing anything about gluten, you’ve definitely heard of it by now. Grocery stores have sections dedicated to it, celebs are proclaiming their love for being free of it, and many restaurants have “gluten free” labeled right on the menu. In 2012, gluten free products totaled $12.4 BILLION in sales, an 18% increase in the previous year.
Despite all the attention, most people, whether choosing to avoid gluten entirely or ingest it freely wouldn’t be able to answer the question “What is gluten?” Popular insufficient assumptions include:

…bread, grains, carbs, starch, cheez-its, sugar, bad stuff, baked goods, noodles, cupcakes, calories and yummmmy.

And all those are close. Well, sort-of. OK, technically… not really at all.

What is Gluten?

Gluten is the term used to refer to a combination of proteins found in certain grains. As you may know, the grain is actually the seed (aka the reproductive force) of a plant. This seed is made up of three parts: the endosperm (inside), the bran (outer shell), and the germ (nutrient “core.”) Enter: “Bill Nye the Science Guy” Theme Song. Gluten is located in the endosperm. When we eat “whole grains,” we’re eating all three parts of the seed. When we eat “refined grains,” we’re eating just the endosperm (the bran and germ are removed.) Don’t be fooled though, most all packaged grain products, whether “whole” or not, are highly refined and processed.

Getting into a bit more specifics, gluten is a mixture of two types of proteins: prolamin proteins and glutelin proteins (see helpful diagram above!) Although most grains contain a mixture of prolamin and glutelin proteins, the specific combination in wheat, barley and rye is what is now generally used to define what is gluten.

Gluten containing grains include: Wheat, Barley, and Rye, and related grains including Bulgur, Malt, Spelt, Oats (severely problematic for some), Kamut, Semolina, Durum, Pumpernickel, Farro, and Triticale.
“Gluten free” grains have prolamins and glutelins protein complexes that have different amino acid chains (remember: proteins are broken down into amino acids in the body) that generally don’t cause the same level of disruption as those classified as “gluten.”
Gluten free grains include: Amaranth, Rice, Corn, Buckwheat, Teff, Amaranth, Quinoa, and Millet.

Why Gluten Sucks (for some)

Until recently, doctors and scientists have thought of gluten as only causing problems to those suffering from an autoimmune condition called Celiac Disease. When people with Celiac Disease (CD) eat gluten, it triggers a cascade of inflammation both outside and inside the intestinal wall, and loosening of the tight junctions that hold the cells of our gut together.¹
When this loosening occurs, undigested gluten proteins “leak” through the gut barrier and interact with something called Tissue Transglutaminas (tTG), an enzyme the body releases in the gut to help repair damage. Because the invaders (gluten) are now crosslinked with the body’s own tissue (tTG), the immune system creates antibodies to attack both the gluten and gut cells (called enterocytes.)

If that sounds bad, it is. Basically, the intestinal wall gets attacked viciously and goes up in flames. If left untreated, CD can lead to serious vitamin and nutrient deficiencies, the development of other diseases and autoimmune conditions (Rheumatoid Arthritis, Type 1 Diabetes, Hashimoto’s, etc.), and nasty systemic gut inflammation which is linked to all different types of cancers and early death.

So, I don’t have Celia-whatever… that means I can eat lots of bread, right?!

Well, the research is showing a much different story.²
First, you may assume you don’t have Celiac Disease because you don’t experience digestive related issues. In reality, only 50% of those newly diagnosed with Celiacs Disease actually experience gut related symptoms. It’s estimated that 1 in 133 people suffer from Celiac Disease, and that for every one person diagnosed with Celiac Disease, there are 6.4 people undiagnosed.^[3][4] The truth of the matter is, only 1 in 4,700 have actually received an official diagnosis, meaning millions with Celiac Disease are unaware of it. That’s downright scary.
So, if you’ve been diagnosed with depression, thyroid issues, osteoporosis, migraines, or lymphoma (yeah, cancer SUCKS), it could be because of untreated Celiac Disease.
In the last few years, it’s also become clear that Celiac Disease is only one of many expressions of gluten intolerance. A general “sensitivity” to gluten which many people experience is now recognized as Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS.) Hooray for simple, easy names! Those with NCGS experience the same symptoms as those with Celiac Disease or a wheat allergy, but they don’t produce antibodies to their body’s own tissue, or have the same severe intestinal atrophy.

Well dang. How do I know if I have gluten this “sensitivity”… and why should I care? I want bread.

We’re almost there. Pinky swear!
If you have Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity, gluten is still causing an immune reaction in your gut in response to gluten (serious gut inflammation you can’t even feel), and can still lead to leaky gut.⁵ Not only that, when your immune system is working overtime against gluten, it doesn’t work so well in other parts of your body – like fighting damage from a workout, work related stress, or a virus that’s making you sick.
Here’s the real kicker. Just like Celiac Disease, Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity can affect virtually any tissue in the body from the brain to the liver, and has been associated with causing an astounding amount of symptoms and diseases, the most common being IBS-like symptoms (abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation), brain fog, headaches, migraines, fatigue, joint and muscle pain, leg or arm numbness, dermatitis (eczema or skin rash), depression, anxiety, and anemia. It’s also been associated with neurological and psychiatric conditions such as ADHD.
And the most fascinating to me, gluten intolerance is being associated with a number of endocrine related issues – including infertility and thyroid issues.^[6][7]
Experts in the field of gluten intolerance estimate that 7 – 30% of the population are suffering from Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity. Dr. Rodney Ford, a pediatric gastroenterologist and allergist in New Zealand says he believes that percentage could actually be much higher, up to 50% of the population. Dr. Kenneth Fine, gastroenterologist and internationally known medical researcher has also stated that gluten sensitivity could very well affect as much as half of the population.
It’s important to note – for NCGS, there is no official diagnostic test or medically defined set of symptoms. We’ve only just begun to learn about gluten intolerance and how it can affect the body, and much is being discovered as we speak from incredible pioneering researchers like Dr. Alessio Fasano.

So how the HECK am I supposed to know if my migraines are because of gluten?!

PIECE OH CAKE. Or, lack there of.
It’s time for a gluten challenge. Go without gluten for 30-60 days, depending on the severity of your issues. See how you look, feel and how your body performs. Do your migraines go away? Do you get your period again? Does your depression “lift?” Does your gas, bloating, and IBS disappear?
After your challenge, introduce gluten again and see how you feel. You get to make the decision about what works for you and what makes you feel your best.

Gluten-free Does Not Equal Healthy

Droppin’ a truth bomb: Gluten-free products are 242% more expensive than “gluten” ones, and usually still contain garbage ingredients. Check out the cocktail in this popular brand’s “Omega Flax & Fiber” Gluten-free Bread:
WATER, TAPIOCA STARCH, BROWN RICE FLOUR, EGG WHITES, RESISTANT CORN STARCH, NON-GMO VEGETABLE OIL (CANOLA OR SUNFLOWER OR SAFFLOWER), FLAX SEED, CANE SYRUP, CHIA SEED, YEAST, ORGANIC INULIN, CITRUS FIBER, EVAPORATED CANE JUICE, RICE BRAN, SALT, PEA PROTEIN, DRY MOLASSES, XANTHAN GUM, SODIUM ALGINATE, GUAR GUM, CARRAGEENAN, LOCUST BEAN GUM, SODIUM CARBOXYMETHYL CELLULOSE, CULTURED CORN SYRUP SOLIDS, ENZYMES.
5 different type of “gums”, 3 different types of sugar, vegetable oil, and GMO corn and rice. That doesn’t quite resemble human food.

My point? Gluten-free junk food is still junk food. I’m not against having “treats” like this occasionally, but don’t be misinformed and think that just because it’s gluten-free, it’s health-promoting. A packaged gluten-free muffin, cookie, or marshmallow cereal bar is still a muffin, cookie and marshmallow cereal bar. Processed sugars, non-gluten grains, vegetable oils, and food additives can cause gut disruption, inflammation and will inhibit your gut restoration.

Gluten-free is Not Low-Carb

Rest assured, a gluten-free lifestyle is not a low-carb lifestyle. Those who choose to eliminate gluten laden foods can get plenty of carbs from fruits and vegetable matter, including starchy roots and tubers like sweet potatoes and squash to meet even the most active of lifestyles. Also, other grains like rice, while potentially still problematic for some, can be soaked and consumed without any ill-effects.
In short, by eliminating processed junk like bars, bagels, breads and pastas, you eliminate the overconsumption of carbohydrate and sugar that’s become part of the modern Standard-American Diet. Not only that, but your vitamins, minerals, and fiber intake with soar through the roof.
Want to take your gluten challenge a step further? Try a Whole30 which eliminates all nutrient poor and potentially allergenic foods for a 30-day period.
What improvements did you see by going gluten-free? Testimonials will help others understand the potential improvements they could see from a gluten-free lifestyle, so don’t be shy

See More at  http://coconutsandkettlebells.com/what-is-gluten/

3 Steps to Recovery After Getting Glutened

If you are gluten sensitive or have celiac disease you know all too well about accidentally ingesting gluten — otherwise known as getting “glutened.”
The outward manifestation of getting glutened may be different for everyone, and can cause a variety of symptoms such as brain fog, diarrhea, constipation, headache, rash, weakness, joint pain, swelling, vomiting, and fatigue. However, inside your gut the effects are essentially the same; gluten is wreaking havoc. Gluten causes inflammation and damage to the intestines. Ridding yourself of this inflammatory protein, reducing inflammation and healing your gut from the damage are essential to recovering as quickly as possible.

3 Steps To Recover After Getting Glutened

1. The more quickly you can get the gluten out of your system, the better you’ll feel. 
These three things will help you do that promptly and effectively:
Digestive Enzymes. Digestive enzymes help speed up the breakdown and absorption of macronutrients. Be sure to take an enzyme that includes dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP-IV), which helps break down gluten specifically. In fact, I recommend that those with celiac and gluten intolerance take enzymes with DPP-IV when dining out.
Binding agents. Activated charcoal and bentonite clay bind toxins and help reduce gas and bloating. It’s best to increase water intake when taking either of these to avoid constipation, which will only delay healing.
Hydration. Fluids will help flush your system and keep you hydrated if you’re vomiting or have diarrhea. In addition to regular water, you can try coconut water, which contains electrolytes that may have been lost through vomiting or diarrhea.

2. Decrease inflammation.

Inflammation occurs naturally in our body when there has been an insult or injury to it. Decreasing this inflammation is essential to healing your gut. These three things will help you reduce inflammation quickly:
Omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oils, flax and chia seeds are full of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. I recommend 1-2 grams of omega-3 oils daily. You can go up to 4 grams a day for a week after accidental gluten ingestion.
Ginger has high levels of gingerol, which gives it a natural spicy flavor and acts as an anti-inflammatory in the body. It also has potent anti-nausea properties and can ease stomach cramping. I like to drink warm ginger tea as a comforting, anti-inflammatory beverage.
Turmeric is a member of the ginger family that contains the active ingredient curcumin, which is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. My anti-inflammatory smoothie with turmeric is a great drink to help you quickly recover from getting glutened.

3. Heal your gut.

Nearly 70% of our immune system is in our gut. Having a healthy gut is crucial for optimal health. The six things below will help you heal your gut.
Probiotics. Routinely, I recommend taking a highly concentrated probiotic (25-100 billion units) a day. I advise my patients to “double-up” on their probiotic dose for a week after a gluten exposure.
L-Glutamine. Glutamine is an amino acid that is great for repairing damage to the gut, helping the gut lining to regrow and repair, undoing the damage caused by gluten. I recommend 3-5 grams a day for a week after exposure.
Slippery elm. Slippery elm contains mucilage, which stimulates nerve endings in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to increase its secretion of mucus. Mucus forms a barrier in the gut to protect it and promote healing.
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL). DGL is an herb that’s been used for more than 3,000 years in the treatment of digestive issues, including ulcers and indigestion. DGL also supports the body’s natural processes for maintaining the mucosal lining of the GI tract.
Marshmallow root is a multipurpose supplement that can be used for respiratory or digestive relief. Like slippery elm, it contains mucilage, which eases the inflammation in the stomach lining, heals ulcers, and treats both diarrhea and constipation by creating a protective lining on the digestive tract.
Bone broth is very high in the anti-inflammatory amino acids glycine and proline. The gelatin in bone broth protects and heals the mucosal lining of the digestive tract that may get disrupted by being glutened.
Once you realize that you have been glutened, implement this three-step approach as soon as possible. If you are not seeing any improvement in your symptoms after three days or you’re getting worse. I would advise you to follow up with your physician.

Want to learn more?

http://www.amymyersmd.com/2013/08/3-steps-to-recover-after-getting-glutened/