There are many diseases linked to gluten sensitivity.  From arthritis to mental disorders to nutritional anemias, gluten can cause and contribute to an array of health problems.  A recent medical study demonstrates in multiple ways, how this toxic protein can lead to endocrine gland dysfunction

RESULTS: Short stature was the commonest presentation (25%), other presentations included short stature and delayed puberty (20%), delayed puberty (11%), screening for celiac disease in type-1 DM patients (17%), rickets (6%), anemia not responding to oral therapy (6%), type-1 DM with recurrent hypoglycaemia (6%), and osteomalacia (3%). The endocrine manifestations include (after complete evaluation) short stature (58%), delayed puberty (31%), elevated alkaline phospahatase (67%), low calcium (22%), X-rays suggestive of osteomalacia or rickets (8%), capopedal spasm (6%), and night blindness (6%). Anti-TPO antibody positivity was found in 53%, hypothyroidism in 28%, subclinical hypothyroidism in 17%, and type-1 DM in 25% of the patients. A total of 14% patients had no GI symptoms.
CONCLUSION: Celiac disease is an endocrine disrupter as well as the great masquerader having varied presentations including short stature, delayed puberty, and rickets. Some patients who have celiac disease may not have any GI symptoms, making the diagnosis all the more difficult. Also, there is significant incidence of celiac disease with hypothyroidism and type-1 DM, making screening for it important in these diseases.

 

Source: Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2012 Dec;16(Suppl 2):S506-8.

 Gluten Syndrome

Many experts think that gluten only effects the GI tract.  The reality is that gluten can cause or contribute to more than 200 medical conditions.  The study above is another demonstration of the far reaching impact of gluten on disease and dysfunction.  The findings indicate that gluten can disrupt hormones and contribute to:

• Short stature and delayed growth
• delayed puberty
• Type I Diabetes
• Rickets (soft bone disease caused by vitamin D deficiency)
• Anemia
• Hypoglycemia
• Hypothyroidism

In addition, gluten has also been linked to:

• Low testosterone – in men this can contribute to weight gain around the gut, low libido, increased blood pressure and cholesterol, poor energy, and brain fog.
• Endometriosis
• Causing elevations in the hormone prolactin - this can contribute to irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, loss of libido, and bone loss.

What to do?

If you or a loved one has been diagnoed with any of the above conditions, get genetically screened for gluten sensitivity.  I have seen patients with every one of the conditions listed above who improved or resolved the issue with a TRUE gluten free diet.

If you have one of the conditions above and you doctor tells you that it is not related to gluten exposure, get a second opinion.  If you would like to know more about the spectrum of diseases related to gluten sensitivity, go read this now <<<

If you want free instant access to our definitive guide to gluten, sign up below:

It is time for doctors to start ruling out gluten sensitivity as well as other food intolerances, sensitivities, and allergies. It is time for doctors to start recognizing the therapeutic benefit of diet change. If you think that this information will help someone you love suffering with a hormone imbalance, please forward this along.

Recovering From Gluten Induced Damage Requires The Right Nutrition…

Years of gluten exposure can damage the gastrointestinal tract and hinder the body’s ability to properly digest, absorb, and assimilate nutrients into your cells where they work to support energy, hormone balance, and many other important functions…

Supplementation is Critical For Those With Gluten Induced Gut Damage

Multiple studies have shown the relationship between vitamin and mineral deficiencies and gluten intolerance and celiac disease. It is well established that damage to the intestinal cells can lead to malabsorption and poor digestion. One study showed that celiac patients following the gluten free diet still had vitamin and mineral deficiencies after 10 years of compliance. Add to this the fact that the chronic autoimmune inflammatory damage taxes the nutritional status of the body and we are left with chronically ill patients who need supplementation as part of their recovery process. Now add to this that almost 1/4 of all supplements contain hidden gluten and we have a major medical disaster.

Are You Flushing Your Money & Health Down The Toilet?

A recent study investigated over the counter vitamin and mineral supplements for the presence of gluten, and the results were alarming for those who are trying to follow a gluten free diet and maintain a healthy lifestyle through the use of multi-vitamins, probiotics, etc.

we investigated the presence of gluten in twenty one common dietary supplements from the national market using the immunochromatographic assay. This visual assay proved to be an efficient rapid tool for gluten screening as an alternative to the ELISA techniques. The results have shown the presence of gluten in 23.8% of the investigated samples (vitamins, minerals, plant extracts, probiotics supplements, lactoferrin, propolis supplements).

Source: Roum Arch Microbiol Immunol. 2011 Oct-Dec;70(4):174-7.

1

Why is Gluten Cross Contamination In Supplements Such a Problem?

Many supplement manufactures process multiple products in their facilities. Often times, grain is used as a filler or additive. Wheat germ is a common example of a gluten based ingredient being used in supplement processing. This same problem can be seen in a number of prescription and over the counter medications. Below is a list of commonly used terms that may be grain based fillers in vitamin supplement products:

• Wheat germ
• food glaze
• food starch
• maltodextrin
• MSG
• Hydrolyzed vegetable protein
• Textured plant protein
• Artificial flavors and colors
• natural flavors
• dextrin

Corn is a Very Commonly Added Component in Supplements

If you have stayed up to date with current literature and research regarding corn gluten, then you are aware of Gluten Free Society’s stance on this problem. If you are not aware, go here now and catch up. Corn based fillers are extremely common in supplement products. As a matter of fact, most brands of vitamin C are derived from corn. This is one of the many reasons why vitamin C formulations cause reactions in patients with gluten intolerance issues. As corn is easily hidden and disguised in many ways, I have put together a list of terms you will want to be aware of to avoid this contaminant in your supplements. If you are in need of probiotics and vitamin supplements without gluten, you can go here.

 Introducing Ultra Nutrients

This new formulation was designed to offer superior nutritional support for those with gluten sensitivity.  Unlike most brands, this Ultra high-quality, hypoallergenic, multivitamin/mineral blend includes activated vitamins and minerals including:

• Folate as a blend of 5-MTHF vs. standard formulas containing inactivated folic acid
• Vitamin B-12 as activated methylcobalamin vs. standard formulas containing cyanocobalamin
• Vitamin B-2 as activated riboflavin 5′ phosphate vs. standard formulas containing regular riboflavin
• Vitamin B-1 as Thiamin Mononitrate vs. standard thiamin hydrochloride
• Vitamin A as a complex mixture of beta carotene and retinyl palmitate vs. beta carotene only
• Vitamin E as mixed natural tocopherols vs. standard synthetic alpha tocopherol only
• Patented Albion® TRAACS® chelated mineral complexes for enhanced absorption.
• An antioxidant blend that supports phase I liver detoxification.
• The comprehensive nutrient profile in Ultra Nutrient  supports core wellness for those seeking to re-balance their nutrient status after years of gluten induced damage and malnutrition.

What Ultra Nutrients – Gluten Free Does Not Contain:

This advanced nutritional formula is free of: wheat, gluten, corn, rice, yeast, soy, dairy, fish (including shellfish), peanuts, tree nuts, egg, artificial colors, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives.

>>> Click Here to Order Now <<<

 FAQ

1. How many capsules come in each bottle? 120 vegetarian gel capsules.
2. What is the recommended dose for this product?  2 capsules twice daily for adults.
3. Is this product safe for pregnant women?  Yes.  However; you should talk with your doctor or nutritionist to ensure you are getting enough zinc, folate, iron, and essential fatty acids to aid in the support of a healthy pregnancy.
4. Is this product safe for children?  Yes.  Children 5 years and up can take Ultra Nutrients.  The recommended dose is two capsules per day with food.

>>> Click Here to Order Now <<<

Other Important Supplements Recommended for Aiding the Healing Process

1. Max Digest – A comprehensive digestive formula that contains gluten degrading enzymes
2. Biotic Defense – A potent blend of healthy bacteria to promote proper gut flora balance.
3. UltraImmune IgG – A supplement containing immune factors to help restore immune function and balance
4. Methylcobalamin – Vitamin B-12 in the form of methylcobalamin (95% of patients with gluten sensitivity are deficient in B-12)
5. GI Restore – A bowel regulator (this is recommended for those with chronic constipation issues.)

Many breastfeeding moms are told that their babies are allergic to their breast milk.  A recent study sheds more light on a possible mechanism behind this…

Cow’s milk proteins (CMPs) are among the best characterized food allergens. Cow’s milk contains more than twenty five different proteins, but only whey proteins alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin, bovine serum albumin (BSA), and lactoferrin, as well as the four caseins, have been identified as allergens. Aim of this study was to investigate by proteomics techniques cow’s milk allergens in human colostrum of term and preterm newborns’ mothers, not previously detected, in order to understand if such allergens could be cause of sensitization during lactation. Term colostrum samples from 62 healthy mothers and preterm colostrum samples from 11 healthy mothers were collected for this purpose. The most relevant finding was the detection of the intact bovine alpha-S1-casein in both term and preterm colostrum. Using this method, which allows direct proteins identification, beta-lactoglobulin was not detected in any of colostrum samples. According to our results bovine alpha 1 casein that is considered a major cow’s milk allergen is readily secreted in human milk: further investigations are needed in order to clarify if alpha-1-casein has a major role in sensitization or tolerance to cow’s milk of exclusively breastfed predisposed infants.

Source: J Biol Regul Homeost Agents. 2012 Jul-Sep;26(3 Suppl):39-42.

The Gluten Free Warrior’s Comment:

Cow dairy is one of the most common allergens in the U.S.  Babies are no exception to this rule.  Milk is often viewed as an essential staple food for kids.  We have been told over and over again that we need dairy for calcium, and although dairy does contain calcium, there are many other foods rich in calcium as well.

Today’s modern dairy comes from genetically tampered with cows.  The casein in the dairy from these cows is resistant to digestion and has been linked to autoimmune disease.  The casein from these cows for many causes the same types of symptoms we see gluten cause.  This same type of casein is one of the most common dairy based protein allergies known.

In my clinical experience, I have never seen a baby be allergic to mother’s milk.  The typical scenario is that the mother is consuming foods that the baby is reactive to.  Once the mother changes her diet, the baby’s symptoms tend to dissipate.  The study above demonstrates that on of the most allergenic dairy proteins (casein) passes into mother’s milk.  The take away message is that if the baby is having allergy symptoms while breastfeeding, mom should look at her diet and make adjustments.

Common symptoms of allergy reaction in infants are:

• Hives
• Eczema
• Colic
• Chronic diaper rash
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Sneezing fits after meals
• Chronic facial rubbing (can indicate itchy eyes)
• Chronic gas

Bottom line – if you suspect that your baby is allergic to your breast milk, don’t stop breast feeding.  Instead look at your diet  for foods that could be a problem for the baby.  The most common food problems are gluten, dairy, sugar, beans or legumes, shellfish, and cruciferous vegetables. For more information on how gluten can affect children go here <<<

If you want free instant access to our definitive guide to gluten, sign up below:

If you think that this information will help someone you love,  please forward this along.

Pre Made Paleo with Chef Bradford

Guest Article by Chef Richard Bradford

Paleo Diet Vs. The TRUE Gluten Free Diet

Gluten Sensitivity/Intolerance is a condition that affects millions of people, and while there is no magic medical pill to cure it, people can effectively control it by changing their diet. By removing exposure to gluten, a protein found in grains, the body’s immune system no longer attacks the small intestine. Therefore, by altering their diet as such, people with Celiac Disease tend to feel better and are able to properly digest other nutrients.

The Paleo Diet abides by similar principles. While it certainly is grain-free, it takes it a few steps further by also eliminating dairy, legumes, refined sugars, and processed foods. Most people have an intolerance to these foods to some degree already (lactose-intolerance, lectin in legumes, the headache you get from sugars etc), so the Paleo diet focuses on consuming foods that make you feel good; food that your body is supposed to eat.

Caveman Diet

Some people refer to the Paleo Diet as the “Caveman Diet” because these foods tend to be a more modern take on what our ancestors used to be able to hunt and gather. Meats, fish, poultry, fruits, veggies, and nuts were all part of a more primal way of life, but it doesn’t mean you have to live a primitive lifestyle. So put away the club and loin cloth and enjoy some tuna tartare on white linen. This is a diet anyone can enjoy!

Should You Go Paleo?

Many people with celiac disease and non celiac gluten sensitivity have adopted Paleo for just these reasons. Not only do they feel better by cutting out these other toxins (and often times look better!), but they enjoy the creativity the Paleo Diet offers in the kitchen. Saying goodbye to corn syrup and processed food is not so hard when you introduce yourself to Mother Nature’s bounty.  But don’t stop there.  Just because there are refined flours without gluten, and healthier sweeteners like honey and maple syrup does not make them the great choice.  Focus on wholesome meats, fats, and nutrient dense vegetables and you will be truly Paleo.   They are all you need!  To make the transition easier, there is an entire Paleo community to offer advice, cooking tips, and share success stories. So why not give it a try?

The Paleo Diet can be a wonderful solution for people and families with Celiac Disease.

Chef Bradford offers done for you meals.  To date, he is the only company I know of that:

• Uses  grass fed beef
• Uses local and/or organically sourced vegetables
• Delivers to your home
• Provides TRUE gluten free, dairy free, legume free meals

You can learn more about PreMade Paleo here <<<

The Gluten Free Food Industry is Keeping You Sick

When initially going gluten free, the average person reaches out to the gluten free aisle in the grocery store to find substitutes for pastas, breads, cereals, bagels, etc.  That is when the problem begins.  The majority of these people seeking gluten free substitutes remain sick.  Some research studies show that the number is as high as 92% of patients fail to heal.

Most gluten free substitute products are made from corn, rice, and other grains and pseudo grains (amaranth, buckwheat, quinoa).  Unfortunately, these substitutes have been shown to cause damage for those with gluten sensitivity.  Click the links below for some common examples:

• Studies on corn gluten
• Studies on rice gluten
• Studies on quinoa

Research has also shown that those following a processed gluten free diet can have a hard time healing.  The study found that 81% of patients that were non responsive to a Traditional Gluten Free Diet responded to a TRUE gluten free diet (no processed foods and no grain substitutes).

Help Yourself Out

Eat real food.  Healing won’t happen with a diet rich in processed garbage.  If you have done this and you are still not feeling better, I put together this reference to help you navigate what to do next.  Click the next page button to learn more.  I would also recommend that you go over to UnderGround Wellness.  Sean has done a stellar job of putting together information that can help you on your journey to health.

Guest Post By Tyler Bramlett Author Of The Warrior Workout Systems

The words lean and body seem to be everywhere on the internet these days and one of the most frustration things is knowing who to listen to and what to do. I’m sure you’ve noticed by now that there are 100’s of different websites and 100’s of different opinions about how to go about developing a lean body.

I wanted to help you out by giving you 3 straightforward golden rules if a lean body is on your list of goals. This lis is comprised of the 3 key components that I believe are necessary for helping people develop a lean healthy body. Let’s get started…

GOLDEN RULE #1 – You Must Ditch The Excessive Cardio

Cardio seems to be the main thing that you hear people touting when the goal is developing a lean body. I’m here today to tell you once and for all, this is simply not true. Although you are able to burn a good amount of calories during a conventional cardio session, where things go wrong is hormonal impact that cardio will have on you for the rest of the day.

Let me explain…

Hormones are the real secret key to developing a lean body.  Think back to when you were younger.  Regardless of whether you were in great shape or not you certainly were able to get away with more junk food and laziness then you are today, right?  Back when I was a kid I could eat junk foods, sit on the couch all day and still maintain my body, but now as I get older, I look at the wrong foods and I seem to pack on a few extra lbs! This is due to the hormonal environment of your body. The simple fact is, the better your hormonal profile,the more likely you are to get a lean body.

So what does this have to do with cardio?

The recommended 30-60 minutes of medium intensity cardio each day has been PROVEN to increase cortisol levels in the blood which increase insulin resistance (i.e. make you more susceptible to gaining fat when eating carbs), increase your appetite (cardio often makes you hungrier) and reduce the likelihood of you maintaining lean body mass!!

These are all bad things!! What I help people understand in my coaching is that the need for this “recommended” cardio doesn’t exist. If it did, we would not be here as our evolutionary ancestors would never be caught dead wasting their energy jogging for long distances.  We did not evolve to ideally tolerate extend periods of low intensity cardio. So cut out the cardio and follow golden rule #2

GOLDEN RULE #2 – You Must Get Stronger And Bring It

Ok, so cardio is out… What the heck does that mean you should be doing in your workouts?  Before I reveal what I have found works in developing a lean body let’s first agree on something. Let’s agree that form follows function, right?  Think about a sprinter vs. a marathoner… Their respective bodies reflect their training.  Even in the highest levels their workouts are what determine their body composition.  In fact most people are shocked to know that Olympic level marathoners tend to carry an average body fat of 9-11% for Men and 16-18% for Women whereas Olympic level sprinters carry an average body fat of 3-4% for Men and 11-13% for Women.

Do you understand how huge this is?  Can we agree that form follows function?  So this brings me back to the type of workouts you should be doing. Every man and especially woman should be doing some type of resistance training.  I’m not talking about goofy machine training but an exercise program made up of functional exercises (things that replicate real life) that get progressively harder or more intense.

Here’s where I get really excited as this is where the bulk of my time studying and practicing has been spent…

If you really wanna maximize your results you need good workouts and you need a series of progressively more difficult exercises. Here’s what I myself do and use successfully on my clients.

1. I use progressive movement training. This is where you practice an exercise for 3-6 months and then instead of adding reps or weight over and over again, you switch to a harder exercise. A great example would be starting with bodyweight squats and step-by-step over a period of time and using some in between exercises moving towards jumping lunges or beyond. Movement complexity is how our brains evolved and training for difficulty of exercise works every time!
2. I bring the intensity! Doing exercises at a medium intensity is not enough to reshape your body. If you really want to get a lean healthy body you need to bring it in your workouts. Plan for shorter but higher intensity workouts and watch the fat melt off all while you’re saving precious time.
3. Stay consistent!! If all you ever do is commit to doing a high intensity strength session even only 2 days per week you will be better off then 99.9% of the people out there. Staying consistent with your workouts is one of the most common mistakes people make. Stay Consistent!!

If you do these 3 things you will get awesome results in your workouts just like myclients. (see a pic of a legit client transformation below)

GOLDEN RULE #3 – You Must Live A Clean Lifestyle

And finally, if you want to get a lean body, you need to live clean. Since your reading this here at Gluten Free Society, I can assume you already know some basics about what you need to do to live clean and eat clean.  If not, here’s a simple list of the top 10 guidelines I give my clients if they want to get a lean body:

1. Eat Clean a MINIMUM Of 6 Days Per Week
2. Go Gluten Free
3. Eat 25-50g Of Protein Per Meal (Up To 150g Women And 200g Men Per Day)
4. Eat Consistent Meals (The People Who Eat The Same Things Over And Over Have Better Fat Loss Success Then People Who Eat Different Things Every Day)
5. Eat REAL Food As Close To Nature As Possible (Ditch The Processed Junk)
6. Monitor Your Carbohydrate Intake And Match It To Your Energy Expenditure
7. Sleep 6-9 Hours A Night (The More The Better)
8. Smile More Often
9. Take Pleasure Walks.
10. Drink A Bunch Of Water Every Day!

And there you have it, the 3 Golden Rules to a lean body. If you interested in workouts that use these principals to help you develop a lean healthy body, be sure to checkout my workout systems by CLICKING HERE.

I have lower body, upper body and abdominal training programs that use all of the principals I outlined in this short article that you can use to get lean, get toned, lose stress all while having fun with your workouts!!

CLICK HERE to check out Tyler’s workout programs

Tyler Bramlett is a fitness and fat loss expert from Santa Cruz, CA. More information can be found about Tyler by visiting his Warrior Workouts Page.

As always, please share this information with your loved ones!

All the best,

Dr. O

The gluten free aisle at the grocery store continues to grow along with the popularity of the gluten free diet.  Unfortunately, the majority of the foods being sold are highly processed.  Many of them contain genetically modified ingredients.  Many of them contain other grains like corn and rice (glutens in these have been shown to create damage in celiacs).  Many of them are cross contaminated with gluten.

A recent study published in Biomed Central Gastroenterology confirms that avoiding these processed foods improves healing in those who have previously gone traditionally gluten free and not responded (this is often referred to as non responsive disease).   A summary of the study is below:

Patients with persistent symptoms and/or villous atrophy despite strict adherence to a gluten-free diet (GFD) have non-responsive celiac disease (NRCD). A subset of these patients has refractory celiac disease (RCD), yet some NRCD patients may simply be reacting to gluten cross-contamination. Here we describe the effects of a 3-6 month diet of whole, unprocessed foods, termed the Gluten Contamination Elimination Diet (GCED), on NRCD.

Prior to the GCED, all patients were interviewed by an experienced dietitian and no sources of hidden gluten ingestion were identified.

Sources: BMC Gastroenterol. 2013 Feb 28;13:40. doi: 10.1186/1471-230X-13-40.

The Danger of Processed Foods

The label below was taken from a popular “gluten free” bread.  As one can easily see, there are multiple non organic ingredients.  Many from GMO sources.  Many of the ingredients are also substitute grains – i.e. corn and rice, both of which have been shown to cause inflammatory damage in those with celiac disease.  The product also contains two forms of sugar.  Now take the average person who is going gluten free after years of food induced damage and ask a simple question – Will the food below help restore health or will it hinder the process?

Aside from simply being unhealthy, processed foods prevent the recovery process in patients with long standing gluten induced damage.  The medical treatment for those who don’t respond to a gluten free diet is the use of immuno therapies.  Drugs commonly used for this include:

• Prednisone
• Azathioprine
• Cyclosporine
• Biologics

These types of treatments come with many dangerous side effects.  Long term use of steroids cause bone loss, induce vitamin and mineral deficiencies, contribute to diabetes, and cause hormonal imbalance.  Immune suppressants contribute to congestive heart failure, blood based cancers like lymphoma, and increased risk for serious infections.

The study above demonstrates that 82% of those who did not respond to a traditional gluten free diet made a full recovery by eliminating processed food.  Interesting…

As stated above, processed food can be cross contaminated, but the big take away message here should really be that processed food isn’t good for you.  Bottom line – default to common sense and the three cardinal rules of nutrition:

1. One cannot achieve or maintain health eating unhealthy foods.
2. One cannot achieve or maintain health eating foods they are allergic, sensitive, or intolerant to.
3. If you eat it and it makes you feel bad, stop eating it.  Don’t medicate the symptoms away.

All the best,

Dr. O – The Gluten Free Warrior

Food intolerances or sensitivities are reactions to foods, which are not due to immunological mechanisms. Lactose intolerance is common in the general population and can mimic symptoms of FGID (functional gastrointestinal disorders) or coexist with FGID. As discussed in other articles in this series, other carbohydrate intolerances may be responsible for symptom generation in patients with IBS and perhaps other FGIDs. There is a great interest in the role of a major dietary protein, gluten, in the production of symptoms that are very similar to those of patients with celiac disease without the enteropathy that characterizes celiac disease. Emerging research into a syndrome known as nonceliac gluten sensitivity suggests a heterogeneous condition with some features of celiac disease but often categorized as FGIDs, including IBS.

Source:  Am J Gastroenterol. 2013 Apr 9. doi: 10.1038/ajg.2013.97.

Blood Tests Measure Allergies Not Intolerances

The reason this paper is important is that it highlights a major difference between food allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities.  Most GI doctors will only measure for IgG allergic response to gluten.  The problem with that approach is that it only rules out 1 of 7 types of allergic reactions you could be having against a food.  The other problem is that it does not address the issue of intolerance or sensitivity.  Sadly, doctors who don’t test for the differences often times tell their patients to continue eating gluten even though they shouldn’t.  This can lead to confusion and missed diagnosis.  For more on lab testing read and watch this video from leading expert, Dr. Russell Jaffe.

Case in point, I recently had a patient come to see me because her GI doctor told her to stop eating gluten free and she started feeling horrible.  He tested her gluten IgG levels.  They were negative, and he proceeded to tell her that a gluten free diet was dangerous to follow unless you have celiac disease.  This doctor was obviously in the wrong.  How many thousands of GI doctors get it wrong every day…and how many thousands of patients are given the wrong information and continue to maintain a very preventable gluten related illness over it?

Prescribed Drugs Don’t Cure Disease

The patient above was put on an acid blocking medication and told to eat more whole grain fiber.  The reason she came to see me is because this advice made her even more sick.  Aside from the whole grain being full of gluten that she was reacting to, the medication induced a digestive problem as well.  It created multiple vitamin and mineral deficiencies that led to anemia and severe fatigue.

IBS and GERD

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastroesophageal reflux syndrome (GERD – AKA heartburn) are two conditions that I have seen completely correct countless times for people who change their diet.  Gluten free, dairy free, sugar free, and soy free diets are the most common that I see.  I also see a strong trend for these conditions being caused by the consumption of genetically modified foods.   If you are suffering from IBS or GERD and you have tested negative for gluten allergy or celiac disease, you might just want to consider genetic testing for gluten.  You might also consider removing the above foods from your diet.  The result may save you from a lifetime of pain and disease.

If you want free instant access to our definitive guide to gluten, sign up below:

It is time for doctors to start ruling out gluten sensitivity as well as other food intolerances, sensitivities, and allergies. It is time for doctors to start recognizing the therapeutic benefit of diet change. If you think that this information will help someone you love suffering with a IBS and/or acid reflux, please forward this along.

Dr. Osborne here,

Most brands of make up are extremely toxic.  Women using these products on a consistent basis are putting themselves at great health risk.  Below you can listen to the interview I recently did with Jay Harper, founder of Red Apple Lipstick.  Some of the highlights of the interview include:

• Make up toxicity – how no safety testing is required in manufacturing of make up
• How gluten in lipstick can cause persistent illness in those with gluten sensitivity
• How chemicals in makeup act like estrogen
• The difference in the ingredients of cosmetic products
• How many brands of make up can increase your risk for breast cancer
• What to look for to avoid toxic chemicals in your products

You can visit Red Apple Gluten Free Lipstick here <<<

Click on the MP3 icon to listen now…

Toxic Make Up – From Gluten to Cancer Risk

Jay Harper with Red Apple Lipstick is committed to the gluten free community.  His company makes stellar lipsticks, glosses, lip liners, an unbelievable lip balm called Rallye Balm (a life saver for chronic dry lips), a very special lip exfoliator stick, and pressed mineral eye shadows.

Where Can You Find Gluten Free Lipstick?

To learn more about Red Apple and their non-toxic gluten free cosmetic line, click here <<<

Make-Up Cross Contamination

Many of those going gluten free are overwhelmed by the diet changes that they don’t even think about the possibility of make up and cosmetics creating a problem for gluten exposure.  Fact of the matter is, many of these products contain wheat fillers and other grain based ingredients that can contribute to consistent gluten exposure.  I have seen patients who were non-responsive to diet changes because of this issue.  Remember that men are at just as great of a risk.  Kissing can be a source of cross contamination.  Make sure that you take the time to look at your products and read the labels to rule out exposure.  I strongly recommend going with a cosmetic company that produces make up in small batches in a dedicated grain free facility.  You can visit Red Apple here <<<

Gluten and Breastfeeding

The questions about breast feeding come up often in regards to gluten intolerance, sensitivity, and celiac disease.  I have had patients tell me that their pediatrician would prefer they not breastfeed because of gluten issues in the baby.  I have also had patients be told that their baby is allergic to breast milk and that formula is a better option.  This is terrible advice, but unfortunately is is common advice.

Breast Milk is the Ultimate Human Nutrition

Breast feeding is the best source of nutrient dense food in babies regardless of disease status of the mother or the baby.  The only exception to this rule is when the mother is taking medications that might harm the baby, or if the mother is eating a diet high in foods that the baby is allergic to.  The diagram below illustrates some of the benefits of natural feeding VS. artificial formula use:

Gluten Should Not Deter You From Breast Feeding

Gluten can and does show up in mother’s milk.  If your baby is gluten sensitive, gluten exposure through milk can cause multiple problems:

• Colic
• FTT (failure to thrive)
• GERD (acid reflux)
• Hormone disruption
• Chronic diarrhea
• Eczema
• Chronic diaper rash
• Vomiting
• Seizure disorder

The presence of these issues should alert you to the need to have proper testing done to determine gluten sensitivity in you and your baby.  The popularity of the gluten free diet has increased awareness, but many are going gluten free without a diagnosis.  You don’t need a diagnosis to go gluten free.  Despite what many so called experts say, there is no danger in avoiding grain.  If you are concerned about the potential for gluten sensitivity in your baby, the easy solution is to consume a gluten free diet while you are breast feeding.  You can access a list of foods to avoid here.  If you would like to investigate the possibility of gluten sensitivity, the best determinant is genetic testing.  If you cannot afford it, I have put together a quiz for you to take to help determine whether or not a gluten free diet is right for you.

Additionally, you should investigate the possibility of other food allergies.  The presence of food allergies can cause reactions in the baby that are just as detrimental as gluten.  Remember that if you choose the route of formula feeding, you are voluntarily giving your baby genetically modified corn, sugar, soy, and or dairy.  No child can thrive in a healthy manor eating those items as staple foods.

If you want to investigate the horrible ways in which gluten can damage children, I would strongly encourage you to watch this video <<<

As always, please share this information with your loved ones!

All the best,

Dr. O