What are gluten intolerance symptoms?

One of the things that a few people have found out is that they are gluten intolerant. I don’t think I have covered that topic, so today’s RE-Powering information (following a Gluten Free Recipe) will be about gluten intolerance. The only way to know if you are intolerant to gluten is to get tested, or eliminate it from your diet and notice how you feel.





1 Low Fat Quinoa Chili

½ cup quinoa 1 cup water

1 16 oz can of black beans

1 tsp. chili powder

1 tsp cinnamon

2 diced scallions

¼ cup diced tomatoes

¼ tsp. stevia ( to taste)

1. Bring quinoa and water to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes until germ separates.

2. In a separate pot simmer black beans together with seasonings for 10 minutes. Allow beans to cool and thicken for 5 minutes.

3. 3Combine quinoa and bean mixture together. Top with tomatoes and scallions and serve.

Cals: 394

Fat 4 gr.

Carb 70 gr.

Fiber 19 gr.

Protein 22 gr.

Sugar 0



What are gluten intolerance symptoms? Are people with gluten intolerance just fussy eaters with a new excuse for their picky food habits?
Research shows that gluten sensitivity in some form, including celiac disease and mild gluten intolerance, affects approximately 15% of the US population. These statistics are likely to be similar in Western countries with similar health issues and dietary patterns. Are you one of these people? How do you recognize gluten intolerance symptoms?

First of all let’s identify the difference between celiac disease and gluten intolerance. Celiac disease is an immune reaction, a severe sudden onset allergic reaction, to the protein called gluten. This is commonly found in grains such as wheat, rye, barley and oats. While celiac disease is initially an auto-immune disorder, it is also a disease of malabsorbtion, because essential nutrients are not absorbed. Therefore one of the most devastating symptoms of long-term undiagnosed celiac disease is malnutrition.

Gluten intolerance often has a slower onset than celiac disease, and may be hard to diagnose due to the broad range of symptoms and causes.

If you imagine a continuum of gluten intolerance symptoms, celiac disease is usually at the most extreme end with immediate autoimmune reactions. Some people with celiac disease may not have symptoms, but internally malabsorbtion and malnutrition can erode health over many years. Both celiac disease and gluten intolerance can be exacerbated by emotional stress, infection, surgery, pregnancy and childbirth. Every individual with some level of gluten intolerance or allergy may experience different shades of symptoms, hence the challenge for medical practitioners to diagnose.

So what are the specific symptoms of gluten intolerance and
celiac disease?

* Weight loss or weight gain
* Nutritional deficiencies due to malabsorbtion e.g. low iron levels
* Gastro-intestinal problems (bloating, pain, gas, constipation, diarrhea)
* Fat in the stools (due to poor digestion)
* Aching joints
* Depression
* Eczema
* Head aches
* Exhaustion
* Irritability and behavioral changes
* Infertility, irregular menstrual cycle and miscarriage
* Cramps, tingling and numbness
* Slow infant and child growth
* Decline in dental health

Undiagnosed for long periods of time, food intolerances have been found to contribute to diabetes, bowel cancer, anemia and osteoporosis.

Why are gluten intolerance symptoms so varied?

It is still a bit of a mystery; gluten intolerance and allergies affect adults and children in a variety of ways, but we do know that the less stress the better.
Anecdotal evidence suggests emotional trauma and stress play a large role in worsening of symptoms. Some studies have shown that there is a lower chance of developing celiac disease, the longer a baby is breastfed; the later they started eating gluten containing foods and the less gluten containing foods they ate. However completely avoiding gluten through pregnancy and in a child’s younger years may also increase allergic reaction, as the developing digestive system does not recognize the substance at all. Perhaps a moderate approach is best when preventing celiac disease, especially if there is a genetic predisposition. Mother might reduce but not eliminate gluten foods when pregnant, breastfeed for a longer than average period, and introduce low gluten grains as first foods for baby.

How to diagnose celiac disease and gluten intolerance?

Until recently it was challenging to diagnose celiac disease because the symptoms are varied and similar to other diseases. For example, crones disease, chronic fatigue, iron deficiency, irritable bowel syndrome and intestinal infections can all have similar symptoms. In fact there may be a cross over between gluten intolerance and some of these illnesses; an individual may have a combination of issues worsened by unsuitable food choices.
Now doctors test for raised levels of certain auto-antibodies in their blood. These antibodies are produced when the body senses a dangerous intruder allergen, like gluten. If the results indicate an allergy to gluten the doctor may perform a small intestine biopsy. This will reveal the damage to the villi in the small intestine. It is important to eat an ordinary diet including gluten, before being tested.

Author: Anna Wilde

Food Sensitivities... Are you feeling bad?

Today’s Re-Powering Information – There are so many things I want to take about today based on a few passing conversations I had at camp on Friday. Topics range from digestion to food sensitivities and dispelling the myth’s about how weight is regarding the role of diet alone, exercise alone or both. I’ll cover all of them over once we begin camp again.



So, on to food sensitivities. Some people may not realize it, but over time they come to accept not feeling good. They forget what it feels like to feel great. It may start with headaches then progress to stiff joints, a back ache, a rash, joint pain, bloatedness, trouble sleeping and so on. The symptoms can range, but the cause may all be the same. You may not have a full blown allergy, but certain foods don’t’ agree with you. It’s known as a food sensitivity. The typical foods people may be allergic to are: wheat, dairy, gluten, tomatoes, nuts and so on. The only way to know what you are allergic to is an elimination diet where you remove those tings from your diet and then notice how great you feel. Add back one food at a time and notice what if any reactions you have. OR you could get tested for food sensitivities with a blood test. Once you determine what you are sensitive to and eliminate it, it will be like a whole new lease on life. Everything clears up, symptoms go away and energy soars. If you notice you are not feeling your best, consider the role that the food you are consuming may have.



Dr. Ozzie at www.ProActiveWorx.com has offered to do a 45 minute consultation with all of the boot campers at no charge. He will listen to your goals, diet, symptoms, etc and give you professional no obligation feedback. If you do decide to get blood work done or if you have recent test results, bring them with you. The blood work is a window into your cells and reveals a lot from parasites to food sensitivities. Once you find out what your body may be lacking or what needs to be eliminated it can be a complete turn around in your health and a beautiful side effect will be additional fat loss. There is no need to suffer or get sick often.



Below is a recent video on food sensitivities.



Link to segment on food sensitivities http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http://www.viddler.com%2Fexplore%2FDocOsborne%2Fvideos%2F5%2F



Have an incredible week off. I am in town and am a phone call or e-mail away if you need anything.