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Gluten, Celiac and Your Thyroid

Gluten, Celiac and Your Thyroid

Quote of the Month
It’s gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free, soy-free, egg-free, & fat free. They call it ‘water’ and you can buy it at Whole Foods apparently.

Gluten is a protein.  It occurs naturally in many types of grains.  There are 2 proteins that combine to form gluten: glutenin and gliadin.

We often consume gluten several times daily with or without knowing it.  Gluten is the protein found in many grains.  In North America, we consume more than we need and most of what we consume is Genetically Modified (intentionally or through cross contamination) and refined.  Some people do not show any symptoms of a gluten sensitivity, while others can be quite severe (such as Celiac).  Those without symptoms wouldn’t even be aware they have an issue!  There are even varying degrees of symptoms for those with Celiac – from the obvious gastro intestinal symptoms (classical) to no symptoms at all (silent)!  For those without symptoms, it is discovered accidentally via biopsies of the intestinal tract or blood work.  Traditionally only the identification of antibodies can confirm Celiac.  As an additional note, unless you are at an advanced stage of celiac, this test may still come up negative.

For those with Celiac, even occasional exposure is a big mistake!  The mere exposure of gluten in the small intestine will destroy all the nutrient absorption sites, resulting in mal-absorption and malnutrition!  Let me explain how….  In your small intestine there lies a shaggy type of carpet.  Each strand represents an an area where absorption of nutrients occurs.  For someone who is celiac that carpet becomes irritated to the point where it becomes more of a berber carpet.  In other words, all of the absorption sites are destroyed.

Did you also know, that gluten can cause havic with your thyroid as well?  For example, if you over-consume gluten (such as eating it daily), your body often begins to produce more and more anti-bodies against it.  To REALLY simplify, imagine gluten particles attaching themselves to your thyroid.  Imagine now that the anti-bodies that fight off the gluten find its hiding place.  In the process of destroying the gluten, they may unintentionally damage some thyroid tissue.  This in turn creates thyroid anti-bodies.  If there are too many thyroid anti-bodies, you may develop an auto-immune issue with your thyroid.

Here are some common symptoms of a gluten issue (it’s a long list):
Anemia, Arthritis, Asthma, Attention and behavioral problems (in children and adults), Autism, Brain fog, Crohns, Depression, Diverticulitis, Gastro-intestinal problems (bloating, pain, gas, constipation, diarrhea), Headaches, Irritability/mood swings, Joint/muscle aches and pains, Nausea or vomiting, Nutritional deficiencies due to malabsorbtion e.g. low iron levels, slow growth, short stature, Osteoporosis, Palpitations, Skin problems/rashes/psoriasis/eczema, Sneezing, Suspected irritable bowel syndrome, Unexplained cough, Unexplained runny nose, Upper repository tract problems, Watery or itchy eyes, Weight loss or weight gain, plus many more!

Please note that just because you have one or some of these symptoms, it does not mean you definitely have a gluten sensitivity or that you’re Celiac.  There can be other causes.

Here are some places gluten can be found:
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Beer, Salad dressings, Malt vinegar, some supplements, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics & toothpastes, Chocolate, Soy Sauce, Yogurt, Licorice, Luncheon meat, Gravies, broths, stock, soups, powders, Spice powders, Barley malt, Flavourings, Fillers , Seasonings , Binder, Rusk , Bran , Wheat, Medications, Whole grains, Thickening agents, Spelt, Rye, Barley, Kamut, Bulgur, Semolina, Graham, Durum, Couscous, Triticale, Oats (due to contamination), shampoos, conditioners, lunch meats, marinades, and of course glue.

Here are some gluten free foods:
Amaranth, Arrowroot, Buckwheat, Corn, Millet, Quinoa, Flax, Tigernuts, Chia, Mesquite, Potato flours, Sorghum, Tapioca, Teff, Rice, Lentils/beans, Nut flours, Oats (if labeled wheat free, but be careful), Maca, Coconut, soy

The good news is that there are many gluten free products on the market which actually taste good these days.  If you insist on consuming breads (which we do not recommend), Pamela’s and Bob’s Red Mill provide some good gluten free mixes!

On a side note, wheat grass should not contain gluten (based on the source of your product).  This is because gluten comes from the grain/seed and not the grass.  The issue really lies in potential cross-contamination.

Did You Know?Gluten Thyroid Connection

  • 80% of people are gluten sensitive
  • Wheat free does not mean gluten free!
  • Many gluten free products are not any healthier than those with gluten
  • Only 5% of celiacs have been diagnosed
  • Check out this amazing video called the Gluten-Thyroid connection…the best information we’ve seen in a long time! 

Important News and Upcoming Events

  • May 24 – Summerfest; The Meeting House, 2700 Bristol Cir, Oakville – Dr. Brian Clement from the Hippocrates Institute in Florida will be there!
  • Bi-weekly – Business Referral Lunch Business Networking 11:45am until 1pm every other Monday; Golden Griddle @ Walkers and Harvester; Check out www.businessreferrallunch.com for the next date.
  • Find out everything your Dr didn’t tell you about Thyroid Problems

No Allergies Please

By No Allergies Please