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Dr Heather ND

Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

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Gluten-Free Living During the Holidays ( Repost)

November 29, 2017 By Dr. Heather

A few years back, while I was in medical school, I decided to completely eliminate gluten from my diet. It wasn’t too hard as I was in a very supportive environment and lived in a progressive city that had numerous stores offering an assortment of gluten-free food items.  I began in September and avoided all grains until the December holidays. I spent Christmas with my family and from the moment I arrived, I indulged in all baked goods.

I actually didn’t notice anything different in my health until my husband pointed out that I hadn’t blown my nose for months and now was. I decided to be more aware of how I was feeling:  I was yawning more than usual and was drinking an extra cup of  coffee ( i.e I was tired).

This awareness became a pivotal shift in my approach to patients deciding to do food allergy and food sensitivity tests. I now give them options: spend a great deal of money on a lab test or do a food elimination diet. Most people to decide to do the elimination diet; they stop eating all grains ( except for rice) for at least 2 weeks ( 6 is ideal) and then have a “party day” eating grains all day long and observing  how they feel for 24 to 72 hours ( symptoms include: stuffiness, headache, fatigue, irritability, digestive upsets). Most people are very surprised to see the results – like I was. This gives the best picture of how your body reacts to foods.

gluten side note: I have been tested over and over for celiac disease ( an ,autoimmune digestive disease that damages the small intestine thus creating a less than optimal absorption of nutrients from food) but I always end up with normal labs; however, I know my body does not digest wheat/gluten properly. It;’s important to be aware of how your body feels.

 

 

There are 100s of fantastic gluten-free,  gluten-free girl and the chef – click here for her cookie recipe,  blogs and websites out there to help support a gluten- free living. It really is not that difficult; it basically goes back to a whole foods diet – veggies, fruits, meats, and legumes.  My good friend and colleague, Dr. Jean Layton has wonderful options too. Click here to journey over to her site.

Happy Holidays!

Filed Under: Everyday Wellness

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