Gluten Sensitivity
There’s more to treating a gluten sensitivity than may initially meet the eye. At Functional Health Clinic, we will help you look beyond ingredients on food packaging, addressing any gut dysfunction issues as a matter of priority.
While it is easy to dismiss gluten allergies and sensitivities as a new-age fad, there is actually significant science behind it that demonstrates the serious implications of gluten consumption on one’s health.
What Is Gluten?
Gluten is a protein molecule that can be found in wheat, barley, rye, and the grains. Most breads you come across will likely have gluten in them. Consequently, most nuts, seeds, meats, eggs, dairy, fruit, and vegetables are gluten-free.
To be classified as “gluten-free,” a food must contain less than 30 parts per million of gluten. However, those who suffer from a strong allergy or Coeliac’s disease (an autoimmune condition) have been known to develop reactions caused by foods with gluten levels as low as 3 parts per million.
In the UK, one in ten people now avoid gluten. Gluten has been found to negatively impact the lining of the gut even in those who do not have Coeliac Disease, leading to conditions such as leaky gut or starting an autoimmune cascade.
Unfortunately, so many suffering from GI gluten related issues are simply told that “they are fine” after receiving endoscopies that do not test for food sensitivities or for causes of serious inflammation.
Beyond general gluten sensitivities that some individuals have, conventionally raised glutenous grains are an issue for many because they can cause havoc on a sensitive digestive system. Almost all of these crops (and most non-organic crops in general) are sprayed with a dangerous herbicide called Roundup. This contains glyphosate which is very harmful when ingested. High levels of glyphosate in your diet are linked to a number of disorders and illness including leaky gut and cancer. If you must eat gluten consider organic options to avoid glyphosate.
Our team at Functional Health Clinic approaches gluten sensitivity in a unique manner that differentiates ourselves from most conventional practices.
While there are special blood tests and other GI testing that go further than the standard tests (analysing a larger number of gluten peptides), we first help our Clients determine if excluding gluten from their diet is a necessity. Our approach often involves an elimination diet supported by targeted supplementation. We can also determine if gluten is one of the factors that causes symptoms and how your diet overall plays a role in your inflammation markers or other GI issues.
While gluten issues frequently manifest in the GI tract, it’s important to note the commonly overlooked neurological effects of gluten such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, and brain fog.
Over the course of several weeks, we help our Clients reintroduce certain foods, carefully monitoring for adverse reactions. If gluten is no longer an option, we teach our Clients how to cook delicious gluten-free options to make a more seamless transition to a gluten-free diet.
Whether your digestive or neurological symptoms are caused by gluten, be sure to schedule a free discovery call to explore whether partnering with our team at Functional Health Clinic is the right step!
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Perhaps you have questions you’d like to ask before you make a decision to become a Client. We are happy to answer any questions you have to determine if Functional Health Clinic is right for you or your child