Should You Be Gluten Free?

Aug 2

Is going gluten free necessary for you?

I wanted to spend some time debunking gluten as I know this is a very controversial topic in the health and wellness world (yay!). First I want to set the stage before we dive in a bit. Not everyone has a gluten intolerance or is Celiac, I feel like Instagram memes have really given GF lifestyles a bad rap… which happens I guess? Anyways, not a fan about it.

Example A

Example B

Example C

Need I say more? (Disclaimer, this last meme really cracks me up).

It’s estimated that 1 in 1000 people have a wheat allergy. When gluten is discussed, it’s important to note this is the protein found in wheat that can trigger adverse reactions. If you are diagnosed with a gluten intolerance, MSG (monosodium glutamate) intolerance or Celiac, you must be gluten free to minimize unwanted side effects. If you are diagnosed with one of the above, it means your body cannot properly digest the gluten protein found in wheat. Lack of digestion can lead to a variety of unpleasant side effects such as bloating, IBS, food intolerances, thyroid issues, hormonal disruption, and acne. In this case, you must follow a strict gluten free diet to manage symptoms and heal your stomach and intestinal lining.

There is evidence that shows gluten digests similarly to our thyroid hormone. When gluten is digested, our body then signals to the thyroid “stop making as much thyroid hormone because we are already getting it” which then triggers an imbalance in the thyroid. As you may have guessed, this can lead to a host of problems for people with thyroid imbalances, hypothyroid or those who are diagnosed with hashimotos. Personally, I was diagnosed with hypothyroid and had very low TSH levels. I was also on the spectrum to becoming hashimotos as I tested very high for anti thyroglobulin hormones. Anti thyroglobulin is an antibody directed against thyroglobulin which is a key protein in the thyroid gland essential to the production of thyroid hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine). Antithyroglobulin antibodies can damage the thyroid gland and affect its function. In addition to the above, I tested high for CRP (c-reactive protein) which indicates levels of inflammation in the body (always request this market to be added to your yearly or biyearly blood tests, this is a great indication of overall health). For these reasons, my doctor recommended I go completely gluten free and continue to retest and monitor my thyroid levels.

What if I don’t have thyroid issues, should I still care about being GF? It depends!

Gluten can be a trigger for inflammation for some. Additionally, people mention gluten can cause constipation or joint pain for them. As always, you know your body best and if you are experiencing side effects after meals, it’s time to ask some questions.

Aside from side effects, wheat is one of the most heavily sprayed crops with RoundUp, a broad-spectrum glyphosate-based herbicide. The active ingredient in RoundUp, Glyphospate, is linked to a host of neurological problems including gut dysfunction, hormone imbalances and cancer. As a nutrition consultant, I suggest all clients purchase organic foods if possible, especially wheat products due to the high toxicity of RoundUp. If you are experiencing gut issues and consistent bloat, I also recommend reducing toxic exposure to support gut healing.

After a year of going gluten free and supporting my gut with anti inflammatory foods and herbs, I retested my thyroid and inflammation markers and the results were absolutely incredible!

Highlights

I reversed my hashimoto's trajectory, boosted my thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH),, reduced inflammation.
Data comparison from April 2019 vs. August 2020.
TSH went from .49 to .9 (TSH stands for thyroid stimulating hormone, this hormone is responsible for taking iodide out of your bloodstream, and into your thyroid gland. TSH is also responsible for production of the thyroid hormone.)
CRP went from 1.5 to .4 (C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein made by the liver. CRP levels in the blood increase when there is a condition causing inflammation somewhere in the body. A CRP test measures the amount of CRP in the blood to detect inflammation due to acute conditions or to monitor the severity of disease in chronic conditions.)
Anti Thyroglobulin went from <25 to <1 (results are displayed in ranges)

To recap, gluten is absolutely a hot topic with conflicting information, going GF is not for everyone but can be absolutely critical for those with thyroid dysfunction or gluten intolerance. If you suspect this applies to you, please consult a nutrition consultant or someone trained in this field to discuss next steps. Going GF can be a drastic change for most people and it’s absolutely critical to have someone supporting you through this process. Additionally, if you don’t suspect you need to be GF or have no interest in cutting it out, choose organic! This is a great way to minimize toxic exposure and support gut health.

Delicious Naturally Gluten Free Foods