Tag Archives: gluten intolerance

JUVENILE ARTHRITIS: Why Do Nearly 300,000 Children Need To Suffer From This Terrible Autoimmune Disease?

It’s because mainstream medicine has their head buried in the sand of “unawareness” (to be kind).

The bottom line of a Medscape article on New Guidelines and Recommendations pertaining to juvenile arthritis is that early exposure to antibiotics in childhood greatly increases the risk of developing juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), an autoimmune disease. It didn’t seem to matter what type of antibiotic was used. *

Antibiotics are known to wipe out the good bacteria along with the bad, and thus can contribute to an ill-functioning gut. Antibiotics seem to be handed out like candy for just about every childhood ailment.

It’s only been in the last few years that the importance of the gut biome, the condition of your gut, has been seriously recognized by a handful of forward-thinking doctors as being linked to autoimmune disease. You’ve probably heard that 70-80% of the immune system lies within the gut. So if you have a healthy gastrointestinal system you’re probably in pretty good shape, and contrary to that, if you suffer from most any chronic intestinal (or most any other) symptom/ailment you may very well have a “leaky gut.” Keep in mind that you can have full-blown celiac disease and have “no symptoms.”

Dr. Tom O’Bryan, a leading authority on gluten intolerance and celiac disease has stated in his “Betrayal Series” that if you have a healthy gut, you’ll never develop autoimmune disease. Other in-the-know doctors agree with this statement, but the group is miniscule.

Celiac disease is the only autoimmune disease with a known cause: gluten. Why is it that many autoimmune diseases get better or resolve (see stories in my book) on a gluten-free diet? Could gluten be a root cause of all autoimmune disease? Time will tell, but I expect so. Please see the long list of autoimmune diseases in my Table of Contents at http://toxicstaple.com/about-toxic-staple/ that are linked to gluten by major research. There are over 80 autoimmune diseases recognized, but probably another 50-100 awaiting clarification.

When are we going to see studies on JIA (and RA and OA) and gluten? There are 1,000s of studies on celiac and gluten intolerance, but few on the link to arthritis. Yet you will find thousands of studies on drugs to “treat” and “control” arthritis and numerous other autoimmune diseases. Many folks have told me their own rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or osteoarthritis (OA) was 95% better after eliminating gluten and allowing their gut to heal. You realize there would be a huge loss of business if everyone with arthritis jumped on a gluten-free diet.

Please, if you know of anyone (especially a child) with arthritis, kindly urge they get tested for celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Too often not enough testing is given to detect a problem so I spell it out in my book, Toxic Staple. To learn more please visit www.toxicstaple.com and always work with your doctor. You can even copy some pages from the book to share.

Disclaimer: http://toxicstaple.com/disclaimer/

Get your copy of Toxic Staple here: https://www.amazon.com/Toxic-Staple-Gluten-Wrecking-Health/dp/0989239217 …or visit: http://toxicstaple.com/buy-the-book/ …or check Home page on the right for an e-book .

*New Guidelines and Recommendations from Medscape, Feb. Edition, p. 20, click on Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. http://reference.medscape.com/features/slideshow/guidelines/2017/february?src=wnl_edit_tpal&uac=156633BG:

Essential update: Children exposed to antibiotics may be at greater risk for juvenile arthritis. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1007276-overview

 

 

 

Parkinson’s Disease and The Gut

Recent research on Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and the gut biome suggests researchers may have been barking up the wrong tree. PD appears to be associated with dysbiosis or the ill health of your gut microbiome, not just the brain as was once thought.

PD has a “strong environmental component.”(1) Does this mean that what we breathe, drink, and eat can seriously affect our health depending on what genes we have? That’s the new line of thinking called epigenetics.

The article mentions exposure to pesticides, but does not mention a word about gluten, and of course there are numerous other toxins in our environment.

Gluten can be the root cause to over 300 symptoms and disorders/diseases that are well substantiated by over 19,000 world studies. Among them are anxiety, mood disorders, depression, headaches/migraines, schizophrenia, autism, ADHD, tics, muscular issues, and many more neurological issues that can be linked to celiac disease, a malabsorption issue. Many of these neuro-disorders can disappear or get miles better once the trigger, gluten, and perhaps dairy and other proteins are detected and removed from the diet and the gut has a chance to heal.

It’s interesting to note that PD patients may also have constipation (a common symptom of celiac) and other gut symptoms years before the PD symptoms first appear.

Although “they” say there is “no cure” and no “preventative” measures perhaps researchers have not looked hard enough at gluten intolerance and celiac disease and thorough enough testing to detect intolerance.

It would be intriguing to know how many newly diagnosed PD, ALS, or Alzheimer’s patients tested positive for gluten intolerance/celiac disease if given the extent of testing presented in my book, Toxic Staple. Too many patients are only given one test; it’s not enough in most cases.

To discover more research on PD and neurological issues related to gluten read Chapter 9: Neurological Dilemmas: The Mind-blowing Hazards of Gluten (the longest chapter in the book).

Order your copy of Toxic Staple here: https://www.amazon.com/Toxic-Staple-Gluten-Wrecking-Health/dp/0989239217 or http://www.toxicstaple.com

(1)Timothy R. Sampson et al. Gut Microbiota Regulate Motor Deficits and Neuroinflammation in a Model of Parkinson’s Disease. Cell, December 2016 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2016.11.018 http://www.cell.com/cell/abstract/S0092-8674(16)31590-2

Cell Press. “Gut microbes promote motor deficits in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 1 December 2016. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/12/161201122159.htm .

 

 

 

 

 

Become Your Own Health Advocate and Change Your Life

WOW! The American people have strongly spoken for change in the United States with the election of Donald Trump.

You, too, can speak up for change in your own health and wellness!

Unfortunately, in too many cases, it is necessary to become an advocate for your own health. Over 300 symptoms, diseases, and associated conditions are linked to gluten by thousands (over 15,000) of research studies from around the world. Very little is being put forth to educate our doctors on the many hazards of consuming gluten. It appears the researchers are all on one side of the river and no bridge has been erected to connect to our doctors. Many alternative and more holistic practitioners are a bit more educated on gluten, but vast unawareness still exists in many facets of medicine.

Did you know:

  • Too many doctors still think celiac disease is only a childhood disease
  • Too many doctors think celiac is only a gastrointestinal issue
  • Celiac disease can affect any part of your body, at any age, and can affect multiple bodily systems
  • Too many doctors have no idea that many gastrointestinal issues can get better once the irritating protein is recognized and addressed
  • Many cancers and autoimmune diseases, neurological, skin, and organ ailments are linked to gluten
  • You need to REQUEST certain blood tests or it’s very likely you will only be offered one test for celiac (that one test has a high rate of false negatives and does not detect intolerance to gluten which affects many more folks)
  • Testing negative for celiac disease does not negate gluten intolerance
  • Few doctors know of the very sensitive stool testing that saved my family

If you or a loved one has most any chronic ailment or illness please do your body and brain a favor and get educated on gluten before your life becomes worse.

Testing information to detect celiac or gluten intolerance is spelled out in my award-winning, life-transforming Toxic Staple as only a driven grandmother could.

Mainstream medicine has shifted over the decades from concern for the patient’s wellness to more interest in “controlling” and “managing” your disease with drugs instead of trying to determine the bottom-line as to what’s making you sick.

Realize that you do have control over much of your health.

I can’t imagine what shape my family or I would be in if we hadn’t discovered gluten was eroding our health, on so many levels. We are all going to meet our Maker, but some of us are going to have an easier and I expect longer ride.

Get your copy of Toxic Staple here: https://www.amazon.com/Toxic-Staple-Gluten-Wrecking-Health/dp/0989239217 or visit: http://toxicstaple.com/buy-the-book/ or check Home page on the right for e-book .

 

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis: Is It Linked To Gluten?

Just as I was getting out of the car I heard on NPR that in England 1 out of fifty teens (16 years old) were affected by chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME). The lives of these kids were being greatly affected by fatigue and other disabling symptoms. I wondered how many younger children were affected as I recalled that my grandson was so tired after dinner he needed help getting into his PJs and up the stairs. This was definitely not normal for a five-year-old. His doctor had no idea what was going on.

There was no mention of gluten or celiac disease as contributing to the CFS in the report. Typical of so much research on numerous illnesses that is more interested in peddling drugs than in what is the root cause of the illness.

It is high time doctors were educated on the hazards of gluten, but since there is huge unawareness of what gluten can do to the human body and brain you must become your own advocate in a quest for better health. Those of you who know anyone with most any chronic symptom please share my website http://www.toxicstaple.com on my award-winning, life-transforming book, Toxic Staple: How Gluten May Be Wrecking Your Health and What You Can Do About It! This is a must read if illness is troubling your family, most any kind of illness: autoimmune, cancer, neurological, organ and skin ailments, women’s and pregnancy issues, and more. It is huge information!

 If you or your child suffers from fatigue/exhaustion, headaches, brain-fog/memory issues, muscle and joint pain, and so much more PLEASE get educated on the hazards of gluten. Read Toxic Staple. Discover the tests you need to REQUEST (or you may not get enough) to get to the bottom of gluten intolerance.

Treasure your life enough to get it and keep it healthy!

Captivating story on chronic fatigue syndrome/gluten: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1356316/At-I-discovered-secret-Emilys-14-lost-years-Esther-Rantzen.html

Article: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/alspac/news/2016/chronic-fatigue-syndrome.html

Research: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26810786

 

Unexplained Infertility and Miscarriage! What’s The Best Approach?

I was motivated to comment on this article on infertility because not a mention was made of how gluten can affect infertility, sterility, miscarriage, and a poor outcome in pregnancy: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/866729?src=wnl_edit_tpal&uac=156633BG “Evidence-based approach to unexplained infertility: a systematic review.” Gunn DDBates GW.

Below is the first paragraph from Chapter 12 in Toxic Staple, “Our Children Are Our Future.”

“Are our children being done-in by the all-American, gluten-filled diet? Some researchers think so. In fact, one study reports that ‘up to 50% of the women with untreated celiac disease experience miscarriage or an unfavorable outcome of pregnancy.’* Infertility and sterility, spontaneous abortions, menstrual and hypogonadal issues, early births, low birth weight, birth defects, and learning disabilities are some of the many issues that can be related to gluten. I’ve talked with a number of women who were unable to conceive before being diagnosed with celiac disease (CD). Once they began following a gluten-free diet (GFD) and the body replenished itself—usually within six months or so—they became pregnant. ‘Coeliac disease is considerably more common than most of the diseases for which pregnant women are routinely screened,’** yet far too few doctors are aware of the correlation between gluten sensitivity and so many fertility and pregnancy-related issues. And women are not alone in having fertility problems related to CD. For more on the role of gluten sensitivity in male reproductive function, see the section in this chapter on Male Infertility, Loss of Libido, and Impotence.”

The chapter goes on to discuss many other pregnancy, women’s, and men’s issues that for the most part are being neglected by mainstream medicine. The research is there, but in many cases begs for much more. It is criminal that more attention isn’t paid to the numerous and devastating effects of gluten. Gluten is taking a huge and costly toll on our population, especially our young folks.

Are you having trouble conceiving or maintaining a healthy pregnancy?  If so, please do not ignore gluten. When all is said and done, I wonder how many OB/GYNs or infertility specialists might think to test their infertile or problematic pregnancy patients for celiac disease or gluten intolerance? Has your doctor suggested testing (4 blood tests) for gluten issues? If not you may need to become your own advocate.

Nobody really wants to know if they are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease, but gluten is affecting a huge part of our population, maybe as high as about 1/3. Many folks are in sheer denial and keep their heads buried in sand at a cost to their own health or the health of their children. Discovering gluten issues and following an absolute GF lifestyle may just lead to a healthy pregnancy, not to mention a healthy life. Toxic Staple, in Chapters 16 and 17, explains blood and specialized, very sensitive, cutting-edge stool testing your doctor may not be up on (not a lab or hospital stool test). Do not expect to get enough testing to detect a problem by just asking your doctor to test you. Too many folks are not given enough testing or they test false negative on the one test offered and are told they do not have a gluten issue.

Very important: you need to keep eating gluten until you have the blood tests. Do not jump for joy if negative on the blood tests (as were most of my own family). It is crucial you follow through with stool testing (Chapter 17).

Please send your gluten-free success story via contact info above to share as an anonymous testimonial to the benefits of living GF.

* Martinelli, P., R. Troncone, F. Paparo, P. Torre, E. Trapanese, C. Fasano, A. Lamberti, G. Budillon, G. Nardone, and L. Greco. “Coeliac Disease and Unfavourable Outcome of Pregnancy.” Gut 46, no. 3 (2000): 332–35.

** Ibid.

 

 

Is Colon Cancer Linked To Gluten?

Colon Cancer

Daniel has been cancer-free for 4 years after a colon resection and 6 months of chemotherapy. His doctor thought his inflamed colon might have been due to gluten, but testing for both Crohns and celiac disease were negative. This can be a common experience as too often not enough testing is offered to detect a problem with gluten. The patient may be told, “Gluten is not your problem,” when in reality it is. I spell the blood and stool testing out in chapters 16 & 17 that will very likely detect an issue with gluten if there is one.

About a month prior to surgery his naturopathic doctor tested him for antibodies to gluten and wheat protein. He was high on both and began giving up gluten, which most likely affected the negative outcome of the celiac testing he was offered.

He claims, “I didn’t know I had a problem. My only symptom was leaky gut, a symptom that I had had my whole life. I was diagnosed with leaky gut in college because of chronic abdominal cramps and constipation. Taking psyllium fiber helped, but never completely relieved the symptoms.” That’s because it was a band-aide and didn’t address the main issue: What was causing his symptoms?

Leaky gut is not a symptom; it is a disorder caused by something and can lead to huge illness. Too many patients (and their doctors) underplay abdominal pain and constipation. They come to believe it is a normal part of life. Had Daniel been given adequate testing for celiac disease and gluten intolerance and adhered to a GF lifestyle he might (probably would) have avoided the colon cancer.

Daniel “tries” to stick to the GF lifestyle, but finds it difficult when traveling, especially abroad. If he gets hit with gluten he immediately, within 30 seconds, becomes congested and begins clearing his throat. Digestive issues ensue: constipation and gas. These symptoms appear to be a clear sign of gluten causation. They are a reaction to a foreign body that his immune system recognizes as a threat.

I’m hoping when Daniel gets to the end of my book, Toxic Staple, he will realize the necessity to be absolutely gluten-free wherever in the world he may be if he cares about his future health. Restaurants can always come up with something GF. Yes, it’s a bother to ask too many questions, but it is most important to keep yourself safe from mini-hits of gluten that can continue to do internal damage. Restaurants are coming more on board, but travel with fruit, nuts, and GF crackers and bars, just in case.

There is no way I would ever consume gluten and I am not overly sensitive. That’s because I do have a handle on the devastating and degenerative diseases linked to gluten (a decade of research – 2000+ studies, writing, collecting success stories, and going to conferences). Do you? Please educate yourself on the myriad symptoms, diseases, and associated conditions linked to gluten by thousands of international studies, many of which you will find in my book, Toxic Staple. I wrote this book to empower you and your loved ones. Only an over-the-edge driven grandmother could spell it out as I have. And please read the endorsements at http://toxicstaple.com/endorsements/ suggesting doctors read my book.

Celiac disease is associated with a difficult to diagnose and difficult to treat form of lymphoma called enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma (EATL). Anyone with celiac disease needs to be diagnosed early and live a 100% gluten-free lifestyle to avoid this and other serious complications of celiac disease. It is suggested “that EATL should be regarded as part of differential diagnosis in any patient presenting with abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and malabsorption because delay in treatment can result in an irreversible clinical outcome.”*

EATL: Patients with this form of cancer may not have a good prognosis; they may have abdominal pain due to “a hole in the wall of the intestine,” or ulcers or a blockage. EATL can travel to the colon, gallbladder, liver, lymph nodes, skin, spleen, and stomach.** Thus, the need to detect gluten issues early and pay strict attention to the GF lifestyle.

If you or your child have been suffering from stomach pain and intestinal issues or any one of the over 300 issues linked to gluten you will get the full picture from Toxic Staple, especially the testing you need to detect intolerance or celiac disease. Make a copy of the testing info for your doctor, and do not keep putting it off. You need to keep eating gluten until you have the blood tests. Low or no gluten can skew blood test results. Some doctors don’t even ask about this.

Celiac disease is only a fraction of the gluten problem. What really matters is whether you are gluten-intolerant. If intolerant you should never consume this nasty destructive protein. It can do you in over time. Even the littlest bit can keep the internal damage happening if you are sensitive to gluten.

There is a strong message here for the reader. If you are suffering from any one or more gastrointestinal issues please address it by getting thoroughly tested for gluten issues (4 blood tests). You will need to advocate for yourself as there is still huge unawareness of adequate testing to detect a problem with gluten. Keep eating gluten until you have the blood tests. And if negative on blood testing don’t stop until you follow it up with Dr. Fine’s stool testing. I have no financial interest in his lab; I just strongly believe in his very sensitive testing. My whole family, except the really sick grandkid, was negative on blood testing yet positive on stool tests. Everyone’s health turned around once we got on a GF diet/lifestyle.

A fair bit of research exists on colon cancer and gluten.

Do you have a colon cancer/gluten or cancer/gluten story to share for the benefit of others. If so please send via my contact button above.

The next post will address gluten issues in Daniel’s family.

*Onco Targets Ther. 2016 Feb 22;9:863-8. doi: 10.2147/OTT.S96745. eCollection 2016. Type I enteropathy-associated T-cell lymphoma in the colon of a 29-year-old patient and a brief literature review. Zhang JC1, Wang Y1, Wang XF1, Zhang FX1.

**Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Enteropathy-associated T-cell Lymphoma http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-type/non-hodgkin-lymphoma/non-hodgkin-lymphoma/types-of-nhl/enteropathy-associated-t-cell-lymphoma/?region=on

 

 

Scenario 3: Weight Gain, ADHD, Brain Fog, Mucus, Lungs, Atrial Fib, Cardiomyopathy, and Skin Issues

It amazes me how prevalent gluten issues seem to be. On my way to Denver, once again, I jotted some notes. Mind you, I did not request to be seated next to people who had health issues that very well could be or are linked to gluten. In only one example below did the person know she was intolerant to gluten or had celiac disease; the others had no idea the ailments mentioned could be from gluten and perhaps dairy. Certainly there is enough research in my book discussing such connections to gluten, not to mention stories of lives turning around by going GF, that anyone with these symptoms or ailments might want to take testing seriously. It seems life only gets worse if gluten related issues are ignored.

As usual I always suggest requesting the 4 blood tests you will find spelled out in Chapter 16 and if negative on those or if they are not covered by insurance don’t stop until you read Chapter 17 and do the very sensitive stool tests (not your ordinary lab/hospital tests, but a patented specific test that will likely detect intolerance if it exists). Try to find a doctor who is familiar with gluten issues, and bring your list of tests or you probably won’t get enough to discover celiac or intolerance to gluten.

  • On the first leg to Denver I chatted with a woman who had weight issues. I relayed to her that many folks I’ve spoken with dropped 10-40 lbs. without trying by following a gluten-free lifestyle. The weight just sort of peeled off in nearly every case. I lost 10-15 myself without trying. There is scant research backing this up (because little has been done), but there is one study basically saying those people who are so thin due to celiac weight-loss begin to put weight on when the gut heals and those who are overweight begin to lose it.* Also, her grandson who was very smart was also very hyper. I mentioned a couple stories on ADD/ADHD and heavily suggested the parents get the child tested. But it’s the same old story: you need to know what to ask for or you probably won’t get enough testing and may be told you don’t have a problem with gluten when in fact you may be quite gluten intolerant.
  • On the second leg to Denver I sat next to a woman who ate no grains. If she gets hit with a grain her head becomes foggy, ears plug up, she fills up with mucus and her lungs feel heavy. It takes 1-2 weeks for symptoms to lift.
  • On the first leg back to NE I sat with a woman whose son died of cardio issues while running a race. Research exists in Toxic Staple on one form of atrial fib and cardiomyopathy that will resolve with a GF diet.** You will also find a few studies on heart disease. Of course, so much more research needs to done. It wouldn’t be difficult to take a hundred newly diagnosed patients with atrial fib or cardiomyopathy and ask them if they were offered testing for gluten-related issues. My educated guess would be less than 5%…and that’s being generous. Testing for gluten-related illness should be at the top of the list in my estimation; there is just too much bad health linked to gluten and so little is being done to educate our doctors.
  • On the leg back to New England I sat next to a young woman who was dealing with facial skin problems. So many skin problems can be linked to gluten and/or dairy as discussed in Chapter 11: The Skin You’re In. I mention nearly 20 skin disorders that you never heard of before, and it’s very likely barely 5% (that’s being generous again) of skin specialists have heard of their link to gluten. Skin issues can be a sign of unwellness, and many of them will clear up or get miles better once your gut heals with a GF lifestyle.

The purpose of these scenarios is to make the reader aware of some of the numerous and varied symptoms and maladies linked to gluten so they can become empowered to be their own advocate in conjunction with their doctors in seeking better health. Your best health lies in your very own hands.

* A new study concluded that a GFD “had a beneficial impact on BMI [body mass index]; underweight patients gained weight (66%) and overweight/obese patients (54%/47%) lost weight. The improvement in BMI adds to the impetus to diagnose celiac disease.” [from Toxic Staple page 71.)

  • Cheng, J., P. S. Brar, A. R. Lee, and P. H. Green. “Body Mass Index in Celiac Disease: Beneficial Effect of a Gluten-free Diet.” Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology 44, no. 4 (2010): 267–71.

** “In addition to patients with chronic anemia of unclear origin, those with rhythm disturbances and myocardiopathies of unknown etiology should be tested for antiendomysial and antigiladin antibodies because, if positive, could indicate the presence of celiac disease.”

  • Callejas Rubio, J. L., N. Ortego, A. Diez-Ruiz, J. Guilarte, and J. De la Higuera-Iorres. “Celiac Disease Presenting as Chronic Anemia Associated with Heart Block.” American Journal of Gastroenterology 93 (1998): 1391–92.

 

MUST READ!

Imagine you have a sickly elder or maybe even a child with chronic ill health, or perhaps you may reach for this product yourself as a quick booster.

Please read this url and share with family and friends: http://www.fakefoodwatch.com/2012/08/ensure-drink-sugary-fake-food-pseudo.html

Very scary stuff!

It is time to put your thinking caps on. You can make such nutritious drinks in your blender with spinach, kale, bananas, apple slices, avocado, coconut milk, nuts, seeds, ground flax seed, or whatever you want to experiment with.

It’s so easy. If not sweet enough just add a little more banana. I like to freeze ripe bananas in chunks so my shakes will be thick and frosty. Or add a bit of real maple syrup or honey.

As long as you use fresh, whole, gluten-free ingredients your drink will be fine for those dealing with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. And if you have not discovered the root cause of your ailments/symptoms you might consider getting tested for gluten issues. Gluten, after all, is linked to over 300 symptoms, diseases, and associated conditions by thousands of studies from a round the world.

 

Thanks at Thanksgiving…and All Year

As we approach this Thanksgiving Day and holiday season many of us think a little more about giving thanks for all that we cherish: our family and friends, our freedom, and our good health, among many others. I especially am thankful everyday for the excellent health my family and I enjoy. Had we not discovered we were all quite intolerant to gluten we would not have been such happy campers these last 12 years.

Knowing what I know about the devastating and degenerative hazards of gluten from having poured a decade into research and writing my award-winning book, “Toxic Staple” I can’t imagine what shape my family and I would be in if we hadn’t figured this monster out. I am fortunate to only be on one med for a hypothyroid that was very likely damaged due to gluten (autoimmune diseases are highly linked to gluten) before I even knew what gluten was, and I never get sick, and have great energy.

Many of you, however, do not bask in the sunlight of good health and great energy and may not realize that much of your poor state of health lies in your own hands. Most of you really can do something about your allergies, asthma, fatigue, autoimmune diseases, skin issues, neurological maladies, and on and on, if you want to. Naturally everything is not linked to gluten, but truly, it is incredible what gets better when you address this “toxic staple” that pervades our everyday lives and destroys your gut and other parts of the body.

Going downhill at the rate I was traveling prior to “the gluten-free lifestyle” in my early sixties, I can only assume that my longevity has been extended vastly, along with greater health, and rejuvenated energy and vitality.

I encourage you to look at your health and that of your children and other family members and friends. Many of you think it is normal to have intestinal issues, fatigue, allergies, asthma, arthritis, organ issues, migraines, depression, and on and on for more than over 300 maladies linked to gluten, but it is not. Older age does not necessarily have to mean degenerative, failing health. Your health and life can become so much more enhanced and transformed that you would not believe it. I am in better shape in my seventies than when I was in my forties. No kidding! All I did was remove the “monster” gluten (dairy also bothers many who are gluten intolerant). By the end of the first year I was only going for health checkups instead of sick calls.

But let me warn you that the vast majority of our traditionally trained doctors are not giving enough testing to track down celiac disease or gluten intolerance, nor are they aware of the numerous symptoms and illnesses linked to gluten. It’s not really their fault. Little is being done to educate every health care professional in every facet of medicine, since gluten can affect any part of the body, and many think celiac and gluten issues are rare. They are epidemic!

If you are plagued with chronic symptoms and illness please…do your body and brain a favor… you must become your own advocate in conjunction with your doctor. Get educated, get tested (you will need to request certain tests), and if positive follow a 100% gluten-free lifestyle. No cheating!

 And give mega thanks you have discovered the root of your health problems.

Please read the disclaimer above.

Please get back to me with your success story at anne(@sign)toxicstaple.com and kindly share this info with all your sick and tired friends who may be misdiagnosed, undiagnosed, or overdosed! Even some of those who have rare and incurable diseases may find life can improve without gluten.

Need a speaker? anne(@)toxicstaple.com

Testing Children And Adults For Celiac Disease And Gluten Intolerance

After a short talk on my journey in writing my book, TOXIC STAPLE, within 10 minutes of each other, two different people told me of their friend whose child had been diagnosed with celiac disease. I took a minute to explain that sometimes doctors neglect to inform them that other siblings and the parents should also be tested due to the genetic component of celiac disease. The general answer I get is “Oh, the child (or other children or themselves) was negative.” In which case I inform them that quite often not enough testing is given to detect an intolerance.

I can vouch for this myself with just about everyone in my family except for the grandchild that was very compromised and was off the charts positive for celiac. The rest of us all tested negative on the blood tests, and I had read enough to even request 3 tests. I hadn’t discovered the specialized stool test until a few months later. We were all positive on those. If we hadn’t done Dr. Fine’s stool testing I shutter to think how much more our health might have slipped down the tubes.

It seems mainstream medicine is setting the bar too high and too often they give only one test and by the time someone tests positive for celiac they have a full-blown case or near to it with very damaged villi (hairs that absorb nutrients)…..and quite compromised health.

Testing negative on blood testing to celiac disease or if positive on blood testing, but  negative on the endoscopy does not negate gluten intolerance which can also have devastating and degenerative consequences.

Be thankful you or your other children did not test positive for celiac disease (yet), but that is not the end of it until you make sure you have received enough testing to detect intolerance to gluten. It’s kind of like preventative medicine.

You will need to become your own advocate as few doctors are giving a panel of 4 blood tests, few are recognizing they should also be looking at the lower antibody numbers, and most of them are unaware of a very sensitive stool test that will pick up intolerance in nearly 100% of the cases.

If you can catch gluten intolerance before your body becomes so compromised, you are ahead of the game of life.

As always, please share my information with your doctor.

I spell it out in TOXIC STAPLE with research to back it up. The real story is not just about celiac disease, it’s also, and more so, about whether one is intolerant to gluten. It seems to be a progressively worsening continuum, according to some experts.