I strongly believe that the food you eat should make you feel good. But what if it doesn’t?

It continues to be a hot ‘buzz’ word: ‘gluten’. It seems like every label you read claims it’s ‘gluten free’, but many people still aren’t even sure what gluten is-or why we should avoid it, for that matter.

What you need to know: Gluten is basically an ingredient found in wheat, rye and barley products. While it can be found in obvious things like bread, it can also show up in all different types of processed foods. Ever see ‘modified food starch’ on a label? That’s gluten. Many people have a sensitivity or allergy to it, creating various unpleasant symptoms.

The Telltale Signs of Gluten Intolerance – Ask Yourself:

• Do you have gastrointestinal issues? You know all the usual suspects: gas, bloating, abdominal cramping, diarrhea (or constipation for that matter), acid reflux and heartburn.
• Do you feel fatigued? Are you tired most (or all) of the time, especially after you eat?
• Are you moody? Do you have frequent mood swings? Do you get irritated with situations and people easily? Or can you get depressed at the drop of a hat?
• How’s your skin? Do you suffer from any skin irritations? Rashes? Eczema?
• How’s your mental sharpness? Are you thinking clearly? Or do things sometime seem ‘foggy’? Are you forgetful and absent-minded?
• Do you suffer from chronic pain? Do your joints hurt? Have you been diagnosed with fibromyalgia?

Any of these symptoms could be indicative of a gluten allergy or sensitivity. And yes, they could also be symptoms of something else. My goal is always to get to the root cause of symptoms and treat the condition itself, not give my patients a quick fix for a symptom.

This is why I recommend extensive food testing be done, testing for 96 different common food allergens, to determine if gluten is the issue. We can also do specific gene testing for gluten/ gliadin. Many people who are sensitive to gluten also end up having other food sensitivities that need to be addressed as well.

Why Food Sensitivity Testing is Worth It

• Reduce your risk for cancer and many other diseases. If you have a sensitivity to something you ingest regularly, it is causing inflammation within your body. This constant inflammation can make you much more susceptible to cancer, as well as diseases like arthritis, diabetes and even heart disease.
• You’ll just flat out feel better. You’ll have more energy-you’ll feel more ‘alive’. Who doesn’t want that?