Did you know that Leaky Gut Syndrome is chronic inflammation of the small intestine lining causing the mucosal lining to break down compromising its integrity? Substances which are not intended to pass through the intestinal wall may then go directly into the blood stream (intestinal permeability.) Like the expression goes, ‘death begins in the Colon’. Despite knowing this, scientific debate is still ongoing. For whatever reason, Leaky Gut Syndrome is not a recognized Medical Diagnosis.

Undigested particles could affect you causing an immune reaction somewhere in the body. An immune reaction is where the body attacks itself; in this case, the inflammation of the small intestinal wall.

When the walls of the small intestines are compromised, incomplete absorption of nutrients, malnutrition possibly even osteoporosis may occur in some individuals.

It is believed by some there is a connection between Leaky Gut Syndrome and…

• Asthma
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Diabetes
• MS
• Brain Disorders
• Also, many other Diseases, Ailments, and Conditions

Gluten

In some individuals who are Gluten Sensitive there is a molecule called Gliadin which appears to cause an inflammatory reaction in the small intestines (in some of us.) Furthermore, those susceptible may be sensitive to the Gluten in grains other than Wheat. Corn, Oats and possibly many others.

Gluten is the Protein in ALL grains. For example, the gluten in corn would have another name besides ‘gluten’. If you are Gluten Intolerant, you may get sick from eating certain Grains. There are tests for Grain sensitivity for grains besides wheat, like corn, etc..

When someone talks about Gluten Sensitivity they are speaking about sensitivity to ‘Gliadin’…

These Grains should be avoided by those who have ‘Celiac Disease’ because the Gluten in them has ‘Gliadin’…

•  Barley

•  Bulgar

•  Couscous

•  Kamut

•  Malt

•  Oats

•  Spelt

•  Teff

•  Rye

•  Soy products

•  And, of course Wheat

 Some of these have Gluten but not Gliadin…

•  Almond bread

•  Amaranth

•  Bean noodles

•  Buckwheat

•  Corn (I don’t use any because of GMO)

•  Hominy

•  Millet

•  Quinoa

•  Rice

•  White potatoes

• Yams

To make things even more Confusing

If you suspect you have Gluten Sensitivity you should definitely get tested by your doctor. And, being that each grain has its own Gluten (which is a Protein) you would have to be tested for grains other than Wheat, if you wanted to find the exact culprit. Again, wheat is not the only grain having Gluten. And, again, it is not the only one containing Gliadin.

There are many other alternatives to wheat bread as listed above. For example, there is rice bread, almond bread, rice noodles, and corn based products.

There is much more Gluten in Wheat than there used to be due to Genetic Engineering (GMO.) For some of us it may be a good idea to be sure to simply avoid grains altogether…

Did you know there is no nutritional requirement for us to eat any grain at all? Why? Grains are very low in nutrient content. This is precisely why vitamins and minerals are added to most cereals. But, we can get all the nutrition we need from raw organic fruits and vegetables

When we add the Insidiousness of Lectins

Lectin is present in Nuts and Grass Seeds (and Grains.) It is there for plant survival or perpetuation of the species. It can cause damage to the organism trying to eat its young (or seedlings.) Seeds are the plant’s babies. Lectin is damaging to the gut for some of us, also contributing to Leaky Gut Syndrome.

Coffee, Tea, and Alcohol can kill friendly bacteria which live in the small intestine. Dangerous bacteria can then damage the gut lining. Refined Sugar feeds the bad bacteria leading to intestinal permeability or leaky gut.

If you don’t feel well, the culprits causing health problems for you could very well be Beans, Legumes, Nuts, Seeds, any Grains, Soy, Dairy, and/or the Nightshades (Eggplant, Tomatoes, Peppers, and Potatoes.)

Cooking destroys some of the Lectin, but not all of it. Therefore, make sure you cook your potatoes well avoiding buying green ones if possible. Furthermore, make sure you cook beans and lentils long enough (until very tender.)

Note- before you change your diet consult your doctor.