Food for Thought

You may have heard, but there is a lot of discussion nowadays about the relationship between food and chronic pain. We’ve all heard it at one time or another; you are what you eat, right!

Well, did you know that eating certain foods can cause inflammation in your body? And inflammation = pain. Research is currently being done and science is trying to establish whether or not there is a link between gluten; the protein in found in wheat and chronic pain. Gluten is known to cause autoimmune reactions within the body, so ultimately the choices we make in the grocery store may directly impact the way we feel. Inflammation is your body’s immune response to these toxins; a means to purify itself. If not recognized, this inflammation can lead to pain and over time it could trigger chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s, memory loss and depression just to mention a few.

Gluten, the protein in wheat and can be found in grains such as wheat, rye, oats and barley. Gluten is used to help food maintain its shape; it’s the glue so to speak! But beware; gluten lurks in many foods and can be found in lots of foods that most would not think to avoid. Processed foods that often contain gluten includes; Beer, breads, cakes, cookies, candies, cereal and pasta; just to name a few. Gluten can also be found in spices; I found this one out the hard way! The lesson learned here; be sure to read and check your labels.

Some food for thought; not all people that react to gluten have celiac; some people can have a gluten sensitivity or allergy for that matter causing them to experience similar symptoms to those individuals that have been diagnosed with celiac disease without actually having the disease or the associated intestinal damage.

Now, take a minute and ask yourselves; do you suffer from or experience any of the following; brain fog, headaches, fatigue, loss of energy, bone, joint and muscle pain, hives/rash, numbness/tingling in your hands and feet or depression? If you answered yes to any of these symptoms, a diet overhaul may be in your future!

If you enjoyed this blog; Stay tuned; there’s more to come!