Natalie Cheng-Kai-On: Naturopathic Doctor and Acupuncturist – Vaughan and Markham Unionville

Wheat Belly – Can The Claims Be True?

Wheat Belly is a bestselling book written by William Davis, an American cardiologist.  He claims, “Lose the wheat, lose the weight, and find your path back to health”.  Davis points an accusing finger at “modern-day wheat” that’s been “genetically altered to provide processed food manufacturers the greatest yield at the lowest cost”.  Naturopathic doctors, frequently prescribe an elimination or detox diet for sufferers of allergies, skin problems, digestive concerns, unexplained fatigue, and weight problems.  Wheat and gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and spelt) are usually eliminated from the diet (amongst other common allergens) for 2-4 weeks, and then challenged upon reintroduction.  Many patients learn they have a sensitivity to wheat by this method, or by doing a food intolerance test.  They all ask the same question: “Why am I reacting to wheat now, when I’ve had it all my life, and was fine before?”  This is a good question.  Dr. Davis may be on to something, although I suspect that there are many factors including the amount of gluten being consumed in processed foods as fillers or additives.  Although the incidence of celiac disease (gluten intolerance) is up five fold, many people are just sensitive to wheat or gluten.  The symptoms of gluten sensitivity are: 68% experience abdominal pain, 40% have eczema or rash, 38% have headaches, 34% have “foggy mind”, 33% experience fatigue, and then diarrhea, depression, anemia, and joint pain in decreasing order.

So what should you do if you suspect a gluten sensitivity?  See a health practitioner before you remove it from your diet.  You should be tested for celiac disease when you are still exposed to gluten, otherwise blood tests and biopsies can result in false negatives.  When you do take gluten out of your diet, don’t replace it with a gluten-free alternative.  You will lose weight and be healthier if you give up pastries, breads, and cookies and start eating more fruits and vegetables with lean protein.  But you already knew that.

Are foods making you sick?  Inflammation and chronic activation of the immune system due to food intolerance has been linked to:  digestive disorders, migraines, obesity, chronic fatigue, ADD, aching joints, skin disorders, arthritis, and many more…

The immune system is a double-edged sword.  It should react appropriately and protect against infection when confronted with harmful invaders or “infectious agents” like viruses or bacteria.  Unfortunately for some, exposure to common foods, chemicals, and moulds may trigger chronic activation of the immune system.

The core technology is a blood test that measures the body’s cellular response to challenges from a wide array of substances including various foods, additives, colorings, and chemicals.  Following testing, a 4-Day Rotational Diet is recommended to the patient.

This test is now available at our clinic.  There are a range of tests and prices depending on how many foods, additives, colourings, chemicals, molds, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents, functional foods, and medicinal herbs you want to be tested for.

For more information, please contact us at 905-889-3640 or info@natdoctor.com.

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