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Posts Tagged ‘digestive health’

digestive health

Are you Gluten Free Or Is It Just More Marketing...

Are you Gluten-Free Or Is It Just More Marketing…

It’s difficult nowadays to go a week without encountering someone who claims to have a gluten allergy, but in reality, many people who have diagnosed themselves with a gluten allergy are actually suffering from a gluten sensitivity.

Are you Gluten-Free? Or Is It Just More Marketing…

Gluten-Free by the Numbers

breads, pastas, rice, and other foods with gluten

Gluten-free dieting has gained considerable popularity with the general population. Between 2004 and 2011, the market for gluten-free products reached an annual growth rate of 28%, with sales in 2012 hitting $2.6 billion. In 2012, Amazon listed about 4,800 gluten-free entries, but today lists over 18,000. A Google search at the same time for a gluten-free diet produced 4.2 million results but now has over 375 million results!

The number one reason consumers cite for buying gluten-free products is that they are perceived to be healthier than options containing gluten. Endorsements from celebrities have also contributed to the increased interest of possible health benefits from avoiding gluten, including potential weight loss. In 2014, the annual market share of gluten-free was at $5.94 billion. The global gluten-free market size was estimated at $17.59 billion in 2018 and is expected to expand at a rate of 9% from 2019 to 2025.

It’s estimated that only between 3 and 10% of the population may have a gluten sensitivity, so something is going on here. Are there more people with a gluten allergy or gluten sensitivity, or is the public simply becoming more aware of it because of marketing strategies? Are gluten issues a myth or a real problem?

Living as a Gluten-Free Family

two women preparing a gluten-free meal together in the kitchen

This topic is near and dear to me because I have some personal experience with it. A little over seven years ago, I met and started dating the woman who is now my wife. She eventually shared with me that she suffered from chronic migraines and a skin problem she simply called, ‘itchy bumps.’ These bumps were basically systemic urticaria or hives. As her boyfriend at the time, I asked if she had ever tried to manipulate her diet to see if she was sensitive to anything she was eating. She ended up removing gluten from her diet and hasn’t had a migraine or any itchy bumps ever since.

Now I live with my wife and our two boys in a gluten-free home. I’m not sensitive to gluten but we find it easier to just prepare one gluten-free meal for all of us to eat as a family. I don’t mind at all because the gluten-free options now available are delicious and you can’t tell the difference most of the time.

Sources of Gluten

burger, beer, and fries with gluten on a table

Gluten is a protein consisting of gliadins and glutenins, found in foods processed from wheat and related grains like barley bulgur, couscous, farina, graham, kamut, semolina, spelt, rye, and oats. Although oats do not contain the protein gliadin so most people who are simply gluten sensitive can eat oats. Those with celiac disease, a true wheat gluten allergy, tend not to do well with oats.

You do need to watch for hidden sources of gluten including malt, soups, broths, bouillons, cold cuts, French fries, processed cheese, mayonnaise, ketchup, soy sauce, salad dressings, sausages, hotdogs, fried veggies with tempura, gravy, canned baked beans, chocolate milk, foods that are breaded, energy bars, wine coolers, meatballs, meatloaf, veggie burgers, roasted nuts, beer, and some vitamins and supplements. You also have to watch out for some topical agents like shampoos, cosmetics, and even pet food.

It’s important to be aware that gluten does not necessarily equal wheat. Gluten is in a variety of products and if you are sensitive or allergic to gluten, you must carefully read ingredient lists.

A Range of Gluten Disorders

wheat intolerant woman holding bread showing her stomach

There is a spectrum of gluten-related disorders including wheat allergy, gluten sensitivity, and celiac disease. Wheat allergy is an adverse immunologic reaction to specific proteins just in wheat. A wheat allergy can be treated with wheat avoidance, which means a wheat-free diet can be more permissive than a strict gluten-free diet.

Gluten sensitivity, also referred to as non-celiac gluten sensitivity or intolerance, is characterized by a heightened immunological reaction to gluten in genetically susceptible people. For a clinical diagnosis, it’s generally based on responses to a gluten-free diet. Common symptoms of gluten sensitivity include fatigue, headaches, and skin problems. Symptoms usually include GI distress as well, like gas, bloating, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome. All of these symptoms frequently improve with the adoption of a gluten-free diet.

illustration of the intestines and bowels

The inherent subjectivity in the diagnosis and resolution of these symptoms likely contributes to the popularity of gluten-free diets. There is some data to suggest that following a gluten-free diet may improve GI or systemic symptoms in individuals with lupus, dermatitis, eczema, irritable bowel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes 1 and 2, thyroid problems, and psoriasis. Gluten-free diets have also been used by patients with autism spectrum disorders, however, there is no definitive data to support this and the American Academy of Pediatrics does not support the use of gluten-free diets as a primary treatment for individuals on the autism spectrum.

Despite the growing popularity and celebrity endorsements of a gluten-free diet for weight loss, there are no published reports showing that gluten-free diets produce weight loss. Is a gluten-free diet good for weight loss? Not unless you’re sensitive or allergic to gluten.

A celiac versus a non-celiac gluten sensitivity differs because celiac is a true food allergy. Food allergies are an adverse immune response to a food protein, most commonly an immunoglobulin called IgE. When the immune system detects IgE in the bloodstream, white blood cells attack and trigger an allergic response.

woman with gluten sensitivity choosing a rice cake instead of bread

Other allergies are mediated by the IgG immunoglobulin, which is characterized by symptoms which appear delayed, sometimes up to three or four days after the food is consumed. Symptoms of allergies include GI distress, skin inflammation, pain, fatigue, osteoporosis, mood disorders, liver problems, infertility, asthma, psoriasis, hair loss, premature gray hair, dental abnormalities, and even life-threatening anaphylaxis.

The real difference between celiac disease and gluten sensitivity is that celiac disease produces antibodies that attack the inner lining of the small intestine, destroying it. For individuals with gluten sensitivities, that does not happen. Either way though, the treatment is the same. Work with your doctor to come up with a great dietary plan and think about supplementing with anti-inflammatories.

Going Gluten-Free

a selection of gluten-free foods like pastas and bread

When it comes to treatment, avoidance works best. Remember that my wife cut out gluten and got much better. When mild symptoms came back later, we figured out that using the same toaster for her gluten-free bread and my regular bread was causing problems. We also switched to gluten-free dog food to avoid problems there. If your sensitive or allergic to gluten, you have to watch out for hidden sources of gluten.

The results of addressing a gluten issue are unmistakable, as most people rave about their increased energy levels, mental clarity, and an obvious decrease in symptoms. There are lab tests, skin tests, and blood tests that can help detect food allergies, but the gold standard is something called an elimination challenge diet. Eliminate all gluten products from your diet for 3-7 days, then challenge your body with gluten and see what happens. If symptoms go away and then return once you start eating gluten again, you know you’re gluten sensitive.

calendar showing the start of gluten-free living

Most individuals who are sensitive to gluten, especially celiac patients, tend to be sensitive to disaccharide sugars like lactose, sucrose, maltose, and isomaltose. Read labels carefully and if the food you’re eating contains one of these disaccharides, test your sensitivity by trying an elimination challenge of those foods as well.

Now it’s becoming easier to be on a gluten-free diet as many restaurants and conventional grocery stores offer gluten-free options. You can find gluten-free bread, pasta, bagels, waffles, pizza, and more. I can tell you from personal experience that they’re getting good at making gluten-free food delicious. Most of the time, you can’t even tell the difference between the gluten-free option and the option with gluten.

If you know or suspect that you have a gluten sensitivity or allergy, let us know. I want to understand what your experience is like and offer suggestions to make a gluten-free diet not just tolerable, but delicious. I’ve been working with patients on nutrition and dietary plans for over 16 years, so together we can come up with a plan that fits your needs.


Dr. Ryan Shelton of Zenith LabsIf you liked this video/article, do share it with your friends and loved ones. Subscribe to the Youtube channel for weekly tips on new tools and techniques to improve your health and well-being.

I believe in the original meaning of the word doctor, ‘docere’, which means teacher. I’m here to help educate you on how to take care of yourself in ways that you may not have heard of before, but that are effective. I always want to hear your ideas and feedback so be sure to leave me comments below!

 

 

 

Heavy Metal Toxicity Symptoms Doctor's Advice

Heavy Metal Toxicity Symptoms Doctor’s Advice

Many people have growing concerns about their potential exposure to environmental toxins and the negative health consequences surrounding them, whether the toxins come through air pollution, water pollution, organophosphates, pesticides, plastics, or heavy metals. Awareness around environmental toxins is a passion of mine, having attended multiple conferences over the last 17 years that focus on heavy metals, toxic exposure, and how to handle the effects.

graphic of a green plant, ladybug, and a set of smoke stacks

My patients often come in with vague symptoms that go undiagnosed, so we’ll go through an exposure history and medical history. After running some lab tests, we often confirm they have elevated levels of heavy metals. Once we help them process those heavy metals, they start to feel better.

In this article, we’ll talk about the five most common heavy metals which are arsenic, lead, mercury, aluminum, and cadmium. We’ll also go over the sources of these metals, the negative impacts they have on the body, the symptoms they cause, and a few simple things you can do to help your body process these heavy metals.

Your first thought might be, “Well, I’ve never had any specific exposure since I’ve never worked as a painter, or with ceramics, or in a manufacturing plant.” However, it’s still an important question of whether these toxins are an obstacle for you achieving your health and wellness.

sign that says reduce toxins in your life

When we talk about heavy metals, there are three primary targets in the human body:

  • First is the immune system which can cause allergies, chronic infections, autoimmunity, and certain types of cancers.
  • Second is the neurological system, which would include cognitive abilities, brain fog, sensory changes, numbness and tingling, fine tremors, fine motor difficulties, and coordination issues. Mood alterations like depression, anxiety, and anger are part of the neurological system as well.
  • Third is the endocrine system which can cause sleep disruption, sensory disruption, and changes in energy levels and mood. Alterations can also happen in weight, appetite, bowel functions, sexual interest, and sexual functions. In women, there can be menstrual changes along with differences in temperature perception, sweating, flushing, and alteration of hair growth and nail growth.

Heavy Metal Toxicity Symptoms Doctor’s Advice

Why Some People Retain More Heavy Metals than Others

image of human body and a DNA strand

There are genetic differences in phase one and phase two detoxification pathways in the liver due to individual polymorphisms. This may be due to nutrient deficiencies, like magnesium, selenium, or vitamin B6, or may be due to a poor diet that is high in sugar and low on protein. It can also be due to stress, emotional suffering, trauma, or the presence of other heavy metals making you retain additional heavy metals.

effects of coffee on your liver

There are certain red flags I look for in patients including headaches, brain fog, fatigue, muscle weakness, muscle spasms, and an irritable bowel. An inability to handle caffeine is also a red flag, so take note if you can’t consume caffeine after noon without experiencing insomnia later in the day. An inability to handle medications is another red flag, like having to take very small doses or else suffering side effects.

Five Heavy Metals Contributing to Negative Health Conditions

1. Arsenic

worn paper listing arsenic carcinogens substances

Arsenic is the number one toxin in the United States ranked by the Environmental Protection Agency. Sources include cigarette smoke, wine from sprayed grapes, shellfish, seaweeds, wood preservatives, cattle and sheep dip, production of semiconductor parts, and production of photoelectric components in electronic manufacturing. Other sources are galvanizing, etching, fungicides, pesticides, fireworks, tanning leather products, textile printing, cable sheaths, copper or lead smelting, and glass manufacturing.

Exposure to arsenic can lead to several symptoms like fatigue, malaise, light sensitivity, headaches, and problems with your skin, nails, lungs, and cardiovascular system. You can also experience gastrointestinal, kidney, endocrine, musculoskeletal, and psychological problems.

2. Lead

batteries in the dirt

The toxin ranked number two by the EPA is lead. Sources of lead include bullets, fishing equipment, art supplies, weight equipment, radiation shields, bearing alloys, ceramic glazes, and pigments. Lead can also be found in plumbing, miners, mechanics, refinery smelting work, antiknock gasoline additives, paint, solar joints in water systems, batteries, and colored and stained glass.

A build-up of lead in your body can cause fatigue, malaise, weight loss, burning of the mouth, headaches, plus musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiovascular, kidney, and reproductive problems.

3. Mercury

piece of salmon in laboratory mercury and toxic dye

Mercury is ranked by the EPA as the number three toxin Americans are exposed to. One type is elemental mercury, which comes from coal power plants, medical waste incineration, municipal water waste incineration, and contaminated water and food products. Another type is organic or methyl mercury mercury. It’s methylated by organisms in water and soil which means it’s found in trout, pike, walleye, bass, tuna, tilefish, swordfish, and shark.

Elemental mercury is found in dental amalgams. Dentists have a high level of elemental mercury because they’re dealing with amalgams often. It can also be found in fossil fuels, latex paint, old thermometers, electrical switches, Dove soap, Ajax, and even some brands of dishwashing soap. Some of the symptoms elemental mercury causes include fatigue, hair loss, skin rashes, headaches, and a metallic taste in your mouth. It can also create neurological, cardiovascular, kidney, lung, gastrointestinal, and skin problems.

4. Aluminum

child holding crushed aluminum cans

Aluminum is often found in cookware like coffee pots, pizza pans, pots, and utensils, and cooking with tomato sauce can extract aluminum in higher quantities. Other items where traces of aluminum are found include certain brands of antacids, aspirin, paint, fireworks, glasswork, ceramics, aluminum baking powder, soy-based infant formulas, deodorants, drinking water clarified by aluminum, canned goods, coal power plants, incinerators, and pesticides. Aluminum exposure can cause fatigue, malaise, and even heat intolerance. You may also experience skin, neurological, lung, reproductive, and kidney problems.

5. Cadmium

image of cadmium table of elements

Cadmium is the number seventh-ranked EPA toxin in the United States. Exposure can come from batteries, plastic manufacturing, metal soldering, welding, fossil fuels, incineration, metal smelting, tattoos, fertilizer, fungicides, and cigarette smoking. Cadmium can cause malaise, weakness, fatigue, kidney problems, gastrointestinal problems, lung problems, cardiovascular problems, osteoporosis, cancers of the lung and prostate, and endocrine problems.

Supplements You Can Take for Heavy Metal Toxicity

spoon with dietary supplement pills

Now that you know the five heavy metals to watch out for, you can take preventative action against them. There are general supplements you can take such as glutathione, Curcuma, Tinospora, milk thistle, calcium D-glucarate, epigallocatechin gallate, Brassica vegetables, and whey protein.

You can also take specific supplements to combat each of the heavy metals. Alpha-lipoic acid is specifically helpful for mercury, arsenic, cadmium, and lead. Arsenic is helped by taurine and mentha herbs like spearmint and peppermint. Mercury can be helped by Ocimum (Holy Basil), coriander, spirulina, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Lead can be helped with coriander, cadmium with zinc, magnesium, vitamin C, and ginger.

There are chelating agents you can take, like DMPS and DMSA, but I would highly recommend working with a qualified practitioner if you consider using them to extract heavy metals. A chelator goes into the body, grabs the heavy metals, and pulls them out of the body. In addition to chelators, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, selenium, whey protein, an amino acid supplement, and plenty of magnesium can help your liver process these heavy metals.

Additional Resources on Heavy Metal Toxicity

stop heavy metals sign

Environmental Working Group is a website with helpful information about the sources of toxic heavy metals and what you can do about them. The first step is identifying sources of heavy metals and then limiting the amount of exposure your body has to them. Supplementation and chelation are effective, but it’s better to avoid these heavy metals altogether.

Even if you think you’ve never been directly exposed to these heavy metals, everyone is exposed in some way and at risk for possible health consequences. Continue educating yourself, your friends, and your family about the sources and symptoms these heavy metals can cause.

Zenith Detox, supplement by Zenith LabsHere at Zenith Labs, we’ve created a supplement called Zenith Detox. It contains many botanical agents and nutraceuticals to help your body process these heavy metals. Pair this with simple actions to avoid heavy metal toxins and you’re one step closer to better health and wellness.


Dr. Ryan Shelton of Zenith LabsIf you liked this video/article, do share it with your friends and loved ones. Subscribe to the Youtube channel for weekly tips on new tools and techniques to improve your health and well-being.

I believe in the original meaning of the word doctor, ‘docere’, which means teacher. I’m here to help educate you on how to take care of yourself in ways that you may not have heard of before, but that are effective. I always want to hear your ideas and feedback so be sure to leave me comments below!

 

 

 

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