Gliadin is a protein within gluten, both of which are contained in wheat. Gluten is a large protein-carbohydrate mixture that gives dough its elasticity and makes baked goods light, fluffy and stick together. Unfortunately, it’s that same large size and stickiness that often create problems with digestion and general allergies.
Gluten can bind to opioid receptors in the brain and on cells throughout the body, causing emotional or psychological problems and addictions.
Though gluten-free living can be challenging at first, once you have gotten practiced, you will find that you can have a rich, diverse diet even without gluten.
The following list gives you a good place to start. But label-reading is very important. Most grocery stores now offer a wide variety of “gluten free” products. Many restaurants also offer gluten free dishes, as the awareness and diagnosis of Celiac’s disease and gluten allergies grow.
Safe foods (aka gluten-free)
+Rice +Millet* +Amaranth
+Quinoa +Sprouted Wheat* +Arrowroot
+Buckwheat +Legumes (peas, lentils, garbanzo)
+Corn* +Soy (beans of all types)
Some foods to avoid
-Wheat -Oats* -Whiskey
-Spelt -Farina -Beer (most)
-Kamut -Triticale
-Barley -Pumpernickle
-Rye -Malted Milk/Ovaltine
Hidden Sources of gluten:
When you read labels, be sure to avoid not only foods that contain wheat and gluten, but also avoid gliadin, whole wheat, wheat bran, rye and barley. Wheat-free does not necessarily mean gluten-free. Hidden sources of gluten may include (but are not limited to): dairy substitutes, bouillon, hydrolyzed vegetable and plant protein, soy sauce, modified food starch, over-the-counter and prescription medications and nutritional supplements, caramel coloring, most frozen, prepared meals, condiments, MSG, etc.
If you are in doubt, leave it on the shelf. Do not take chances with hidden sources. Even small amounts of gluten can trigger systemic, allergic responses.
Gluten Allergy Elimination
Dr. Justin Pollack practices the “BioSET” method of allergy and sensitivity elimination, which stands out amongst techniques that promise allergy clearing. BioSET may reverse gluten or gliadin sensitivity by “resetting” the body’s immune response with a bio-energetic system and additional enzyme supplementation.
In addition, naturopathic methods for reversing inflammation and healing compromised digestive tracts can help to decrease or eliminate responses to wheat proteins.
Further resources:
Check your local bookstore or library for gluten-free cookbooks. The web is an additional source of information.
Columbia University has a very complete pocket-guide called “The Ultimate Guide to Gluten-Free Living”. www.celiacdiseasecenter.org
