Topic: Question about gluten/dairy and inflammation
James1979
Unregistered
posted
If someone with Lyme doesn't have inflammation showing on their blood tests, and also they don't feel inflammation in their bodies, is it still beneficial for those people to stay away from gluten and dairy products, even if they don't have Celiac's or allergies to those products?
Sorry for the run-on sentance, but I didn't know how else to write it.
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There are a number of sources that conclude that yes, staying away from gluten and dairy (as well as sugar) are wise regardless of if one is healthy or ill. The so called cave man diet postulates that we did not eat these things way back when (both were introduced when man evolved from hunter and began domesticating wildlife and growing crops) and that our genetics really haven't caught up with this dietary change, despite 10,000 years that have passed since.
Inflammation is a major cause of most diseases so eating an anti-inflammatory diet not only helps the chronically ill but also the healthy.
Posts: 9 | From Illinois | Registered: Jul 2009
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James1979
Unregistered
posted
Wonderful answer! Thanks a lot!
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posted
Hi James, Here is some info on the gluten question which I had posted previously:
Gluten increases inflammation in the body and brain. Those of us with lyme disease already have increased inflammation.
Gluten can cause the immune system to flare up. Those of us with lyme disease are trying to support our immune systems in fighting infection.
A helpful book called "The Lyme Diet - Nutritional Strategies for Healing from Lyme Disease" by Nicola McFadzean states:
"Since gluten protein molecules are not digested well by humans (we lack the enzymes to fully break them down), those who are gluten sensitive develop an immunological reaction to the molecules,
which then starts to inflame and destroy tissues in the body (this is an autoimmune reaction - our own immune system attacking our own tissues). Consequently, normal tissues become damaged, preventing growth and regeneration.
Reactions to ingestion of gluten can be immediate or delayed for weeks or even months. Some people with gluten intolerance experience digestive symptoms such as gas, bloating, diarrhea/constipation, heartburn and abdominal pain.
Gluten can also contribute to joint and muscle pain, depression, irritability, muscle cramps, fatigue, headaches/migraines, skin rashes and hormone imbalance, just to name a few."
Also, many of us with lyme disease have low thyroid function, hypothyroid. Most hypothyroid conditions are actually undiagnosed Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, an autoimmune thyroid disease. Gluten can exacerbate this condition, so must be avoided.
Another condition that many of us lymies have is a MTHFR genetic mutation. This causes a problem with our methylation cycle, leading to poor detoxification, depression, brain fog, and decreased glutathione production. Glutathione is needed for our immune system to function well. So avoiding gluten would be best for this condition, too. (MTHFR mutation can be helped by taking methylfolate.)
I am not a doctor! I learned this all by being diagnosed with these conditions.
I hope you find the answers you are looking for. Wishing you good health.
Posts: 873 | From WA | Registered: Dec 2005
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P.S. Since going gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free, I am definately noticing a positive difference in how I feel. Every bit helps!
Posts: 873 | From WA | Registered: Dec 2005
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James1979
Unregistered
posted
Thanks a ton, hopeful!! I actually just purchased that book and am hoping to read it soon.
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