The first thing people ask when they hear I am gluten free... "Should I be gluten free too?"
My answer, "It depends. Have you had a genetic test? Are you reactive to gluten?"
Symptoms of gluten-intolerance after eating gluten:
- APPEARANCE: distended belly, posturing in children
- GUT FEELINGS: gas, bloating, pain, discomfort
- GI SYMPTOMS: constipation or diarrhea
- EMOTIONAL FEELINGS: tired, lethargic, difficult to concentrate, loopy/drunk feeling
-SKIN REACTIONS: itchy skin, dry skin patches, similar to eczema
TIMING: Symptoms may be immediate or take 2-3 days to show up.
Symptoms can also last last 2-3 days depending on exposure.
Why run genetic testing?
When I was younger I told it was Inflammatory Bowel Symdrome (IBS). Doctor ordered me to eat more whole wheat- at every meal to be exact.
In grad school I tried out the paleo diet. It was the first time my IBS symptoms disappeared & I quit having to take daily naps even thought I was sleeping 6-9hours a night.
Confidential buccal (cheek swab) genetic testing by GX Sciences.
Genetic testing revealed for me that I was negative for IBS, but positive for gluten problems AND I had symptoms of gluten bothering me. That's a recipe for trouble, as prolonged exposure to something that's making you sick causes inflammation and damage to the body, potentially leading to autoimmune disease.
My Genetic Testing through GX Sciences:
GENE RESULT CAUSES
ATG16L1 - / - Increased Risk of IBS
HLA-DQA1 - / - Gluten Breakdown, Enzymes, Gluten Free Diet
HLA-DQA2 +/+ Gluten Breakdown, Enzymes, Gluten Free Diet
So what did I do?
Simple answer:
I changed what I ate.
Some things I substituted for gluten-free things.
Some things I cut out completely.
<-- At the Gluten Free Expo in Dallas with our friends Gluten Free Mom-Certified from Chicago
Gluten Free Allergen Free EXPO
The Gluten Free Expo (GFAF) is a great way to try out a lot of gluten-free products out there. Because we think it might be equally helpful to YOU, we are giving away FREE tickets to the Dallas GFAF Expo October 27th & 28th.
WANT FREE TICKETS? Send us an email at info@OptimizedLivingInstitute.com
As long as we still have FREE tickets available, we will email you a PROMO code.
If we can ever be a resource, please do not hesitate to reach out!
Questions? (817) 431-9911
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Dr. Rebekah Bruner is passionate about healthy living & preventative healthcare learning. She enjoys speaking and writing about empowering people to become their own health advocate.
Dr. Bruner's post-doctorate training is in functional medicine, neurology, & pediatrics. She is a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association & she is completing additional training through the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs (medMAPS).