Times of high stress can affect your health, your sleep, and your entire sense of well-being. While chronic long-term stress is a cry for a change of lifestyle and a more serious intervention, sometimes we go through stressful periods knowing there is an end in sight. If this is your situation, know that a good diet, 8 hours of sleep a night, exercise and the following supplements can help see you through.
While a few of the B vitamins are regularly recommended for stress, it is always best to take B vitamins in a B complex form, as B vitamins work together. Research has also shown that taking one B vitamin alone over time can actually cause deficiencies in other B vitamins. B vitamins are nature’s valium. They soothe the nervous system and aid in many functions in the body and brain. They may also help you sleep.
L- tryptophan is an amino acid our body needs in order to make serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin is the basic “feel good” neurotransmitter, whereas melatonin is needed for sleep.
In times of great stress, the immune system is often suppressed. An extra boost of vitamin C and vitamin D aid the immune system and may keep you from catching a virus or a bacterial infection at an already difficult time.
Times of high stress are a good time to ensure all of your nutritional needs are met. A daily multi-vitamin and/or Total Nutrition Formula will aid you in getting all the nutrients your body requires. (You can buy it at Green lifestyle Market or make your own Total Nutrition Formula at home.)
Omega 3s
Krill oil, flax seed oil, fish oil, or a good oil blend will help with stress and aid in concentration and mood stabilization.
If L-tryptophan and B vitamins have not reversed your insomnia, add melatonin and valerian root to your nightly routine. Also see Natural Insomnia Cures. (see link below)
Conclusion:
Coping with stress in a healthy way includes a healthy diet, adequate exercise, good sleep, and avoiding those shortcut stress reducers that do more harm than good. Don’t rely on drugs, alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, or junk food to help you through stressful times. They don’t help at all, even though it may seem like they do at the moment. This is a time to take excellent care of yourself to minimize the stress on your body even though there is more than enough stress in your life. For more information on how to deal with stress, especially if your stress is chronic or long term, see Natural Remedies for Chronic Stress, and Natural Remedies for Adrenal Fatigue.
Smokers are adept in compartmentalized thinking. All the expense, the fuss, the mess, the smell, the frustration of addiction, and the very real fear of cancer and other medical consequences are pushed aside or buried deep in the psyche when they are actively smoking. When you get honest with yourself, you know you want to quit. Who doesn’t want to be smoke free?
Smoking is a complicated addiction. There is much more at play than a simple addiction to nicotine. Smokers are addicted to the very act itself. Taking that break, the deep breathing involved, the camaraderie of other smokers–all of these factors come into play when you quit.
Prepare Yourself to Quit Smoking
First and foremost, break the cycle of self-delusion. Do your research. I could do it for you, but the facts will deliver a bigger punch if you look them up yourself. How many die of cancer each year? Each day? How many other deaths are related to smoking? Check out a picture of smoker’s lungs versus healthy lungs and see the damage you have done! Know that your lungs can be pink and healthy again–the choice is yours.
Do a pros and cons list. Are there really any good reasons to keep smoking?
Go out and buy yourself some straws. Short fat ones are the best, of course. And buy some bubbles, the kind children blow.
Stock up on the following:
Vitamin C
Lemons, cranberry juice without added sugar, cayenne pepper, stevia (recipe)
Stop buying cigarettes by the carton. Buy one pack at a time.
Pick a target date. Do not plan to stop when you know you will have to complete an important assignment or report. That report will become the excuse to go buy more cigarettes. It’s best to choose a day when you will be off work for a day or two (or more).
The night before you plan to quit, smoke that last cigarette, then clean house. Throw away all of your smoking paraphernalia–ashtrays, lighters, cigarette cases. Drown any remaining cigarettes and cigarette butts. If they are wet, you can’t retrieve them from the trash. Take a B vitamin and get a good night’s sleep, you’ll need it.
Getting Through the First Few Days–The Blood Sugar Connection
The first three days will be the most difficult. The connection between nicotine and blood sugar is a major factor. Nicotine is a trigger to release blood sugar. Your body may need a few days to reset itself, to learn to release blood sugar on its own. Smoking a cigarette releases blood sugar in seconds while eating takes twenty minutes or so. This is why cigarettes have been such a crutch when you have needed that boost of energy or clear thinking. It’s not just the stimulant effect of nicotine you crave–it’s the brain craving glucose as well.
This blood sugar connection is the reason so many people gain weight when they quit smoking. They replace that quick blood sugar release with foods that release blood sugar quickly–like candy. But this starts them on a roller coaster of rising and falling blood sugar. When the blood sugar plunges, they eat more sugar, and the nicotine cravings increase. If you avoid this trap, you won’t gain weight.
The first thing in the morning when you crave that first cigarette, drink a cup of juice. Then eat plenty of protein for breakfast. Do not eat sugar! Take your vitamins.
For the first three days (or longer if needed) eat throughout the day. The secret is to eat healthy, organic, nutrient dense foods. Stick to protein, fruits, and vegetables. Throughout the day, drink cranberry lemonade (see recipe below). It will help flush toxins out of your system. Aim for a gallon a day. That’s one cup every waking hour.
After breakfast, take the time to cut up a bunch of veggies to snack on throughout the day. If you are a meat eater, it is also a good time to cook some chicken wings or drumsticks or any other meat that you can grab cold out the fridge for a few bites of protein.
If cravings get really bad, drink a cup of fruit juice, but follow 30 minutes later with some protein.
After 3 days, ditch the fruit juice, but keep up the cranberry lemonade. It’s a good habit to continue.
Vitamins To Take When You Quit Smoking
Vitamin C – 1,000 mg twice daily (remember to titrate down if you stop taking vitamin C)
B Complex vitamins–1 or 2 a day (never take one B vitamin for any length of time–it will make you deficient in the others)
Calcium and magnesium–once a day
Vitamin C will help you flush toxins and nicotine from the body. B vitamins will help you sleep and calm your nerves. Your friends, family, and co-workers will appreciate your taking B vitamins as well. Calcium and magnesium work together. Magnesium reduces stress. A forty minute epsom salts bath will release toxins and flood your body tissues with magnesium.
What To Expect When You Quit Smoking
You may find that you are really tired–and sleepy. This is due to both the blood sugar connection and the nicotine withdrawal. Nicotine is a stimulant, after all. Allow your body to rest. Sleep at will, but exercise as well. Your lymphatic system needs help to circulate lymphatic fluid and you need your immune system to help you detox. A brisk walk once or twice a day will benefit you in many ways.
When the cravings hit, you will experience both a physical reaction and an emotional one. That voice in your mind, that voice of addiction, will tell you any number of things from “One won’t hurt!” to “I can’t do this!” Talk back. Do it out loud. “Yes, I can!” or “Yes, one will hurt!” Say it loud and clear. But if the arguing with your inner voice continues past the first three days, dismiss it. Tell yourself that you will no longer listen to the voice of addiction.
Shillington’s Formulas
Shillington has a couple of formulas that can help with withdrawals and healing from smoking.
Parts are by volume. Blend all ingredients together and make into a tincture using a 50 – 50 Blend of Alcohol (100 proof vodka) and distilled water. For more, see How to Make a Tincture.
What Else Can You Do to Help Yourself through Withdrawals from Smoking?
Smoking involves behaviors that are as addicting as the smoking itself. The hand to mouth ritual, the deep breathing involved in inhaling smoke, the outside (hopefully) break in your daily routine, these behaviors are missed when you quit.
For the long term, learn how to breathe properly and consider taking up meditation or yoga. For the short term, take big deep breaths every time you think about smoking, and every time you think about breathing. Suck on a straw. Straws will allow you to repeat that behavior, the deep draw of air, the hand to mouth motion. You’ll be surprised how much this will help you when that craving strikes. If the whimsy appeals, follow this with blowing bubbles. It’s nice to think you are putting bubbles into the air instead of noxious smoke.
You may quit for weeks, months, or even years and find that nasty little voice comes back to tell you, you can smoke just one. Or that voice tells you that you can just smoke tonight while you are at this bar or this party. And guess what? You can. You can smoke one cigarette or a whole pack and not smoke the next day, but this slippery slope is the first step back to smoking. If you could have had a take it or leave it relationship with smoking, that’s what you would have had. But you didn’t, did you? And I would be willing to bet you have never known a single person who did. Smoking is a strong addiction. Unlike alcohol, which many people can enjoy in moderation, smoking is usually an all or nothing proposition. Alcoholics may be able to drink one drink–today. But once they start drinking, they will return to their addictive behavior. It is even worse for recovering smokers. When you quit, never ever smoke again. If you slip up–stop. Keep quitting until it sticks.
If you smoke a pack a day, you are spending $5.00-$6.00 dollars a day or more on a nasty, filthy, suicidal addiction. That’s $150.00 to $185.00 or more a month. What else can you do for yourself with that money? How about a massage every other week? A membership to a gym? Clothes? That special something you can’t afford but could save the money to buy? Consider putting that cash you would have spent on cigarettes into a jar where you can see the money you are saving each day. Whatever you buy with that money, spend it on yourself. You deserve it. You’ve won.
Fall and winter is flu season and many Americans respond to this threat with an annual flu shot. Posters on drug store walls and entryways ask, “Have you had your flu shot yet?” There is a clear expectation in the message, that every person should comply. Last year, 135 million doses of flu vaccine were distributed. Although this represents only 14% of our population, this is indeed a large number. Flu vaccines are big business.
The CDC says 200,000 Americans are hospitalized with the flu each year. But they also say they don’t actually know the number of cases of adults who contract the flu or died from the flu, nor do they publicize the number of people who contract vaccine injuries including the number of vaccinated patients who develop Guillain-Barré Syndrome.
Flu shots are not infallible. First, the viral strain (or strains) used to manufacture the vaccine is based on the best guess of which flu strain will spread during the next flu season. Add to this best guess scenario the fact the viruses mutate. Even if the correct strain was chosen, a mutation may render the vaccine useless.
The CDC reports an estimated average of 23,607 annual flu-related deaths. They explain that these numbers are estimated because mandatory reporting of flu victims is limited to children under the age of 17. They state that they do not know the exact number of flu deaths (or cases of flu) due to the following reasons:
States are not required to report flu deaths in adults (18 years and older).
Influenza is rarely listed on the death certificate as a cause of death when patients die of flu-related illnesses (such as pneumonia).
Many flu-related deaths occur weeks after the initial flu infection due to a secondary infection or complications of an existing chronic condition.
Most of the people who die from flu-related complications are never tested for influenza and if they were, the virus would not show up in tests weeks after the infection (tests must be administered within a week of onset). Tests would show that they have antibodies to the flu, but that would not necessarily mean that the antibodies are from the current infection; they may be from a previous infection.
False negative test results are common.
The annual estimate of 23,607 deaths due to flu reflects estimated annual averages that have ranged from 3,349 (1986-87 flu season) to 48,614 (2003-04 flu season). These numbers are derived from reported flu-related child deaths and the estimated number of adults that die from “flu-related illness.” Reported child deaths average 113 per year from the 2003-04 flu season through the 2013-14 flu season with a low of 39 in the 2004-05 flu season and a high of 282 in the 2009-10 flu season (the year of the swine flu). This leaves 23,494 average adult deaths that are attributed to the flu but are not officially reported as such.
The CDC derives their annual number based on the number of adults whose death certificates cite the following causes of death: pneumonia and influenza (P&I) and respiratory and circulatory (R&I) causes. They state:
CDC uses underlying R&C deaths (which include P&I deaths) as the primary outcome in its mortality modeling because R&C deaths provide an estimate of deaths that include secondary respiratory or cardiac complications that follow influenza. R&C causes of death are more sensitive than underlying P&I deaths and more specific than deaths from all causes.
Granted, the CDC uses a sophisticated computer software program and all available data to project numbers. But the official count of influenza is further muddied by lumping influenza and pneumonia together when ranking the 15 top causes of death in the U.S. For 2011, influenza and pneumonia together ranked at number 8 with 53,667 deaths. There is no list for influenza alone. And yet, the statistics lead one to believe influenza is the leading contagion causing death in this country.
If the CDC is going to push their agenda of flu shots, at the very least, flu shots should not include toxins like mercury, aluminum, and formaldehyde. Learn the facts before you choose a flu vaccine.
There are two things to ask yourself if you have a problem with body odor:
Am I healthy?
Am I using the right soap and skin care products?
You may have noticed “Do I shower often enough?” was left out. That’s because when the body is healthy, showering is about removing dirt and odors from sources other than our body. Objectionable body odor is a result of imbalanced PH, imbalanced hormones, a heavy toxic load, damaging skin care products, and/or imbalanced gut flora.
Health
First let’s talk about health. If you are not healthy or your body is toxic, it will affect your body odor. Vaginal infections can produce a foul odor and body fluids, including sweat, may give off a foul odor when you are ill, just as sinus infections or infections in the mouth can produce bad breath. If you are healthy, your sweat will not smell foul. It will actually smell good.
Clean up your body from the inside out. Eat a healthy diet that consists of 80% fresh, organic, raw fruits and vegetables. The fiber will cleanse your digestive system, sweeping out old rotting food and debris while working as a prebiotic that helps maintain a high level of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Detox twice a year. Get those chemicals, parasites, and the extra yeast out of your body. (For more information, see the links below.)
Bathing and Showering
This is such an individual decision that should be based on need, not someone else’s idea of cleanliness. In the U.S. our cultural norm is a daily bath or shower, those some shower morning and night. If you are healthy and you aren’t actually dirty, daily showers or baths are not necessary. Some may argue that even with toxin free skin care products, daily washing does more harm than good due to washing away healthy flora that develops on skin and controls body odor. Bathe or shower as often as necessary–not more.
Why You Should Use Organic Soap
There are two reasons you should use organic soap. First of all, our skin soaks up most of the chemicals we put on it. When we use conventional products, those chemicals are pulled into our bloodstream. Read the labels on soap scrubs and bar soap and ask yourself if you would want to eat those ingredients, because in a roundabout way, that’s exactly what you are doing every time you use them. Secondly, organic soaps are better for your skin and they stop the body odor cycle caused by conventional products.
Our skin is part of the body’s first line of defense against pathogens. Not only do we produce natural oils to keep our skin healthy, our skin is host to many beneficial bacterial, just like our gut. Conventional soaps, especially anti-bacterial soaps, are the greatest cause of body odor because they disrupt the body’s natural defense against bad bacteria. Conventional , anti-bacterial soaps strip the skin of natural oils and kill the bacteria. The problem is, they kill the beneficial bacteria that naturally keeps the bad bacteria (the smelly bacteria) in check. You bathe, you kill off the good bacteria. You sweat, the bad bacteria start to multiply and there aren’t enough good bacteria to keep them in check. You bathe, the cycle continues.
This is the same process we experience with deodorants. Any time we strip natural oils and kill off beneficial bacteria, we set up an unhealthy cycle that merely perpetuates the use of conventional products. We smell worse, we use more and more. This is how they make money.
Organic soaps maintain the natural balance of bacteria on your skin. As the days pass, you will notice that you have less body odor. You will no longer need to use deodorant. You just don’t smell bad anymore. You may find that you only need to bathe every other day, every three days, or maybe only once a week. Even if you maintain the habit of a daily bath or shower, your skin will be happier and healthier. If you’re ready to get rid of body odor without the chemical cover-ups that damage your health, it’s time to Balance Your Gut Flora and Balance Your Hormones.
The first step in eliminating an overgrowth of candida is to stop feeding it. Sugar is your worst enemy. This means eliminating all forms of sugar including simple carbohydrates that the body turns into sugar as well as yeast and moldy foods. Also, avoid all allergens. You need your immune system focused on the task at hand, so don’t challenge it with any foods or environmental substances that have caused you problems in the past.
Herbs and supplements to fight candida
There is an arsenal of natural herbs and supplements at your disposal to fight Candida and other fungi. Here are some of the top contenders.
Aloe vera
Aloe Vera lowers pH levels creating an inhospitable environment for Candida. It also helps detoxify the liver. The liver filters the byproducts of Candida and deals with toxins from the die off process, as the Candida is destroyed. Aloe Vera juice can be consumed on a daily basis (no more than 1/4 a cup) or capsules can be taken.
Garlic
Raw garlic is a powerful anti-fungal that does not destroy beneficial bacteria in the gut. It does, however, kill bad bacteria while killing 24 out of 26 strains of Candida. It can also be rubbed on fungal skin infections. It can be eaten raw, taken in softgel capsules, or taken as an oil. Warning: can be a blood thinner. Do not use garlic if you plan to undergo surgery or if otherwise contraindicated.
Clove Oil
Clove oil is a powerful anti-fungal that also boosts the immune system. Use 15-30 drops in water, 3 times daily.
Oil of Oregano is a strong anti-fungal and antimicrobial. You can take 5 or more drops under the tongue or dilute in water 2-3 times a day. It can also be taken by capsule or oregano leaves can be steeped for a medicinal tea. Oil of oregano is also very high in antioxidants.
Take 1 teaspoon up to 3 times a day, but do not take it long term. There are many claims that colloidal silver is amazing. We haven’t had any luck with it when treating topical bacteria or fungi and there is a lot of controversy about its effectiveness and use, though there are also many claims that it is very effective.
Olive oil and olive leaf extract doesn’t directly kill fungi; it disrupts the reproductive cycle. It also stabilizes and lowers blood sugars to help starve Candida. It is also an amazing antioxidant that stimulates the immune system. It can be taken in capsule form, as a tonic, or as a tea.
Undecenoic acid is a very effective broad-spectrum antiviral that is taken in capsule form.
Grapefruit seed extract
Grapefruit seed extract is effective against 100 strains of fungi as well as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. It works well with undecenoic acid and does not harm beneficial bacteria. Add 10 drops to water, 3 times a day.
Please note the warnings for pregnant and lactating women for the following remedies:
Black walnut
Black walnut has been shown to be more effective against Candida than any antiviral drug. It can be taken in capsule form or as an extract.
Warning: it should not be used by pregnant or lactating women.
Pau D’Arco
Pau d’arco is highly effective against Candida; it both inhibits and destroys Candida. It also stimulates the immune system as well. Use as a tea, as capsules, or as a tincture.
Warning: it should not be used by pregnant or lactating women.
Barberry and goldenseal are both recommended for Candida. Berberine is the alkaloid they both contain, which is highly effective in fighting Candida. It also boosts and stimulates the immune system.
Warning: it should not be taken by pregnant women. And limit use to 7 days for adults–3 days for children.
For more herbs and supplements as well as information on making tinctures:See the first source for how to make a tincture, and for more info be sure to read Balance the Ecosystem and Bullet Proof Your Immune System.
Rumor has it that some people have found their fountain of youth. While one may easily think this is all thanks to modern cosmetic and beauty procedures, you can actually stay young and healthy naturally without the ridiculous cost. How? Let’s take it from the Queen Bee, shall we?
The use of honey bee products for beauty can be traced back as far as Cleopatra’s reign in Nile, Egypt. Cleopatra was one of the earliest historical figures who used honey (and milk) in their baths to pamper their skin. Thanks to modern research, we now know that the famous Egyptian queen was onto something when she included honey in her beauty regimen.
Honey is known to have natural antibacterial properties, making it a popular chemical free skincare alternative for acne treatment and prevention. It’s also naturally rich in antioxidants, so it’s of little surprise to find honey in many anti-ageing beauty products today.
Honey is also used as a skin moisturizer to keep the skin well-soothed, glowing, and freshly hydrated. Honey is also great for improving complexion and unclogging pores because of its antimicrobial and clarifying properties.
Now that we know the basic skin care benefits of honey, let’s move on to different ways we can take advantage of it to achieve youthful and better-looking skin. Here are several home treatments you can easily do to incorporate honey into your beauty regimen:
Moisturizing Facial Mask
Tired of having to deal with dry skin? With its natural humectant properties, you can bring honey to the rescue. Clean your face with your usual soap and cleanser, and pat it dry. Get a teaspoon of raw honey and spread it liberally onto your face. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes for long-lasting and more effective hydration. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. This beauty regimen also unclogs your pores.
Natural Exfoliator
While you can easily get your beauty treatment at your favorite spa or skin clinic, it’s still more relaxing and cost-effective if you do it at home. Exfoliating skin is highly recommended 1-3 times a week (depending on skin type and condition) to remove dead skin cells. You can make a gentle scrub with honey and baking soda (2 parts to 1 part, respectively). Baking soda powder has light exfoliation properties. Honey, as we already know, has moisturizing and clarifying properties, making this combo a simple and natural concoction to effectively soothe and exfoliate skin. And don’t just limit it to your face – it’s great for the whole body, too.
Acne Treatment
One of the most common causes of acne is a build-up of bacteria and dirt on the skin. Honey’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can help by preventing bacterial build-up and by soothing the skin irritation and redness caused by acne. Raw honey is recommended because of its unfiltered composition. For acne treatment, simply apply a thin layer of raw honey and let it sit on your skin for 10-30 minutes. Remember, do not rub your skin; rubbing will further irritate your acne. Rinse well with lukewarm water and pat your skin dry.
Hair Mask
Let’s have a quick rundown here as to why honey can be great for hair care and hair growth:
Honey is a natural emollient, meaning it’s a great organic alternative for hair conditioning because of its softening and smoothening properties.
Its antioxidant properties are great for scalp care and hair growth.
As a humectant and with its high sugar content, honey can add and help retain moisture to the hair and scalp.
Honey’s antimicrobial properties help prevent scalp problems and infections, such as common dandruff and itchiness.
To use honey for your hair mask, you’ll also need olive oil (extra virgin preferred) and lemon (alternative: whipped yogurt). Create a concoction out of 2 tablespoons honey and 3 tablespoons olive oil. Heat together with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Apply and leave the lukewarm mixture unto scalp and hair for 30 minutes or longer. Rinse and wash off.
While honey has some amazing benefits, some people are just naturally allergic to it, so it’s still recommended to do a skin test before you use it. The tips mentioned here are basic. You can experiment depending on your needs. Remember that there are a lot of natural products you can actually use; you just have to do some research and careful experimentation to develop the beauty regimen that is perfect for you.
The Reasons Gluten Intolerance and Celiac Disease Are On the Rise
It seems that every few years we hear of another diet fad or food fad. In the last few years gluten is getting all of the attention. How can wheat or other common grains–fixtures of the American diet–be causing such problems?
What is gluten? Gluten is the protein found in wheat (including spelt, kamut, triticale , which are varieties of wheat), rye, and barley.
Why has gluten become a problem for so many?
There are several reasons gluten has become a problem for so many Americans.
First of all, bread or wheat forms the basis of the American diet. Toast for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch, rolls or pasta for dinner–the majority of Americans eat wheat all day, every day.
The wheat we eat barely resembles the wheat our ancestors ate. Although it is not genetically modified (yet), it has been significantly altered by selection, through generations of hybrid alterations to increase yields and make it more disease resistant.
Our ancestors used to sprout grains before using them. We rarely take this step to make grains more digestible.
And last, but certainly not least, Candida overgrowth in the gut is epidemic due to the American diet and use of antibiotics.
What is the link between Candida and gluten intolerance?
Our gut is filled with bacteria. If properly balanced, the beneficial bacteria far exceeds the bad bacteria and yeast. The beneficial bacteria are crucial to our health. They help us digest our food. They create neurotransmitters and vitamins. It is said that 80% of our immune system is in the gut.
When we take antibiotics, we kill off beneficial bacteria along with bad bacteria. When the level of bacteria drops in our gut, Candida, the opportunist, overgrows. When we eat sugar and simple carbs that change into sugar (including alcohol), we feed the Candida its favorite food.
Candida begins as a single cell yeast but soon changes form, becoming a hyphae, stretching out long filaments that bore through tissues in the gut (and throughout all organs of the body). A healthy intestine is lined with cells that form a tightly knit defense to keep its contents contained. Nutrients are pulled from the food we eat through tiny vessels from the circulatory system and lymphatic system within the villi, little hair like projections. When Candida erodes the lining of the gut, undigested food particles and large proteins, like gluten, are leaked into the bloodstream and the lymphatic fluid. The immune system attacks these particles, perceiving them as foreign invaders. This is the root cause of many auto-immune diseases and allergies.
What are the symptoms of gluten intolerance?
Digestive disturbances such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea are the most basic symptoms of gluten intolerance experienced when gluten is consumed. Those with a severe sensitivity also experience rashes (which can be severe, itchy, weeping sores) along with mild to severe muscle and joint pain.
Gluten sensitivity includes a reaction to foods with minute amounts of gluten including foods processed in a shared facility. In other words, wheat , rye, or barley may not be an included ingredient, but if the equipment used to process a particular sauce or packaged food was used to process food with wheat, it can be contaminated and produce symptoms.
What is Celiac Disease?
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease with a genetic predisposition. There are up to 300 symptoms of this disease, but there are also individuals who are asymptomatic. The one thing they all have in common is the result of eating gluten–it attacks and destroys the villi in the intestine. When villi is destroyed, our capacity for absorbing nutrients from our food is diminished. Each time gluten is eaten even in small amounts, more damage ensues.
Can gluten intolerance be reversed?
If Candida is eradicated, if the gut is completely healed and is no longer permeable, and the immune system has healed, it is possible that many will again tolerate gluten. It is advisable, however, to get tested to be sure Celiac disease is not silently damaging the intestine.
In conclusion
Gluten intolerance is not a fad. It is a fact–an every growing reality caused by the American diet and lifestyle. If you have been diagnosed with any autoimmune disease or with gluten intolerance, leaky gut caused by Candida may well be the root cause. See How to Kill Candida and Balance Your Inner Ecosystem.