Friday 23 March 2012

Wheat gluten can act like a drug in the body


For some peole bread is physically addictive.  The gluten protein in wheat can form an opioid peptide called gluten exporphin.  This molecule is an addictive morphone-like compound.  On initial consumption, gluten exorphin causes mild euphoria, but it is not a good thing.  The exorphin is a neurotoxin and in the long term, it can damage the nervous system.  The casein protein in cow's milk is similar to gluten and can also form an exorphin.

The problem with wheat and dairy goes beyond exorphins.  These foods can also cause significant immune disruption and inflammation.  Gluten has been demonstrated to promote autoimmune disease, particularly Hashimoto's thyroid disease.  Casein promotes acne, endometriosis, and other inflammatory conditions.

Researchers ask:  "Is wheat safe for anyone?"

The infammatory, immune-disrupting effect of wheat is so significant, that it led one group of researchers to post the question: "Is gluten safe for anyone to eat"  Their research published in the prestigious journal GUT found that wheat gluten elicits a significant inflammatory response in all individuals, whether they have coeliac disease or not. (1) 

Contrary to common belief, the main symptoms of gluten sensitivity are not digestive symptoms.  Gluten affects the brain, so the first symptom of gluten sensitivity is often depression.  Gluten can be the underlying cause of headaches, fatigue, obesity, muscle weakness, osteoporosis and much more.

Gluten sensitivity is a serious medical condition that is distinct from coeliac disease, and distinct from wheat allergy.  The only way to diagnose gluten sensitivity is to try avoiding gluten for some weeks.

References:

(1) Bernardo D et al.  'is Gliadin really safe fro non-coeliac individuals?'  Production of interleukin 15 in biopsy culture from non-coeliac individuals challenged with gliadin peptides.  Gut 2007. 56 (6): 889-90. PMID 17519496

This article was taken from Sensible News, Issue 74, March 2012, a publication of www.sensible-alternative.com.au