Wheat is a type of grass grown for its grain known as wheat berries. Wheat berries are removed from the wheat and ground into flour. The remaining stalk is used for animal feed & bedding, construction and mulch. Today’s wheat is far different from wheat grown by our ancestors not so long ago. Most of today’s wheat has been genetically altered in order to meet consumer demands.

Wheat is found in a multitude of foods today. You can find it in the snacks you eat, prepared foods, in a variety of sauces, dressings, spices, and it’s even found in some meal replacement drinks. We’ve been taught to believe that wheat is good for us when in fact, today’s wheat and amount of wheat each of us eat can cause more harm than good.

Some documented effects that today’s wheat has had on humans include increased appetite, massive blood sugar surges that in turn triggers a bigger appetite and causes glycation ( a natural process in which the sugar in your bloodstream attaches to proteins) which increases aging, inflammation, cartilage and bone damage, and interferes or weakens the immune system. Other serious diseases caused by eating wheat are celiac disease, neurological disorders, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, headaches, rashes and mental/emotional disorders, ADHD, depression, and weight gain

Some common symptoms of wheat allergy are:

• General- tiredness & fatigue, often not feeling well and cravings
• Immune Conditions- mouth sores, common cold and flu often
• Gastrointestinal Conditions- constipation, gas, diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain/discomfort
• Neurological Conditions- poor memory, depression, behavioral & poor attitude, negativity
• Inflammatory Conditions- allergies, arthritis, stiffness in muscles and joints.

What are some advantages of being wheat free?

• – Consumption of less processed foods and more whole fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, other whole   grains, lean meat and more vitamins & minerals.
• – Faster healing, more balanced digestion, less bloating
• – Diminished and/or elimination of cravings for bread, chips, pasta, sweets
• – Sinus & allergy health, less asthma attacks
• – Lower risk or reversal of celiac disease, Type 2 and pre-diabetes
• – Weight loss

What you can do to decrease and even eliminate wheat from your diet begins with reading labels. Read all labels of anything bottled, packaged or frozen; you’ll be surprised at how many items you eat contain a form of wheat. You’ll find it in dressings, seasonings such as soy sauce and steak sauces; you’ll even find it in flavored chips. More recently labeling from many companies states if their product is *Wheat Free.

Another step you can take is to rid your kitchen of wheat foods-find healthy, wheat free alternatives. If you search you grocery store, you’ll most likely find them. A health coach can help you make your transition to a wheat free diet in an easy-to-follow, inexpensive way. In just a few sessions you can learn what foods are good alternatives, how to make healthier choices and soon you’ll be feeling lighter, happier and more clear-minded.

You can contact me for any areas of your health you would like to improve; just write me at Dawn@InitiateWellness.com