Should everyone on planet earth be gluten-free? Dr. William Davis, author of Wheat Belly, thinks so. Why? Because of this little modified change in modern wheat known as gliadin and how it is affecting the brain. Check out his short interview with CBS.
Genetic modification on wheat began back in the 60’s and 70’s in order to make the grain larger, less susceptible to disease, and bring about higher yields. We continue using GMO grains today but what many may not realize is the process known as ‘Harvest Management’, which uses Roundup to dry the crop for an earlier harvest. The problem arises, not only due to the large chemical base, but the fact that harvest occurs relatively soon after dousing, in which the wheat remains covered in the chemicals. Read the full article here.
In all fairness, it is important to give both sides of the story. It is easy to attack methods and produce a one-sided article without giving you the opportunity to hear from the farmers themselves. Do all farmers use pesticides during late harvest? No. To be well-informed, here is an article by Nurse Loves Farmer on the truth about glyphosate and wheat.
There has been a dramatic up-rise in celiac and gluten intolerance awareness in the past decade. I remember as a child feeling like I was the only one in the world who couldn’t eat wheat. My friends carried their cute little metal lunch pails to school filled with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and Hostess Ding Dongs, while I munched on veggies, fruit and a slice of Turkey. Little did I know, my mom was feeding me super healthy meals, but to a little seven year old, I felt left out from eating that pale log of sponge cake filled with chemical cream known as a Twinkie. Thank you, mom, you probably saved my life in more ways than one!
Should the whole world be gluten-free? Maybe not gluten-free, but GMO free, yes. Look at the difference in the grain between ancient wheat and modern durum wheat.
Most countries in the world do not allow GMO foods into their market, mainly because there has not been enough research on the potential adverse affects to the human body. And it’s not just grains that have been genetically modified. For a listing of foods that have the non-GMO stamp of approval CLICK HERE.
For the health of our children and our future, it is good to be informed and knowledgeable about the foods we eat. Eating gluten-free isn’t like it use to be. Today’s products, gluten-free grains and recipes are delicious. It’s quite easy to say, ‘I can’t believe this is gluten-free!’ Try my crepe recipe and tell me if you can tell the difference. My family can’t! Leave a comment below, I’d love to hear your feedback.
Crepes?! I’m in! Yum!
I agree with you. Our world should be GMO-free. Thank you for sharing the informative links in your post. It helps all of us to be well-informed. 🙂
I agree, Cara. It’s easy to spout off our own thoughts but good to have others’ opinions as well.
I have two brothers that are allergic to wheat, as well as my best friend (now roommate) and many of her family members. I’ve tried loads of gluten-free food, and while some of it’s awful, a lot of it really doesn’t taste much different from gluten food. I definitely agree with you on GMOs. They are really freaky.
Hi Emily, my recipes don’t go on my blog unless they pass the ‘I can’t believe this is gluten-free’ test. Feel free to pass my website along to your family and friends.
Uhhh….yikes. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve found that being gluten free makes me feel so much better and it is not hard at all to incorporate into everyday life. Love the recipes!
Thank you! Yes, it is so much easier to incorporate than it was when I was younger!
I would really like to try this. It astounds me how many GMO’s we eat daily and wonder why our country is on a cancer spike. I’m in the process of trying to get my whole family on the clean eating ban wagon too…it’s just so hard to find a good list of what we can eat.
Yes, I agree Tanya. But check out the non-GMO list at http://www.nongmoproject.org/find-non-gmo/search-participating-products/. It helps a little and every little bit matters!
This is a huge question. Would it be best for everyone to adopt a gluten zero diet? In my opinion the answer is “yes”! I have written a whole book about it: Gluten ZERO Global” – see http://www.glutenZEROglobal.com
There are many arguments for ditching gluten. Nearly every disease that is examined in relation to gluten shows a link. A gluten-free planet would mean a heather planet, as long as the harmful gluten/wheat was not replaced by GMO crops.
Dr Rodney Ford
I look forward to checking out your book! My mother passed away last year after suffering with five auto immune diseases. I tried for years to get her off of gluten but to no avail. Even though both her daughter’s were diagnosed, she refused to believe it had any relation; sadly, I’m finding the opposite.
Some really great points! Thanks for sharing!
agree! i think GMO and other things like pesticides are what causes more reactions in our bodies!
I agree with needing to know where everything comes from and being cautious about what we put in our bodies!
I have always been curious about going gluten free. Thanks for the info!
Good information. I want to start being more aware of what my family eats.
Ugh! If people would just quit putting junk in our food and modifying our seeds we might not have this problem! So frustrating! It’s so hard to find things without gluten!!!!
I couldn’t agree more, Heather!
Wow this is really interesting! I try to cook as naturally as possible and don’t often buy junk foods or anything like that. We don’t really eat many breads or pastas in my house, but I have a weakness for pastries!
Katie <3
I’m glad you eat healthy, Katie. It’s not always easy, but definitely better for you!
Agreed! Great post
I so badly want to be able to eat organic, GMO free, and even vegan (for different reasons) but when I get into researching HOW to do it, I get so overwhelmed and give up and go buy a Big Mac… any tips??
I have definitely been in your shoes. Start with trying to eat organic as much as possible. I know it is a bit more expensive, but overall, you will pay more in medical bills later on. Find out which fruits are best to eat organic, definitely all berries. Check out eating well’s link here for best foods to eat organic. Hope this helps.
http://www.eatingwell.com/food_news_origins/organic_natural/dirty_dozen_plus_14_foods_you_should_buy_organic
Thank you for the list of non-GMO approved foods. It’s definitely something I need to be more aware of when shopping for my family!
You’re welcome! The more we are informed, the better off we’ll be.
It is definitely something that everyone should be aware of. Some celiacs don’t even know they have it since they have subtle symptoms. It would definitely help to have awareness. 🙂
Yes, so many people are misdiagnosed as well.
I’ve been trying to go gluten free for a while….slowly but surely…
It’s definitely easier now than a decade ago! Lot’s pf yummy products on the market but they are more expensive. Check out recipes from my blog though, it’s cheaper that way. 🙂
I always wonder about this. So many people are going gluten free. I get so lazy about food sometimes but I think avoiding certain chemicals and foods (etc) is so important.
Yes, I agree, Candace. Too many chemicals are added to our foods and we eat them like they’re 100% healthy for us!
Isn’t it crazy how most countries don’t allow a LOT of what we eat? And then it seems like most countries don’t have the insane health issues our country does either?
Yes! We should learn from them, but sadly $ rules our country.
Yes! Definitely a correlation there!
i go back and forth on this. I’m currently doing the whole30 and feel amazing…at the same time i have a degree in nutrition and feel like grains in moderation are ok.
I guess it boils down more to GMO and toxic sprays on the grains you are consuming. Even in moderation i’m not sure they are good for you.
Hmmm this is interesting. I am not sure if this also applies to people in all countries. Growing up in the Caribbean there really isn’t a major issue with people having these allergies to gluten. Definitely could be because of the types of grains, how it’s processed and our diets. Food for thought I guess.
Thrifting Diva
http://www.thriftingdiva.com
That is interesting, and yes, I agree with you, it probably applies more to specific countries, and the US being the most GMO and chemically sprayed foods, sadly.