Do you think eating grains is an important part of a healthy diet? And that dairy is the best way to get calcium and protein? If so, think again.
For most people, these two food groups can pose uncomfortable and even serious long term health effects.
In fact, gluten (the protein found in grains including wheat, barley, rye, spelt, kamut and oats) and casein (the protein found in dairy products) cause or contribute to a laundry list of health problems for many people, including: depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, OCD, autism, autoimmune disorders and dementia, not to mention bloating, fatigue, gastrointestinal distress, nutrient deficiencies, respiratory difficulties, systemic inflammation and more.
But why do these comfort foods cause us so much discomfort?
When we eat foods containing gluten or casein, we get a temporary “feel-good” effect. That’s because these compounds produce morphine-like substances aptly named gluteo- and caseo-morphins.
However, these proteins have been introduced into our diet only recently in the evolutionary timeline, and our bodies are not adept at handling these proteins.
Our vigilant immune system works to protect us against foreign invaders, mounting a response that causes an inflammatory cascade. And the effects aren’t just felt in the belly, but in the brain too. The problem is that for many people, our immune system identifies these common foods as invaders.
If you suffer from any of the above listed conditions, seriously consider eliminating gluten and dairy from your diet for a few weeks and see how your body responds. Make a journal. Try Healing Gourmet’s healthy grain and dairy-free alternatives. And consider getting a full allergen panel to nail down which food allergies and intolerances may be keeping you from enjoying a vibrant, healthy, disease-free life.
Here are the specific criteria that make a recipe a “Gluten and Dairy Free Recipe” at Healing Gourmet:
When you submit a recipe that meets these criteria, your creation will appear in Gluten and Dairy Free Recipes and you will be helping others to enjoy a varied, gluten and casein free diet.
And to learn more about creating your own personalized gluten free dairy free diet, go here.