Lose Wheat Lose Weight and other food issues

[varanophile]

Hi all,

At any point in time there seem to be several fad health concerns going around, and I would include "gluten allergy" as one currently.

Whilst there is a definite spectrum of disorders related to sensitivities that do affect a relatively significant proportion of the population, it is important to remember that these have specific guidelines for diagnosis. If you suspect the diagnosis, then it is important to seek definitive testing to rule out the more serious disorders in the spectrum. The spectrum includes Coeliac disease, true wheat allergy, gluten induced neuropathy, and the so called "idiopathic" (i.e. cause not currently clear) gluten sensitivity. Combined these disorders are thought to affect approximately 5% of the population, however once the clearly defined and diagnosable forms are removed this leaves a small number in the idiopathic grouping. By definition a diagnosis of idiopathic cause can only be given when other causes are ruled out through diagnostic testing, and positive results are obtained from gluten challenge. Please note a diagnosis of idiopathic cause does not necessarily mean no positive findings on testing as most will show some evidence of sensitivity on immunological and/or histological tests.

Diagnosis should not be given before testing (including bloods, immunological, and biopsy). The most common symptoms described with gluten sensitivity (bloating, fatigue, cramping, poor bowel habits) also fit many other disorders, and are therefore poor diagnostic criteria. When diagnosis is based on poorly defined correlations, such as by self diagnosis or by those who do not have specialist training in the area (and I include those who practice complementary medicine), this can lead to problems in several ways. Firstly the patient may fall into known disorders, such as Coeliac disease, which warrants ongoing specialist review due to possible serious outcomes and strict treatment guidelines. Secondly and probably more commonly, the diagnosis may be given when no sensitivity exists, leading to people undertaking extreme treatments/diets without need, or more worryingly missing a serious cause unrelated to gluten.

Sorry to have a rant, but I do think people need to be cautious when taking and given advice based on limited information/knowledge of the individual and disease. Please do not think I am against discussions such as this one, as they can lead to increased community awareness, and may help those with undiagnosed disease seek the care they need.

 

[Karly]

Very interesting Varanophile.
So the symptoms you described (bloating, fatigue, cramping, poor bowel habits), what you you most commonly attribute these to? Is it becasue of the additives found in bread, or lack of exercise or something?
I visted a naturopath a few years ago to try and fix my sinus problems. She found I have an allergy (her term) to milk and wheat. This was causing my sinus problems and once I cut them both out of my diet, I discovered it cured a whole range of other things that I just considered "normal", such as the ones you listed as well as very surprisingly, dandruff and acne!!!
Quite amazing the effects food has on your entire body, not just internals!

 

[-Peter]

Generally Varanophile, people have been through the mill by the time they find out that they have an intolerance to something. A few years back I found out I was lactose intolerant. Years of testing failed to inform me this.

 

[starr9]

Im studying Acupuncture (Bachelor In Science - Acupuncture 4yrs full time) at the moment and we learn Chinese medicine as well as Western (we learn at the same level as Doctors and I can become a doctor with a bit more study after I finish if i wish). What we learn no matter what way you look at it is this - Each person is different. The basic set up is the same but the difference is how I react to one thing or another you may have no reaction, or you may react the same as me or worse etc. My point is although we are the same as each other in some ways we are all so very unique to each other. There for you can not treat me in the same way as you as this is not what is best for me. (you being any individual).

In Chinese medicine when someone walks in with a problem we ask them all different questions from: how old there parents where when they had you, do you have brothers/sisters what ages and where do you sit among them, how do you sleep (do you wake up?what time?etc), what is the set up in your room like (windows, doors, toilet, mould etc), what do eat/drink/amount and when? any medical history, medication, work/study, stress, emotions, tastes and what does your poo and pee smell/look/passable? and many many more q's! From these q's and from our observations we make a diagnosis and after that you have a treatment. Now I may have the same problems as the person who walked in before me but why/how etc I got it is different. So we treat each person different even tho they may have they same issue.

Anyone what more info etc pm me. There is a lot more to it than the above but this gives you an idea that each person needs to take into account your needs etc!

 

[dihsmaj]

I'll have a whinge about parents feeding there kids processed foods. THAT'S WHY WE HAVE SO MANY FAT AND WILD KIDS IN CLASSROOMS! I'm not saying feed organic or anything like that or that your kids can't have lollies everynow and then, but try putting that packet of chips aside and give your kids a god dam apple for once!

Right I'm going to sound like a spoiled brat but I don't really eat fruit/vegetables besides potatoes. I drink apple juice and all, but really I only eat processed foods. I'm also severely underweight. So what's this about making kids fat?

 

[Monitor_Keeper]

Right I'm going to sound like a spoiled brat but I don't really eat fruit/vegetables besides potatoes. I drink apple juice and all, but really I only eat processed foods. I'm also severely underweight. So what's this about making kids fat?

Most likely because you are an ectomorph and your metabolism is much faster then then average person. It is a generic trait which pre much means you can have free roam with food etc but you will struggle to gain and maintain muscle

 

[waruikazi]

Right I'm going to sound like a spoiled brat but I don't really eat fruit/vegetables besides potatoes. I drink apple juice and all, but really I only eat processed foods. I'm also severely underweight. So what's this about making kids fat?

You're also 13, things can change. But each person is an individual and differen things can effect people differently.

 

[SteveNT]

I've been on the seafood diet for quite some time now, it works for me.

me too. See food eat food.

 

[varanophile]

Hi Karly, good to hear that you dietary changes have helped. The symptoms I described are amongst those that could be considered vague indicators of underlying issues. These can be found in a very wide range of disorders, ranging from the relatively benign to serious and life threatening such as pancreatic cancer. This would also include a range of different dietary intolerances. There also can be a heavy overlay of psychosomatic symptoms. For this reason any diagnosis based on these symptoms alone is unlikely to be accurate.

Peter I agree that people are often put through the mill as you describe, but I would argue that this is done to rule out the presence of other serious or treatable causes. The principles of modern medicine are based on those of science, with diagnosis and treatments algorithms based on information from clinical study, trails, and critical review; however as a result of the wide variation amongst people, application of these principles is often not exact. Unfortunately this can lead to jumping around between potential diagnoses, specialists and treatments, and therefore understandably frustration for some. There is also frustration on behalf of the doctors, who would love to be able to give the answer, but must follow strict guidelines and principles of evidence based medicine and will be held accountable for any decision they make that strays from this. I hope this however does give some level of confidence that the recommendations received are based on the best information at hand.

Whilst I will not disagree that there is room for alternative medicine in this, please keep in mind that despite what the name suggests, it should only be used as a complement to and not an alternative to modern medicine. The reason doctors advise this is simply due to the fact that these alternatives lack the hard evidence to back them up. There are many cases of alternative therapies being proven to be effective from clinical trials, and subsequently are accepted by modern medicine (i.e. no longer under the banner of alternative). This must however be taken into context, for example the use of acupuncture for muscular pain is now well backed up by the evidence and is therefore no longer considered an alternative medicine. The evidence for its use in other disorders it claims to treat, for example fertility, is lacking and therefore viewed with scepticism.

Sorry, I realise this is another long post, but I firmly believe that when it comes to advice in regard to something as important as health the respect given to any advice should always be taken in the context of who is giving it and what they are basing it on.

 

[starr9]

@ Varanophile - There is a place for both forms of medicine as you have said. I work side by side with Doc's in every day clinics. We work together using both forms of medicine not just one or the other and I think this is the key. Its about balance and finding the right balance for each person. We encourage our patients to incorporate as many or as little different forms (yoga, medication, vitamins etc) but to inform us on what they do so we may work with not against each treatment. In Australia people tend to use one or the other and I think this is were the problem starts with issues and misuse etc.

The principles of modern medicine, as you stated come from what you have said but all so from alternative medicine such as chinese medicine too.

As for clinic trials and hard evidence to back up alternative medicine this is an interesting point. I have just completed several years of study on how Australia can improve its current system. At this current stage it is very easy to control the outcome (twist the results) and tho not all do this it is quite bad in our country. I have seen some amazing results and papers published that claim one thing but when you truly pick apart the info the true results will surprise you! Things to look for when read up clinic trials - who funded it? how many people where involved? was there a control group? was it a blind or double bind study? (did the patients and/or the staff know what they were receiving/giving?) Is the current info that they are basing the trial on current or true? (old/manipulated material may be used as true fact when this is no longer the truth) and much more.

I agree health is important and each person needs to look at there current situation and work together with your Doc's etc!

Very well said!

 

[slim6y]

I personally think alternative medicine and pseudo-sciences requires a separate thread completely or a completely different forum - really...