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The basic premise is that for some people, our body can not handle the way wheat is processed. There is a protein in wheat (and other starchy foods) called gluten that gives our bodies conniptions - probably ever since we were babies. But, having stronger immune systems, we were able to tolerate the wheat assault (dairy and sugar too). As we age, having ingested antibiotics, steroids, birth control pills, and nutrient deficient foods, our digestion system and then immune system are basically at a loss. As time passes, our organs just can't keep up... for some it starts w/ weight, for some, allergies, for some cholesterol, acid reflux,... it just goes on and on...
You can go to a doctor (preferably one that practises "Complementry and Alternative medicine") and be tested OR you can just not eat any wheat products for a few weeks and see how you feel. Naturally - only you know what you need most - if you sense a doctor is in order - GO!
I tried on my own and I knew I was on the right track in 6 days! It took about 6 months to make the bulk of my progress, I lost about 40 lbs and 3/4 of my symptoms improved or vanished. I still get a bit better every day!
The ideal way (that I found) to go about this is to follow the diet at this link. If your goal does not include weight loss, then jump to stage 2.
You may want to know that should you embark on this diet - it might not be a "diet" after a while... it will just be the way you eat. Because, IF this is for you and depending on how wheat (gluten) intolerant you are, when you do cheat, your body will let you know that it's not happy!
I find it easier to focus on the foods I CAN eat and not what I can't. I can have all the protein and vegetables I want! This is not a diet of quantity. In fact, I eat more than I ever used to! I do limit fruit to green apples and berries because I am sensitive to yeast and sugars. In restaurants, I always ask for doubles on the veggies. NO starchy stuff for me! I cheated once when in NYC, and had two slices of pizza - how can you be in NYC and not have pizza! Within an hour I could not keep my eyes open, and the next morning, big bad dark circles under my eyes... (update 02/09 - I can eat pizza now!!! Michelle and I could not resist and shared a pizza!!! OMG! No bad effects at all!! What they say is true - once your gut heals, you can resume eating the "baddies" in moderation!!)
IF you have trouble with cravings for salty or sugary things, then visit a health food store, and buy Candex (or other anti-fungal supplement) that will reduce the amount of bad bacteria in the body and significantly reduce your cravings. L-glutamine, drinking water or tea (!) also helps to reduce sweet cravings. IF you do have cravings and just can't stay on the diet, then the chances are much greater that yeast is really an issue in your body. You will have to be strong, take the Candex and/or L-glutamine and stick w/ it, the cravings WILL pass, perhaps within a few days even!
It's so very important to drink water - lots of water. They say 1/2 your weight in ounces daily. Give up soda!! It can and should be done. Actually if giving up soda is the only thing you do... it will be a major improvement! Soda is evil - pure and simple. Soda makes the body acidic and your body "steals" minerals from bones and muscles to try to balance you out.
If you must have coffee, limit to one per day, preferably organic.
Give up alcohol - if this is an issue, then seriously cut back. To maybe one or two drinks a week. I thought this would be my biggest problem as I was drinking pretty heavily at the time, it was not, giving up bread was the toughest for me.
I personally had an issue with systemic yeast. If you suspect yeast or fungus is present in your body.. then, take this survey.
If your result is positive, then definitely start with the Candex.
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