I’d learned about Celiac Disease (Sprue), Crohn’s disease and Irritable bowel syndrome in college, while training to be practitioner of oriental medicine. I knew that some dietary restrictions were deemed necessary in keeping the digestion “normalized”, but I wasn’t aware of gluten being such a major player.

I also learned that Oriental Medicine, using herbs and acupuncture, could have profound effect on many of these digestive issues, but diet and lifestyle would still play the most important role.

In fact, most conditions that people seek treatment would benefit, if not be resolved, if diet and lifestyle were taken into account and changed for the better. This is actually the first thing that Oriental Medicine has focused on historically.

It’s more difficult to get great results with a patient, if they’re unwilling to make dietary changes, and their diet is the main culprit.

I’ll try not to sound like a broken record on that topic. My first blog already mentioned some key factors in Mind, Body, and Spirit, in regards to Anti-aging. (Please read it, if you haven’t yet.)

But, anti-aging is all about trying to keep “the clock” from moving so fast, if not taking it back a few turns. But, back to the topic at hand…. Gluten.

So, what is Gluten?

The definition according to Wikipedia is:
“A substance present in cereal grains, esp. wheat, that is responsible for the elastic texture of dough”. Also, “A protein composite found in foods processed from wheat and related grain species, including barley, rye, triticale, spelt and oats. Technically though, most all “grains” have gluten. They’re different types for each grain. Gliadin is the gluten that appears to be the main factor with sensitivities and those with celiac problems.

Why would gluten be bad for you? It might not be. There are ways to test to see if you have a genetic issue with it. The thing to note is that it doesn’t always cause digestive symptoms when it’s a problem.

There is evidence that it can cause inflammatory processes which can lead to attack on other systems of the body, i.e., glands, tissues, organs and even the brain.

One reason that I focused on this topic is due to what I’ve learned about the thyroid and how it can be affected by gluten.

The thyroid gland is a small but important gland located in your neck and helps with so many important processes in the body. When it’s not functioning well it can effect: metabolism, body temperature, fertility, cholesterol levels, protein metabolism, bone metabolism, energy levels, sleep, and even be related to anemia.

According to Datis Kharrazian, in the book, “Why do I still have Thyroid symptoms? When my lab tests are normal”, there are numerous studies showing a link between gluten intolerance and Hashimoto’s Disease.

Hashimoto’s is an auto immune issue where the thyroid gland is under attack. Often times under diagnosed due to not enough correct thyroid panel testing. Symptoms can alternate between a hyperthyroid state, with symptoms of: insomnia, fast heartbeat, feeling very warm, palpitations, etc. Whereas other times, it can be in a hypothyroid state with symptoms of: a slower heart rate, fatigue, feeling cold, constipation, etc. Both hyper and hypo thyroid also can have hair loss.

Getting enough of the correct testing done is very important, if you’re having thyroid symptoms.

Correct testing would mean, besides TSH and T4 levels being checked, (the only ones that many will do in a thyroid panel) also having: T3, reverse T3, T3uptake, TPO antibodies, and Thyroid stimulating antibodies. If you do have Hashimoto’s Disease, then avoiding gluten (as well as dairy and soy) is very important.

“Studies from different countries have shown a strong link between Hashimoto’s disease and gluten intolerance. Because the molecular structure of gluten so closely resembles that of the thyroid gland, the problem may be one of mistaken identity.” Datis Kharrazian

Some people might be concerned that they’d be too limited food-wise, by not having bread or some of these grains. However, with the growing concern and understanding of how many are effected by gluten sensitivities, there is an ever growing market of gluten-free products available. If not in your health food store, many foods can be ordered on-line and sent to your home.

There’s nothing better than finding out why you feel poorly, FINALLY, and then being able to do something about it yourself.

It really puts the power back in your own hands.

There are so many wonderful fruits, veggies, meats, seeds, nuts and legumes available, as well as rice and quinoa, even buckwheat. You won’t run out of food options. The internet also has lots of gluten free recipes if you need some more variety and ideas.

If you do use the gluten free products, I’d still read the ingredient labels, as not all are created equal in health. Some might have issues with corn products, which many of the gluten-free foods contain.
Getting gluten sensitivity testing may be your best option if you’re not sure what foods/grains might be bothering you.

If you’re interested in reading the book I quoted, let me know. It’s not on Amazon anymore, but can still be purchased by contacting me at: Shellykrahn@acu-docs.com.

If you’d like more information on Oriental medicine, gluten sensitivity testing, or you’re interested in nutritional counseling or treatment, call 760-419-6863 or see my contact on the website.

References:

“Why do I still have Thyroid symptoms? When my Lab tests are normal”, Datis Kharrazian, DHSc, DC, MS, Morgan and James Publishing, 2010

Shelly Weber Krahn

Part 2

As I was saying in Part 1, balance is pretty crucial.

Some other products, that will, over time, age us faster: sugar, salt, alcohol, smoking, caffeine, soda, aspartame containing products, processed foods, and foods that we know are allergens for us, and some that we may not realize are problematic.

So, I just negated many possible offenders. Some might ask, “What’s left?” My answer……“Quite a bit.”

I really love food, and don’t like being restricted, but once you start making healthier choices, you’ll realize how many options are left open to you.

Let’s start in the vegetable isle, you’ll find a lot of choices there.

If you’re not sure how to prepare some of these, the internet is a wonderful source of recipes and information. Filling up on vegetables is not a bad thing, but I’m not talking about just the tuberous root veggies. I’m referring to leafy green choices and the cruciferous types!

These provide antioxidants that will feed your cells and drive off the oxidative damage that happen with aging, stress, and pollution, to name a few.

By eating fresh fruits, especially berries,  vegetables that are organic, lean cuts of meat that are hormone free, a smaller amount of grain or root vegetable (also organic), flavored with herbs, spices, and healthy oils, you’ll give your body the building blocks that it needs for fuel, immune support, and to keep it healthy and young.

Another area, that unknowingly may be impacting our health and aging, is how we deal with life’s stressful situations (this being the Mental component.)

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Like water off a ducks back”?

If you realize that life will always throw problems your way, but learn to shake it off like a duck, it will lessen the impact internally.

Don’t allow stress to take over!

Stay positive and see the glass half full, instead of half empty. This type of mindfulness is so important to our health and longevity.

Take the current economy, for example. It affects pretty much everyone.

You can choose to either let it consume you, wreaking havoc on your body, by effecting your sleep and sanity, or….. realize that there’s only so much you can do, then do it, and let the rest of the worries go. They don’t serve you.

Negativity is another “ager” that becomes such a part of some people’s “makeup” that they don’t even realize how it’s affecting them, let alone those around them.

Harmful habits such as….holding grudges, being judgmental, finding fault with our self or others, resentment, as well as the hardening of one’s heart, so hurts don’t penetrate.

All these things can end up causing bodily harm over time, creating problems internally, and age us.

I really love the works of Louise Hay. She wrote the book, “Healing your life”, which is one of my favorites. She explains how emotional and mental choices can, over time, lead to many disease processes.

Some may not believe this, but if you start observing some of the common issues around you (family, friends and co-workers), you’ll recognize the patterns in them, even if they can’t see it in themselves.

She also lists some great affirmations to help us change some of these perceptions, which can in turn lead to wellness.

This is the Spiritual aspect. How we view our self and others, the belief (or not) in a higher power, and what that means to each of us.

A strong constitution, (your genetics), can also play a part in how well we age.

In Oriental Medicine we’d call this aspect: jing.

It’s something that we’re born with, and depending on the health and genetics of our parents, especially at the time of conception, can make a difference in how well our body deals with traumas and health related issues.

Chinese herbs and acupuncture can be very helpful in supplementing and regulating your system, to lessen the effects of aging and illness.

Some things are out of our control.

We can’t help which hand we’re dealt, but we can still make good choices, to enhance our life and wellbeing, which will keep us younger longer.

For best results, focus on the following:

1. 1. Getting enough good quality sleep (asleep before 11pm if possible)
2. 2. Eating good healthy organic foods and purified water (see earlier list)
3. 3. Being around positive people and emulating their behavior
4. 4. Realizing what’s truly important in your life and keeping focused on that
5. 5. Drinking 6-8 glasses of good quality water daily
6. 6. Feeding your spirit with things that give you peace and make you happy….and know what those are for you. Find time to laugh and do it often!
7. 7. Avoiding those things that you know are toxic to your body and spirit
8. 8. Spending time doing one or all of the following: Meditating, praying, yoga, exercising, getting a massage and/or acupuncture
9. 9. Thinking of what and who you’re grateful for in this life and letting others how they’ve helped you

10. Be a duck! Shake off what you can do nothing about, and change what you can

Contact Shelly today to learn more about your health and set up an appointment.

(760) 419-6863

For Shelly’s Bio please go to: www.acu-docs.com

By Shelly Weber Krahn, L.Ac

March 2012

Part 1

I went back and forth on which topic I should tackle in my first health blog post. It was a major challenge, due to the fact that there is so much in need of coverage!! So many areas of health can effect us throughout our lives, but aging seems to be kind of unavoidable.

The question is… does our health and quality of life have to decline so fast or badly? This goes more than skin deep. Can we really do much to change how we will live out our senior years?

I believe it comes down to the good choices we make in this life….the earlier the better.

As close to birth as possible would be a good time to start this, but even today is not too late.

As toddlers, there may be some challenges and traumas, due to lack of coordination, so we fall a lot!

Then, as we are maturing, our decision making skills can come into question.

Things such as:

Who do we decide to spend time with? What do we do with that time?

Do we work hard for good grades in school? Which food and drinks do we consume?

Are we trying drugs? Are we getting enough sleep?

Over-thinking everything we do? Do we see the glass half empty or half full?

However, good decision making skills seem to change with the information given us.

Back in the 20’s and 40’s cigarette smoking was endorsed by doctors as being acceptable, if not healthy. (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/07/business/media/07adco.html)

People ate sugar products on a regular basis, with no understanding of diabetes!

We, of course, had no idea that those choices were going to harm us later.

Many of today’s dietary choices: Vegetarian, vegan, macrobiotic, Pritikin, Paleo, would not have been considered good options.

There’s a learning curve, basically. The doctors, of that time, due to lack of scientific data and nutritional studies, had no idea what they were perpetuating.

However, if we advance to present day, we know that some of those things endorsed in the 30’s, through the 70’s, have proven very damaging, if not fatal.

The health and medical field are still learning what is considered good for us and what’s not.

Some states in the U.S have much better availability for fresh organic produce and less preservative-rich foods, which gives them a jump on staying healthy….If they make the choice to do so. (I will not get into all the genetically modified foods that are flooding our markets at the possible expense of our health.)

Today we have information coming out on foods, that we’d thought were good for us, such as whole and refined grains, (including wheat), that many are now finding problematic!

Grains have always been at the top of the food chain, until now, where it’s being called into question.

The movement from Wonder Bread to Roman meal was a big thing in my youth. Mom was very progressively health oriented (my sister and I thought) by choosing whole wheat bread, and for cereal, choosing Raisin Bran, Grape Nuts or granola.

Now we hear things like… “Gluten intolerance or gluten sensitivity”, if you haven’t heard this term yet, you might wonder… what the heck is that? (Stay tuned for my third blog post where I’ll address gluten and its’ possible inflammatory effects!)

So back to the original question….does everything have to get so bad with age? Good question.

Technically, it comes down to our body’s cells, more specifically, how well our cells turn over and renew. This cell renewal process continuing is the main concern.

So what can we do to help?

The way that I see it, it basically comes down to some key factors that have to do with the BODY, MIND and SPIRIT….

If we address the body first, most folks realize that diet, or what we put into our bodies on a regular basis, is important. There are some levels to this however. For instance, are you eating only organic produce?

If not, you should know that pesticides aren’t metabolized by the body, and they can cause internal inflammation, leading to tissue damage, which stresses our systems, therefore aging us faster.

How about tap water? Is this your daily source of water? There are some areas with better drinking water than others, and you can get a report from your water authority and see exactly what is in there. It can be a bit scary to see in print.

Considering how much “treatment” goes into our drinking water, (to deem it “safe and drinkable,”) is pretty sad. Your best bet is to go with a reverse osmosis system or distillation, to take out all the contaminants.

Some purified waters are better than others, check what “purified” means to Arrowhead (for example) by going to their website for a report. This information is to make sure that you’re aware of what you might think is healthy, may not be helping you in the long run.

A little information about water… in nature, its’ normal Ph is about a 7 (which is neutral.) With so many of the foods we consume creating acidity, we need a healthy intake of alkaline containing foods, (as well as neutral water) to balance the equation.

Most of these alkaline containing foods will be found in organic fresh vegetables and fruits.

Too much acidity can also create inflammation internally and stress our systems, thereby aging us.

Balance is pretty crucial to our overall health and youthfulness.

Please look for Part 2 if you’d like to learn more on the effects of foods, as well as how to change some of your mental/emotional aspects to Stay younger longer!

Contact Shelly today to learn more about your health and set up an appointment.

(760) 419-6863

For Shelly’s Bio please go to: www.acu-docs.com