Home   |   Information   |   Get to Know Us   |   Modalities   |   Appointments   |   Links                                                                  ND Students

July 11, 2006

Gluten

Does it seem like everyone is talking about going gluten-free? Have you been wondering what this means, and if you should also avoid gluten?

Gluten is a cohesive protein found in wheat. Gluten is actually comprised of two sets of proteins, gliadins and glutenins. When digested, gluten breaks down to smaller units called peptides which can damage the intestines of people who have celiac disease.

Celiac disease is also called gluten enteropathy, or celiac sprue. People with this condition have a genetic inability to digest gluten. In this population, ingesting gluten leads to destruction of the villi in the small intestine, which then contributes to malabsorption. In other words, the small intestine is damaged in such a way that nutrients from food are not properly absorbed. This leads to a number of complications: malnutrition, anemia, weight loss, infertility, constipation or diarrhea, gas, fatty stools, and many other symptoms. The symptoms of celiac disease vary widely and no two patients seem to present the same way.

To diagnose celiac disease, doctors rely on the following: biopsy of the small intestine, blood tests looking for antibodies, and removal of gluten leading to reduction of symptoms.

Untreated celiac disease can lead to doubled mortality rates! People with untreated celiac disease can permanently damage their small intestines and they have an increased risk of developing cancer of the small intestine. Luckily, this can be prevented by maintaining a strict gluten-free diet.

Eating gluten-free takes some getting used to and involves investigation and experimentation on the part of the patient. Gluten is found in wheat, barley, rye, and perhaps oats. There are other grains to watch out for as well: spelt, kamut, triticale, bulgur wheat, durum, and semolina. People with celiac disease can usually eat rice, corn, quinoa, millet, amaranth, and soy and other legumes, as long as they do not also have a separate sensitivity to these foods.

Gluten sensitivity is a separate condition from celiac disease. With gluten sensitivity, the patient is merely sensitive, or mildly allergic, to gluten. This produces symptoms, but there is no pathological damage to the villi of the small intestine like that seen with celiac disease. Gluten sensitivity is diagnosed in one of two ways: removing gluten from the diet leading to a reduction of symptoms and blood tests looking for food allergies.

If you are wondering if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, please contact your naturopathic doctor to help explore the cause of your symptoms.

List of Gluten-free cookbooks found here:
Celiac.com
 Tuesday, July 11, 2006 0 comments

July 10, 2006

Sun: Friend or Foe?

As summer winds up and temperatures climb, many people head to the seacoast or lakes for vacation. As they do, they pull out their sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses in preparation. Sun exposure is a big concern for many people, and the media is constantly reminding us that sun exposure causes oxidative damage to the skin, resulting in wrinkles and skin cancer. But is skin health only determined by sun exposure?

Another factor that contributes to skin cancer is our susceptibility to oxidative damage. Oxidation is the actual process that causes mutations in the cells of the skin. Susceptibility to oxidative damage not only in the skin but also in the rest of the body depends on several factors, including our nutrient status, ability to manage stress, our diet, and other chemical exposures (like smoking, for example). Many studies have shown that people who have higher antioxidant status also suffer less oxidative damage to the skin when exposed to UV light.

Another reason not to entirely avoid sunlight is its health benefits. Sunlight exposure improves mood in many people. It has even been found to protect against multiple sclerosis, some cancers, and is required for the body’s synthesis of vitamin D (an important nutrient for bone and immune system health). Vitamin D formation in the skin can be blocked by any sunscreen at SPF 8 or higher. Sunscreens also contain PABA, a cancer-causing agent, and many other chemicals that can irritate the skin. Although a chemical like PABA may prevent sunburn, it may actually increase skin cancer!

So what’s the bottom line when it comes to sun exposure? Use your common sense. Understand your own skin’s sensitivity, and use sunscreen, hats, and protective clothing when appropriate. Be sensible about your exposure. And now that summer’s here, don’t be afraid to get out and enjoy a little sun!
 Monday, July 10, 2006 0 comments

July 09, 2006

Organic Gardening

Growing a garden is a satisfying summer activity that provides not only exercise, but also fresh flowers or vegetables, and even stress relief! If you grow a garden, it is important to consider the chemicals you apply to your garden and surrounding lawn. Growing an organic garden is good for you and for the environment. Here are some tips for organic gardening:

1. Never spray your garden with chemical pesticides or herbicides. The best defense against insects and plants is healthy soil. Healthy soil promotes hardier plants which are better able to withstand pest infestations. Weeds can be spot treated with a squirt of vinegar.

2. Do not apply chemical fertilizers to the soil. Use of inorganic fertilizers can cause toxic chemical build-up in the soil and water supply. Rather than using a chemical fertilizer, consider boosting the health of your soil naturally. Add organic compost and rotate plants each year to prevent nutrient depletion. Ensure that your garden has good drainage, which will prevent sogginess and root damage. You can even add earthworms, which will create their own fertilizer for your garden and condition the soil.

3. Use compost. Composted fertilizer is natural and easy to create on your own. Adding compost will improve the soil’s nutrient status, stimulate healthy root growth, and aerate your garden bed. It also improves the soil’s texture and structure. Check out your local library for books on composting, or contact the UNH Cooperative Extension at 1-877-398-4769.

4. Choose the right plants. Picking the right plants for your soil, sun exposure, and climate means you end up with healthier, stronger plants that resist disease and well adapted.
 Sunday, July 09, 2006 0 comments