Gluten-Free Living for Autoimmune Fighters

Welcome to the beginning of a deep dive on gluten, a protein found in some grains. Through a series of newsletters, I'll share my personal journey to a gluten-free lifestyle, and we’ll explore why people like us, with autoimmune diseases, could find it beneficial to avoid it.

You might have observed an increasing trend in the number of packaged foods prominently bearing the label "gluten-free." Or maybe you have come across instances of people making jokes about gluten, like in this scene from This Is the End. I even joined in on the jokes, considering the prevalence of gluten-free designations as excessive. After all, didn't it seem self-evident that coffee and oats were inherently gluten-free? 

My perspective underwent a significant shift following an experience in Iceland this summer. I began having stomach pains, gas, and bloating after meals, which led me to suspect that I had a stomach ulcer. Promptly I excluded greasy foods, dairy, alcohol, and carbonated beverages from my diet, with plans to consult a gastroenterologist upon my return home. Despite these dietary changes my symptoms persisted. In my search for relief, I read online that eliminating gluten might help with stomach ulcer symptoms, so I added gluten to the list. Eventually my stomach started feeling better. Reflecting on that period, I think stress was causing my upset stomach. When I removed gluten from my diet, I noticed that the stiffness in my knee, which often occurred between doses of my rheumatoid arthritis (RA) medication, disappeared. When I returned home, I continued to avoid gluten.

As I began to look into if there really was a connection between gluten and inflammation, my personal experience was quickly validated. My quest led me to explore medical research concerning the link between arthritis symptoms and gluten consumption. I found papers in PubMed that showed that eliminating gluten in patients with RA improved their symptoms. As well as papers on the effect of a gluten-free diet on individuals with other autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. 

Going gluten-free is not a mere dietary trend. As this article from the Arthritis Foundation explains, it can be medicine for individuals with celiac disease or with gluten-sensitivity. However, not all gluten-free food is inherently healthy. As Dr. Mark Hyman explains, Coca-Cola is gluten-free. A gluten-free cookie is still a cookie. Furthermore, many gluten-free alternatives rely on processed ingredients to replace wheat flour. Check out his video Here’s Why A Gluten-Free Diet Can Become Incredibly Unhealthy to learn more about why packaged gluten-free food is not always a healthy alternative. 

While going gluten-free can provide relief for some individuals with autoimmune conditions, it's important to note that this approach remains a subject of debate within the medical community. Contradictory research exists, challenging the notion that gluten removal universally benefits arthritis symptoms.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on going gluten-free. Personally, I used to be skeptical about it until I gave it a try. Have you ever experimented with removing gluten from your diet? Share your experiences and insights!

Stay tuned for my upcoming newsletters, as we embark on a journey to explore the intricate relationship between gluten and inflammation.

Take good care,

Rebecca

Disclaimer: I am not a healthcare provider, and the information provided in this newsletter is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared here should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your healthcare provider or physician for personalized guidance regarding any health concerns or medical conditions.