AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON GLUTEN
A constituent of wheat, barley and rye that is sticky, heavy, and cold. Many people are allergic to gluten.Modern varieties of wheat, after centuries of breeding, contains much more gluten than their ancient counterparts. This predisposes many of us to wheat intolerances and allergies.
Intolerances to wheat must be carefully differentiated from allergies to gluten. Wheat is difficult to digest and slimy, often provoking stagnation, indigestion, and fermentation in the digestive tract, which can lead to general inflammation and puffiness as well. Gluten allergies occur when the immune system attacks the gluten in the wheat.
Often, those with allergies are sensitive to even small amounts of wheat, such as a single bit. Those with intolerance to wheat can often eat a bite or two without symptoms. An allergy test can positively confirm whether or not you have a gluten intolerance.
Fortunately, you can use Ayurveda to lessen the severity of both your intolerance and allergy. The steps include 1) a wheat/gluten free diet initially, 2) restoring digestive strength, 3) calming the liver and inflammation, and 4) calming the immune system.
A wheat free diet may be difficult to achieve at first. Those with allergies can use gluten free bread substitutes. However, those with intolerances will find many gluten free bread products just as problematic. Bread, whether wheat or gluten free, must be gooey enough to trap enough air for the dough to rise. Since wheat intolerance is often simply a 'gooey' intolerance, alternative gluten free options fail to deliver relief. Spelt, an ancient grain of wheat, contains much less gluten than modern wheat. It is often the healthiest substitute for those with intolerances only.
- Eat organic, non-GMO wheat only. Your body may feel different!
- Eating bread 3x a day is way too much. Several times a week is more normal.
- Gluten has sunas of Heavy, Sticky, Gooey, & Cool. So, spice it up to break up the mucus! Use spices to stoke your agni or pair it with warming foods and spices.
- Follow proper food combining rules- If you are eating a sandwich have meat OR cheese, not both.