The Adverse Effects of Wheat and Other Grains

I have found wheat to be one of the most abundant and problematic foods. I believe it to be the single largest contributor to intestinal dysbiosis, parasitic infections, and universal food allergies. This does not mean that everybody in the world should stop eating wheat and that it is the "food of the devil", etc. ,etc. I don't want to exaggerate or overstate my observations.

It is important to fist note that some people can be severely allergic to wheat. They can be diagnosed with the disease called Celiac or Celiac Sprue. This is an illness that is treatable, but can be painful and confusing for patients and their families. The people are also allergic to wheat "sister" grains of rye, oat and barley.

Fortunately, most people do not suffer from Celiac disease. Most problems are from simply consuming too much wheat. Most people can assimilate a small to moderate amount as a PART of their diet. It is when we make it the MAJOR part of our diet (western/industrialized diets) that it can become a problem.

Consuming too much wheat can lead to decreased pancreatic function - decreased output of insulin and digestive enzymes. This can lead to blood sugar regulation problems such as hyper- or hypoglycemia and chronic digestive disorders.

Symptoms may include fatigue, memory loss, sleep disruption, allergies, muscle and joint pain, high blood pressure, asthma, headaches, visual disturbances, learning disabilities/hyperactivity/attention deficit, obesity, chronic digestive disorders, to ulcers, food allergies, diarrhea/constipation, inability to absorb vital nutrients, parasitic infections, intestinal dysbiosis (unbalanced normal bacterial count), sinusitis, candidiasis, hypo/hyperthyroid, and menstrual/hormonal difficulties to name a few.

Over-consumption of wheat can also lead to a sensitized intestinal tract. This is a big contributor. At this time, I understand that there is a cascade of deterioration as follows:

Normal digestive tract then...
over-consumption of wheat then...
intestinal dysbiosis then...
heightened intestinal immune response then...
degradation of the intestinal lining then...
pancreatic dysfunction (insulin and digestive enzyme deficiency) then...
parasitic infection susceptibility then...
inability to absorb micro-nutrients then...
absorption of un-digested, antigenic proteins then...
ultimately leading to degraded health, vitality and even chronic sickness and disease.

The good news is this can be dealt with rather easily. Under the supervision of a competent health care provider, wheat can be removed from the diet for a period of a few weeks to several months. This gives the pancreas and the intestinal tract time to repair and rebuild, the blood sugar system and intestinal flora a time to re-balance and normal intestinal enzyme and immune system activities return. Patients usually loose a good bit of weight and they feel lighter and less "bloated". They also feel more energetic and have greater mental clarity than they can ever remember!

"I believe this wheat connection to be one of the greatest factors in chronic illness. It just makes sense. I have seen incredible results just removing or reducing wheat in the diet."

© 2001 Ronald J. Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O
NOTICE: This information is provided for educational purposes. Any medical procedures, dietary changes, or nutritional supplements discussed herein should only be undertaken on the advice of a qualified physician.

Ronald J. Grisanti, D.C., D.A.B.C.O
The Grisanti Center for Integrative Medicine
4200 East North Street, Suite 14 • Greenville, SC 29615
(864) 292-0226 • FAX: (864) 268-7022