Gastrointestinal problems are among the most common complaints heard by doctors today. Still, many people fail to look beyond the symptoms when seeking relief, and as a result problems can worsen over time. Knowing that roughly 80 percent of our natural immune defenses are found in the digestive tract, it is time to reconsider how we deal with digestive issues—and with that comes getting a better understanding of certain things that can affect a healthy gut.

 If you have persistent gas and bloating, abdominal pain, or chronic constipation or diarrhea, here’s something you should know: More and more Americans are finding out that sensitivity to gluten may be at the root of their problems. But is it just gluten sensitivity or is it celiac disease? And what’s the difference? The following is a brief overview:

 Gluten sensitivity is a broad term used to include many different types of sensitivity to gluten, a protein found in wheat. People who are sensitive to gluten may experience a wide range of symptoms, from mild inflammation of the intestinal lining to abdominal discomfort and occasional irritable bowel, but not everyone with gluten sensitivity develops celiac disease (those who don’t are considered Non-celiac Gluten Sensitive, or NCGS).

 However, people with gluten sensitivity may be experiencing the beginning stages of celiac disease. In essence, gluten sensitivity implies that the immune system cannot tolerate gluten in the diet. As a result, it forms protective antibodies to try to neutralize the gluten, in the same way it reacts to harmful bacteria or viruses. When these autoimmune reactions cause intestinal damage, a person is then considered to have celiac disease.

 Celiac disease is genetic and in some cases may be triggered by a traumatic physical or emotional event. More than 2 million Americans suffer from celiac disease, which can include severe abdominal pain and bloating, chronic diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, fatigue, and in some cases even severe anxiety and depression, skin problems, as well as bone and joint pain.

 The bottom line is this: If you have unexplained, persistent gastrointestinal issues and you and your doctor can’t seem to figure out why, gluten sensitivity may be the culprit. The best way to determine if you are truly gluten sensitive or if you have celiac disease is to have a simple stool test performed. Visit www.enterolab.com to find out more, and once you have the results you and your health care practitioner can take the next step toward better gastrointestinal health.

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Heartburn, constipation, weight gain and fatigue—even allergies, arthritis and high cholesterol. You may not realize it, but so many common health problems begin in the gut, where roughly 80 percent of your body’s natural defenses are found.

As part of her free lecture series on digestive health and nutrition, Brenda Watson will be appearing this month in Scottsdale, Arizona to talk about the link between a properly functioning digestive system and a healthy body—including how our increasingly toxic world is taking a serious toll on the state of our digestive health. Plus, you’ll learn more about the natural supplements that are essential for helping you look and feel your best every day. Don’t miss it!

WHEN:
Wednesday, October 13^th
7:00-9:00 p.m.

WHERE:
Sunflower Farmers Market
4402 N. Miller Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

RSVP:
480-941-6001

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