HUNGRY FOR A REVOLUTION

attack of the gluten

Greetings revolutionaries!

So I have been shirking my patriotic duties due to some unfortunate health problems, the most important of which being the gluten intolerance I have developed. It all happened in only a few weeks, and I have to say, I was completely shocked. However, once I began doing some research the shock quickly wore off and became something else–outrage.

It began as simple discomfort, then turned to nausea, then trouble sleeping, then the kicker–abdominal swelling and trouble breathing.

Now let’s get to the reason why I’m telling you this. I know what you are probably thinking, Gee, that’s too bad, but why do I want to read a blog about this? Well, gluten intolerance is a lot less of a “too bad” than you would think. It’s more like a “holy shit.” Many common maladies could possibly be related to this tricky little protein, which the SAD-a very ironic acronym I just learned for “Standard American Diet” -forces down our throats with every bite we take. Check out this list of foods that contain gluten. Um, what?! This is something I have become aware of since developing my intolerance. I had no idea gluten was in so many things!

Which brings me back to my intolerance. How did I suddenly develop it? Well, “suddenly” is a bit of an overstatement. From what I understand from this amazing article, the intolerance has been developing my whole life, as a bombardment of gluten proteins slowly destroyed the lining of my intestines, eventually impeding my ability to absorb nutrients. Health problems linked to the gluten-rich SAD include cancer, diabetes, and kidney problems. Hey, could this be the cause of my recent kidney stone? Argh! Gluten is ruining my life.

Well, turns out, it’s not really the gluten. It’s how it’s being processed. Wow, that’s a surprise. This article provides some information on how gluten-containing grains are supposed to be consumed…let me give you a hint, it’s not how we consume them.

In some ways, this intolerance is a blessing because it has broken my last tie with the American food system. SAD if there was ever a time I thought you could feed me, it is long gone. You are a sad, sad excuse for a diet, and I am going my own road now, thank you very much.

For those of you who are interested in gluten-related illnesses, I encourage you to do some research for yourself. Don’t take my word for it, there is a ton of information out there, and it’s pretty crazy. Well, on second thought, not really that crazy at all.

naturally yours,
the food patriot

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