Coeliac Disease and Gluten Intolerance seems to becoming more prevalent in our societies, and are ailments not uncommon to hear of these days. The Australian Coeliac Society states that, approximately 1 in 100 Australians have Coeliac Disease, with 75% of sufferers still undiagnosed. Chances are that the terminology Gluten Free, and Gluten Free food products will become more familiar to us all.

Coeliac Disease is actually an autoimmune disease in which the immune system reacts to gluten. Autoimmunity is when the body mistakes its own tissues as foreign and produces antibodies to destroy them. Ingesting Gluten, in a Coeliac patient's case, causes inflammation and damage to the mucosal lining of the small intestine. This damage, in turn, decreases the ability of the cells lining the small intestine to absorb and assimilate nutrients. Not only do we have inflammation and irritation to the small intestine, we have nutrient deficiencies and a wide range of possible health problems arising from this interaction. There are approximately 300 known symptoms of Coeliac Disease, all of which not necessarily experienced. An interesting thing to note is that Coeliac is often the underlying cause of many chronic conditions such as Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia. A life long avoidance of dietary gluten is the first line treatment for Coeliac Disease.

Gluten is a protein of the grains Wheat, Rye, Barley and Oats. It is highly recommended to completely avoid these grains if you have been diagnosed with Coeliac Disease. If you suspect Coeliac or gluten intolerance you can eliminate gluten containing foods for a set period of time, usually 3-6 months. During this time you may notice some symptoms you experienced before, such as abdominal distension, fatigue, constipation, diarrhoea or even skin rashes disappear. An elimination diet is a simple tool you can utilize to better understand your body. Consult a Naturopath for assistance on undertaking an elimination diet or your G.P for further testing. Keep in mind that avoiding gluten does not just mean cutting out the above mentioned grains.  Gluten products can be found in many other foods, such as some sauces (soy sauce), powders (gravy), canned products, sausages, by-products of Wheat, Rye, Barley, Oats and even toothpastes. Becoming an ingredient aware consumer is essential.

It is important to note that Wheat intolerance is not the same as having Coeliac Disease, even though gluten is contained in wheat, the allergies are to different parts of the grain. Wheat intolerance is usually to the entire grain as a whole, not necessarily the protein Gluten. The avoidance of wheat is commonly recommended by Naturopaths, due mainly to the processing, intolerances and broad range of negative side affects commonly associated with ingestion of wheat products.

The information and support for people with Coeliac or Gluten intolerance is vast. Becoming informed allows more choices for the consumer. Knowledge is power and power can be empowering. Become informed by visiting the Australian Coeliac Society's website (coeliacsociety.com) or call on 07 3839 5404 for the Queensland branch. Here you will find up to date research, recipes and local support networks, as well as the opportunity to become a member and receive The Coeliac Society's Newsletter.

Neil's Organics offers a large range of Gluten Free food alternatives. Come on in and explore the variety of nutritious, delicious fresh foods on offer. Our knowledgeable staff and in-store Naturopath will happily assist you in making healthier food choices.

We have a new practitioner in our building next door to Jude Friesen.
He is Doug Freeman, Doctor of Chiropractic, who has expanded his time in his Port Douglas rooms to now include a couple of days a week here in Cairns.
Doug has been in Australia since 2004.  His studies have included Sacro Occipital Technique, Medicine and chiropractic, Paediatrics, Sports Chiropractic, Bio Energetic Synchronization Technique, and Carrick's Functional Neurology Program.  
" My approach to care is first the acknowledgment that everyone is unique and every situation is different. Everyone has the most amazing healer within them and the ability to do what they need to do to create health for themselves. I work to help people bring up their awareness of their body and the power of their mind through unwinding tension in their central nervous system. When people learn how to do this they create health for themselves. The work is truly amazing coming from a sickness model, from those with a wellness background you begin to fast track your journey with greater ease. I love my work! With less tension and a stronger connection everything you do is improved!"
Some of you already know Doug, travelling to Port Douglas to see him.  To contact Doug, Phone 4099 4559 at his Port Douglas rooms, or on his mobile 0429 016 800 to check for available times.

WHAT GOES IN, MUST COME OUT!

Learn about the most underrated part of your body 'THE BOWEL' with Annie Clark.

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