Given the extraordinary benefits of wheat elimination, it is natural that we begin to talk about how this lifestyle improves performance–performance in learning, work, physical performance, sports.
Among the benefits of wheat elimination that improve performance:
—Better concentration, less mind “fog”–This improves paying attention in class, the ability to focus on a task for an extended period of time, and reduces distractibility. You can sit and learn longer, retain and understand more, recall and apply information more effectively.
—Less joint discomfort, greater flexibility–How many times have we heard about the reduction or loss of joint pain and stiffness, greater flexibility, the heightened ease of exercise and physical activity? Less discomfort, greater and more flexible range of motion = heightened and more enjoyable physical performance.
—Less gastrointestinal distress–Lest you discount the importance of this, ask any athlete with irritable bowel syndrome, or runners who evacuate their bowels explosively around mile 12, just how important this is.
—Greater strength and increased muscle mass–This has not, to my knowledge, been formally quantified, but it is a common observation among wheat-free folk: They feel stronger, reporting increases, for instance, in amount of weight bench pressed or deadlifted in the gym.
—Greater libido–Because wheat elimination reduces estrogen and raises testosterone in males, and reduces abnormally high estrogens in females (and may modestly increase testosterone), libido is increased. Increased libido is generally associated with enhanced sexual performance and drive, which I believe can translate into improvements in other spheres of life.
Just as people who eliminate wheat typically say things like “I feel 20 years younger,” the total appears to exceed the sum of the parts: Despite what we already know about the benefits of wheat elimination, the entire panel of benefits in life performance seems to exceed what we expect.
In sports, we are hearing about more and more athletes shunning all things wheat, including tennis player Novak Djokovic, golfer Sarah-Jane Smith, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, and Olympic runner Andrew Steele. What is not clear is just how much the above improvements will result in improved concrete performance measures: jumping higher, running faster, winning more tennis games. (If Novak Djokovic’s performance in the first year he ditched wheat/gluten is any indication, he had his best year ever, winning 3 Grand Slams and 50 out of 51 matches.) I propose that wheat/gluten elimination will raise the bar for performance standards, setting a higher level that other athletes will need to reach to succeed.
Anyone interested in weighing in on how you experienced improved performance in some aspect of your life?
Hi, Been on this diet for 3 weeks now and am feeling great, more energy etc. Belly seems smaller. Although my weight is down 92.4 to 88.6 my muscle mass is also down about 2 kilo. My Body water % is down. My Body Fat % is up and my Visceral Fat appears to fluctuate between 16 & 17 %. What is going on here? Am I doing something wrong? Is there something else I should be doing? Please help.
Djokavic is certainly proving your theory correct this week at Wimbleton!
Dr. Davis,
Speaking of Djokovich… your daughter is a serious tennis player (and I’m a high end hacker). What kind of diet does your daughter eat?
Thank you.
She tries to also remain free of wheat/gluten. Travel makes this tougher, but she at least tries.
At 19, it has been quite an effort to educate her about diet.
Thank you, Dr. Davis,
I have a 15y/o daughter and a 10y/o son. Both are slim and active but my daughter seems to be a carbs/wheat addict. I know it’s different for kids but what would you recommend as an optimal way of eating for pre-teens/teenagers? Any guidelines?
Thanks again. Best regards,
Tony
Dear Dr. Davis,
After watching my 52-year-old brother drop 53 pounds in 6 months, I knew he was onto something BIG! For years he had experienced severe digestive issues, was turning into a recluse, he complained constantly about aches and pains and he was depressed. A friend turned him onto the Wheat Belly Diet ~ and it changed his life. Thank you for giving me my brother back! After eliminating wheat, he no longer has any digestive-colitis issues, his depression is gone (without medications) and the weight is flying off. He also never feels hunger and feels completely satisfied by the amount of food he eats each day. He is dedicated to losing another 90 pounds. I truly believe this goal is in sight. His doctor is overjoyed with his results.
As I watched this happen, I thought, why not do this myself. After struggling with 30 extra pounds for years, taking it off, putting it back on, excessive exercise routines, Weight Watchers, reduced caloric intake, nothing ever stuck. I eliminated wheat 4 weeks ago and the changes have been dramatic. My thinking has cleared, my aches and pains are gone (thought I had Arthritis – no), my sudden outbursts are gone, and much to my husband’s surprise (after 25 years of marriage) I have libido (not sure I ever had it to begin with, poor guy). However, the absolute best thing that happened, my debilitating hot flashes are gone! I struggled most of my life as a hot person, but after menopause, I was having severe hot flashes, soaking wet, at least 10 times an hour. When my Doctor suggested HRT, I went along with her, as I was not living. When she said my time was up on HRT, I had to stop, I was terrified. For 8 months, I was back to the severe state of hot flashes again. She prescribed numerous medications that seemed to help, but I was in a state of stupor. Oh, did I mention I have lost 8.5 pounds in four weeks as well. I am 55 years old and I truly believe I have never felt better.
I am spreading the word to whoever will listen and will ignore the raised eyebrows. After they see my transformation………they will come around! Thank you so much!
PS: The stomach pouch I have had since I was 18 is even gone!
Deb–
You can appreciate just how profound the wheat-free liberation can be!
I’d like to post your story as a blog post for others to appreciate.
With badminton I actually almost from one day to another – after gluten free diet – become much stronger and faster.
I saw that one of the benefits you suggested of going wheat-free is increased strength. I just got a faculty appointment at a university and would like to do some reserach on this. I’ve been wheat-free for about 13 months. If you are interested in possibly collaborating please email me at the email I put in the line for making this post. Thanks.
Hi, Brian–
Just emailed you!
I should add that weight loss was not really a factor in my reduced blood pressure, I’m assuming. I did lose about 5 pounds, but I wasn’t really overweight. I did lose my visceral belly fat, though… may that have made a difference?
RandallBB, I experienced a dramatic drop in blood pressure after only EIGHT days of wheat freedom. See my previous reporting at
https://drdavisinfinitehealth.com/2013/01/nutritional-supplements-in-the-wake-of-wheat-elimination/comment-page-4/#comment-100607
Cheers!
It’s probably ALL of those things.
Endothelial function (I’m impressed you asked!) does indeed improve in the wheat-free. I do brachial endothelial testing in people pre- and post- wheat elimination and the effects on restoring normal endothelial responsiveness are substantial (though we’ve done this in combination with vitamin D supplementation, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation).
Since being on TYP for now 19 months, I have experienced a significant drop in blood pressure. I have been for years on two medications (albeit low doses) to control high blood pressure. I’m now in the process of getting off at least one. My blood pressure has never been better! What is the mechanism for this? Lower inflammation? Better endothelial function? I’m thrilled, of course, and wonder if others have had the same serendipitous result with being wheat-(grain)-free.
Love your books and blog. Are you familiar with organic Hemp protein powders? I often have a Hemp protein shake with veggies and some fruit and rice milk in the mornings. Do you approve of Hemp?
Thank you.
Alice Swartz
I know of no difficulties with hemp nor hemp protein, Alice. I believe you are safe ground!
If you are subject to random drug testing, you’ll want to make sure that your hemp foods are from supplier who assure low THC levels.
I am just beginning to study going wheat free after being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia along with Osteo-Arthritis.
I hope that going wheat and gluten free will help me lose weight.
Diana
I have a question rather than a comment. I’ve followed the blog, I’ve read the book, and I really would LOVE to try things. Problem is, I’m 7 months pregnant and feel afraid to introduce such a radical change. My midwife says Ketones can negatively affect a pregnancy. Hmmm. Well, I decided to go ahead and give up all wheat, while keeping other grains like oats and corn and some sugar. Will this one step have any positive impact? Or do I truly have to go “all the way” to experience the benefits? I’m exhausted with this wheat free thing (I’m on day 3) but I hope by holding out to day 5 I should regain energy. I look forward to any input… Thanks!
I don’t have “the” answer for you but as you have read, the majority of people who post on this blog have stopped eating wheat and experienced incredible improvements in health and well-being as a result of going off wheat. I have too and remain amazed at the changes – and I will never eat wheat again. What better gift besides love can you give to your baby than improved chances for a good and healthy life? Many mothers-to-be have given up alcohol, drugs, and other dangerous habits and behaviors either before or during pregnancy so their babies would have the best chances to thrive. And how shall we all welcome the next generation? Will they face the same deteriorating health effects of this grain or can they be free from wheat and its myriad harmful effects? You’ll know what is right to do for you and your baby and your thoughtfulness has already demonstrated that this baby is going to be very, very loved.
I’ll just add that being wheat-free is actually the natural way humans are meant to be.
There is this common perception that grains like wheat have always been a part of the human diet. That is simply not true. Grains have been a part of the human experience for around 0.4%–less than 1%–of our time on earth. Getting rid of it restores us to the natural state of adaptation that our bodies expect.
Jennifer,
Nutrient dense foods are best for baby, organic grass fed baby cow liver, free range eggs, lots of good saturated fats, plenty of sunshine, great for the vitamin D and cholesterol. Good quality grass fed cheese but be careful of what type, stay away from soft and moldy.
Sugar has ZERO minerals and vitamins, It isn’t really even classified as a food according to the FDA’s own criteria. Nothing good comes from sugar consumption.
Dr. Davis,
Could you please contact me about a speaking engagement?
My e-mail is brian@exercisecoach.com
Website: exercisecoach.com
Thanks!
I’ve been wheat free for the past four weeks. I’ve lost 8 lbs. My hunger levels are much lower throughout the day. My knees feel good and I’m sleeping sound almost every night. I feel great! But I’ve experienced at slight down-side to being wheat free. I’m into cycling on my road bike 2x to 3x per week. But since I’ve been wheat free my endurance is noticeably lower on rides an hour or longer. I seem to run out of energy after ~30 minutes. I consume GU Energy gels along the way (15 minutes pre-ride and at ~45 minute intervals) but they don’t seem to help. Do you have any food recommendations that can help me maintain my energy level during moderate to high levels of exercise? Thanks!
Do some more internet searching. Athletes have different dietary needs. I know there are a few websites around Primal and Paleo eating that address athletes and wheat-less lifestyle. I remember reading one about a marathoner who was doing high protein and wheat free. It can be done but you’ll need to do the research on it. I only walk for exercise so haven’t really paid attention.
I have been wheat free for four months with the
exception of a few “exposures”. I can’t say that I
am noticing changes that others have.
I did lose 10 lbs initially but none in the last
2 months. I recently landed in the ER because
of chest pains that was diagnosed as Esophagitis.
I am now on a medication for that. I do tend to
some higher carb days but if its wheat that
causes the problems, I don’t see that as
a big stumling block! My energy level has not
improved and I think I experience” low moods”
more than ever. I am a nurse and was so excited
when I read Wheat Belly but am not so sure at
this point!
Without more detail it is hard to tell what the issue might be. Are you keeping track of your carbs? You want to make sure you’re not substituting other carbs (i.e. sugars) that replace wheat. Try to completely eliminate the “exposures”. I think it was key for me to be totally wheat free to get off the appetite stimulation effects of wheat. I also have a goal of no more than 50g carbs per day but as long as I’m below 100g I’m still okay with it.
Have you had a blood test done recently? How do the numbers compare to last time.
I’ve plateaued a few times myself and it is frustrating. I’ve often found that keeping up with saturated fats in the morning (bacon and eggs) helps keep the hunger off the rest of the day so I eat less. And even though I was plateaued I was still losing inches around the waist. I also fast or eat only one meal some days simply because I’m not hungry. Have you looked at marksdailyapple.com site? Some good tips there on Primal eating (avoiding wheat and other stuff) and loads of interactive forums with other people on the same lifestyle change. But I take the stance that this is a lifestyle change. Getting my blood work in line with goals was my primary purpose. Weight loss has been icing on the cake (pun intended since we can’t eat either anymore)!
Also check out Dr Davis’ Quick & Dirty 2 page. Lots of good advice on what to avoid there.
I remember Dr Davis saying, some time back, that it takes a MINIMUM of 2 to 3 weeks to totally clear wheat out, and all its side effects, from our bodies. For some people, a longer period of time might be needed as well as for people with existing, serious medical conditions. Many people commonly report giving in to (wheat) temptation after being carefully wheat-free for several weeks. For some, after the re-exposure to wheat, they are starting all over again in ridding their bodies of all the effects of the wheat.
Without extra stretching exercises I am just naturally more flexible, which is great for everything from at work bending down to pick stuff up to in the bedroom(now gotta get hubby on board and I can’t even imagine the possibilities!).
I don’t have to be afraid to move in certain ways for fear of popping a joint or straining muscles which i used to concern myself with all the time. (and I’m only 30! and classified as only overweight)
What really proved a point for me was when I did cheat and have a muffin that somebody brought in to work. For the rest of the day, everything was extra heavy and I could barely think. Things that were so simple were suddnely causing excessive confusion.
Ah, you are truly a higher performing human without the baggage of “healthy whole grains,” Allison!
I finally have a beautiful garden now that I can work at it every day. Previously, a few hours of weeding would cause several days of pain and stiffness. I was always stiff and didn’t enjoy any sports or exercise because I was so sore and stiff afterwards. Greater flexibility is one of the benefits (beyond losing 20 pounds) that I’ve noticed going wheat free. Now I can do yoga,clean house, and garden without fear of stiffness and pain. I love to bend and stretch, almost as much as I love getting compliments on looking younger and thinner! Thanks to WB and Dr. Davis.
Terrific, DeeDee!
Wheat makes you stiff, inflexible, and makes you age faster; not eating wheat does the opposite!
Don’t forget ***Better Sleep Performance.*** Fall asleep faster, sleep deeper, wake up feeling much more refreshed. And better sleep helps improve concentration and libido.
Yes, excellent points, Dave!
My triglycerides are way down (from 196 to 130 w/ high water at 150 after only 6 weeks of wheat free) and LDL is lower and also in at a more normal number. On top of which I am now at the lowest weight I’ve been in over a decade. I’m not hungry and some days don’t eat at all (i.e. fast about once a week). I feel better (now 4 months into this) and have more energy than I ever did. I sleep at least 8 hours a night (last night I slept 9!) and sleep deeply and wake up refreshed and not in a fog.
This has changed my life.
BTW, accidentally ingested wheat at a restaurant last weekend and broke into a fever a few hours later. I’m still working on making sure what I get has no wheat or flour in it but a lot of servers just don’t know what is in the food.
Excellent, Alex!
Keep on going. I believe that, in a few more weeks, you should be toying with triglyceride levels of 30-60 mg/dl, the natural level enjoyed by humans who eat according to their adaptive script!
I’ve been wheat free for about 4 1/2 months and was really feeling and looking great. I had stopped my 10 mg of Lipitor. I scheduled my physical thinking my doctor would be very impressed with my results. Instead I got a phone call telling me my cholesterol was off the charts (she said bad cholesterol was over 200!) and to start the Lipitor again. I haven’t had a chance to really study and discuss the results because I’ve been out of town and don’t have the report in hand or on the doctor’s portal). I did reluctantly start the Lipitor again because she sounded so shocked. I have an appointment in another 2 months to see if numbers change. My doc doesn’t seem interested in my new diet ( no comment about my 15+ pound weight loss) so I’m feeling a little distrustful/frustrated and am thinking of switching. I’m afraid if she hears about my daily helping of eggs, she’ll automatically tell me to stop. I don’t think I can give up my daily hard boiled egg, avocado, and tomato breakfast. Is there some sort of network where I can see if a physician is “wheat belly friendly”? I live in Ventura County, CA. Maybe my
cholesterol really does need to be treated with pharma, but I feel like I’m betraying myself by taking the Lipitor. I know people can’t comment without knowing all the data (which I don’t have–was just a phone conversation), but I was wondering if anyone else had a jump in “bad” cholesterol and if so, how you handled it.
Yes, Jeanine, I had the same results you did. I haven’t figured out what exactly needs to be done (don’t tolerate statins) but didn’t want you to feel alone. It’s going to be a challenge to retain all the positive effects of wheatlessness and calm down the lipids. Some people’s lipids rise during weight loss; here’s hoping that’s all ours are doing and they lower later on after the weight loss. Good luck to you.
Thanks, Lynda. I hope the rise is due to weight loss, but not sure if I will know now that I’m back on the Lipitor. She did say tryglicerids were lower. That feels hopeful…
Good work on the triglicerides, Jeanine. You are doing something right, don’t give up. Sounds like you are on the right track. If you can just keep from ever having to take ‘high-dose’ statins, it would be a health blessing for you.
> … people who eliminate wheat typically say things like “I feel 20 years younger,” …
Yes, Dr. Davis has finally hinted at it … the unspoken dark side of the Wheat Belly Way:
Retrogeria
In most adults, there is a rapid reverse aging (the inverse of progeria) caused by the WB lifestyle change. It usually stops at about an age-equivalent of 21. But even this can have significant side effects, such as:
* You’ll need a whole new wardrobe.
* Acquaintances won’t recognize you.
* You may get carded when ordering a drink.
* You’ll need a new license and passport photo.
* You’ll have to give up that handicapped parking tag.
* You may get hit on by younger singles.
However, in some cases (estimated at 1 in 42), severe acute youthfulness results, and requires urgent action. Usually, eating an occasional apple does the trick, as the fructose content arrests the retrogeria. But whatever you do, don’t eat wheat. You want to arrest the process, not catastrophically reverse it.
Disclaimers:
Your metabolism may vary.
Bariatrics not included.
Boundless, your wit and humor is great. Thanks for a good laugh. Have experienced some of those on your list but didn’t have the handicapped parking tag, new photos made nor got carded. But yea, most of the others. However, instead of thinking it was intentional some of my old friends have said things like: “Poor little thing, are you alright?”……and I only lost 12 pounds.
Yep. Size 4 and lots of new clothes.
Friends who haven’t seen me for a while are astounded. I recently went on a trip with an old friend that I haven’t seen since last August and she kept sayin that she couldn’t believe how fast I was walking!
I haven’t used my handicapped placard in months,
Tomorrow I will be 61. I look about 45.
Don’t be too shy, June: Feel free to post photos!
Losing the handicapped placard is BIG!
This is priceless, Boundless!
I’d like to bring this front and center and post on the main page, it is so wonderful. Thank you for posting it!
Ah, so now we know where ‘retrogeria’ came from. Brilliant, Boundless!
Boundless…..you are a very clever boy!
I had mentioned it on past comments but, like Steve, I am glad to see the inclusion of increased libido and a return of the proper mechanisms that support it. For whatever reason, increased T, lack of excess estrogen, loss of belly fat, the return of a youthful bedroom routine is worth all the tea in China or more apropos, all the bread in the bread basket.
Speak up men, let Dr. D know how much he really has changed your lives.
Thanks, Doug!
I didn’t mention it, but you raise an important corollary: improved erectile performance is indeed a commonly reported benefit!
I actually have more of a question, than a comment. I am EXTREMELY excited about finding Wheat Belly! I love nutrition and exercise and discovering your book is just awesome. My question is this, I recently developed a habit of enjoying a protein shake for lunch. Just makes my life easier and it seems to fill me up enough to wait till dinner to have my next meal. I am currently using Isagenix, Isalean shakes and wondered if there was a problem with using these shakes once a day and still eat wheat free?
The Isagenix products tend to be higher in sugars, including fructose. So they are not entirely benign. (I consulted for this company a couple of years ago and am therefore very familiar with their products.)
Why not make your own and include such things as avocado, nuts/seeds, and coconut milk?
OHH! I love that idea, but how would I go about making my own protein shake? After reading your book and cookbooks, I’m afraid that nothing out there is what it says it is! What type of protein would you suggest?
Nancy – check out our WB forum at http://www.wheatfreeforum.com for suggestions on protein shakes. There is a category for recipes, with many postings there, but I don’t know, off hand, if anyone has actually discussed protein shakes yet. If not, then you can start the topic yourself. You’ll find a lot of very nice and helpful fellow Wheat Belly enthusiasts on the forum. Rita, who set it all up, is also always willing to help.
Thank you! I just came across a shake recipe made with cashews, baby kale or spinach,an apple and 1/2 banana, water and stevia. Thought this would be suitable until I did a carb count. Yikes! A whole days worth of carbs+!!
A sharing of suitable recipes would be welcome.
I’m glad you finally mentioned increased libido — I think this would be a helluva selling point for quitting wheat (but it cuts into Viagra’s profit margins, right?).
Well Doc, if you must know, and remember: you brought up the Libido.
I am 52 and wheat free since last Labor Day. About two months in, I noticed the return of “Nocturnal penile tumescence”. (sorry ladies… That was the most sterile name I could find.) I had had no issues with libido, but NPT had disappeared. I can’t even recall when, but sometime in the past ten years.
But it makes a daily appearance side going wheat free. Back, like an old friend.
:-)
And it likely reflects improved arterial health, arterial compliance, and improved “endothelial function,” since the capacity for penile tumescence is an arterial phenomenon. (This is why guys with coronary disease nearly always lack any erectile function.)
Yes: “healthy whole grains” impair erectile function! You don’t see THAT on a Cheerios label!
Fellow bloggers,
Through out history, there have always been the haves and the havenots. As Dr. D. eloquently states: when you are grain/sugar free, you are smarter, better and faster at whatever it is you do. You have your health!
You feel good have lots of energy and your mood is calm. You make better decisions and the outcomes are more in line with your expectations. You enjoy your life. Your ailments are minimalized to the best that you can be. You attract similar types of people into your life because of your enthusiasm. You tend to smile alot! You thrive.
Now think of the fat people you know. Those who want to be helpless victims will be. Not my fault! Give me!
I want! Their helplessness is followed by their demands, Their world gets smaller and more demanding as yours expands. The next pill, the next kind of surgery, the next diet will cure poor helpless me! See how sick I am? I can’t, I won’t and why should I do something that won’t make any difference, after all, I have a disease!
They sweat, waddle and just don’t do alot of things you do because it is too phsyically demanding. Their body hurts! After the blame game wears thin, they find another reason or way to continue their irresponsible life. Do for me! They are nervous, depressed and demanding.
Just by learning and reading and eating your way back to health, you become a have! Those who mock you are the have nots because they have lost or will lose the health that they have now. Just because our government and big business says “let them eat cake” doesn’t mean you have to eat theirs.
We all know what happened to Marie Anoinette!
After only 6 months on WB, I have gained about 5 more productive hours. I sleep more soundly and wake refreshed. My eyesight is better as is my hearing. Clothes fit better. I am enjoying cooking and baking again mainly because I now have an appetite rather than picking at my food and grazing all day long with GERD always lurking. Belly fat almost gone and I can bend without causing a GERD event. No more plantar fasciitis and stiff muscles. I am enthusiastic, calm and happy enjoying the moment, not fretting about the past or the future. The smile on my face is catching! Arthritic pains in my feet and ankles are gone making it very pleasurable to go for walks. What a difference 6 months makes.
A wonderful tale of life and health transformed minus wheat, Barbara!
I love your observation of gaining more productive time, something we haven’t discussed!
My duplicate bridge playing ability has improved over the past 6 months of being wheatfree. I remember morer easily the cards played and more importantly the cards not yet played in each hand. In the past I often would struggle to remember for example, if the eight of spades has been played yet. Bridge is a game where discipline in the bidding and play is needed, but it also requires imagination and intuition. I am finding that not only is my bridge discipline improved but so is my intuitive flair for the game.
Very, very interesting observation, Stephen!
I am in total agreement. My body (head to toe) functions so much better since getting off wheat 10 months ago. My body looks like it belongs to a 43 year old & not a 63 y.o. Now if wheat elimination could just fix the facial wrinkles & hair loss. I have never felt so good, nor have I ever been so healthy. Thank you so much Dr Davis for sharing your experience & research & changing the lives of millions who chose to live a better life.
Excellent, Jim!
Okay, so you are no athlete. Read this, my aches and pains and discomfort were improved by greater than 50%. I am in my late 60’s but I have felt 10+ years younger, by following the guidelines of the book. Everything works better, joints, muscles, mind, sleeping is even better. The beauty of it is that it does not have to cost you a fortune ($$$.$$$). Okay so you spend a bit more for some food items, but you stop buying all the “crummy foods” that are making you feel lousy! There is an off-set there that is worth it! So quit missing out on life, get more comfortable, get more energy, smile in your knowledge that you can get to feeling better. READ THIS BLOG, start Today, applying the principles and guidelines… YOU CAN FEEL BETTER IN DAYS! … AND IT WON’T COST YOU AN ARM AND LEG. In fact after a short time you may think you got “New Ones”!
Everyone asks, How Can This Be True? Well, find out for yourself. Start being smarter than the crowd of silly people and start “helping yourself”! Don’t be a lemming caught in the migration route over a cliff. You have more brains than that. At least I hope you do!
Well said, HG!
You can see why I feel that people need to hear this message. If you don’t, you are resigned to a lifetime of feeling tired, accepting medications, even medical procedures, when the solution is SO simple—but completely the OPPOSITE of conventional advice!
I eliminated all grains on 1 February. I now log over 30 miles a week on back country hilly hiking trails. Before the only exercise I got was walking from couch to pastry dish. I think the biggest difference is the astounding increase in overall energy and motivation to get up and move. The wheat seems to sap the desire to move right out of you.
I couldn’t agree more, having personally experienced something similar!
Thank you for shedding light on the dangers of wheat consumption. I’ve been wheat free, off and on, for the past few months. I had a minor “relapse” last night. I ate some pizza! Why did I do that??? This morning I have brain fog, my skin is itchy and I’m having sneezing fits. I also have “cold like symptoms.” I know it’s the wheat and not a cold because this happened to me the last time I had a “relapse.” I’m suffering here and I don’t want to deal with this any more. No more wheat for me!
Yup: The “re-exposure” reactions are a reminder to us that modern wheat is a “perfect chronic poison”!
I have to admit that when I first met someone who was living “wheat free” I was skeptical. That was August of 2012. In December 2012 I picked up a cliff notes of sorts of the wheat belly book. It was very interesting. So I bought the wheat belly cookbook.
Going wheat-free seem very daunting since everything I looked at the grocery store had wheat of some sort in it – canned soup, cereal, salad dressings, etc. I thought we ate pretty healthy and that I just ate too much. But no matter how little I ate eating with a conventional diet nutritionist tell you, I couldn’t lose weight because I’d give in at night since I was hungry!
The first week was pure HELL! My body reacted to the caffine and sugar withdrawal and my mind wanted to eat all the time because that’s what it was used to. But I made it 7 days and had shed 8 lbs. The 8lbs was the motivation I needed. I found that by adding a bit more fat (butter, avocado) into my diet that I was not hungry and the cravings were going away. I was feeling better.
Now at 5 months I’m down 40 lbs. My heartburn is completely gone. I no longer have headaches. I no longer have muscle twitching. My body doesn’t ache. I can do more active things with my kids. I’m less tired and able to concentrate better. My moods have improved and I don’t fly off the handle as quickly with my kids and hubby. I still have some pain and stiffness in my ankles in the morning, but I attribute that to all the scar tissue from having sprained and broken them a number of times over the years.
I did make the mistake of eating a casserole my mother in law made one evening a few weeks back. It was a hamburger, potato, mushroom with canned soup. Now I know there is wheat in the soup but I didn’t think it was that big of a deal. OMG…I must be sensative to gluten because within 3 hours I had the worst gastrointestinal pain of my life…worse than any actual illness. I won’t be making that mistake again.
Wheat-free is the way for me. My whole body is better because of it. I even had a man tell me he thought I was late 20’s when I’ll actually be 42 soon. :)
Terrific, Paula!
Your story so perfectly summarizes so many of the phenomena we experience that I’d like to post your story as a blog post. Newcomers, as well as seasoned wheat-free veterans, will love your story!
Hi, wondering if anyone has noticed an improvement in eyesight. I only started to wear reading glasses just over a year ago, so not very strong ones, but still needed. I find I rarely need them now, except when the light is dim or the writing really small.
I’ve been wheatfree since midMay, started for weight loss initially until I started reading all the benefits. I’m a brain tumor survivor with seizures. The meds don’t control all my spells, but since being wheat free I’ve noticed a significant decrease. Simple partial complex seizures can happen up to 14 times a day for me, now maybe once every two weeks. I haven’t missed the breads or sugars and enjoy the energy.
my simple partial seizures have drastically reduced as well. I found adding fats back into my diet helps a lot too. I think it’s been about 2 months now since I’ve experienced one.
Excellent, Anony!
It suggests that some component of wheat was having dramatic effects on your brain. Removing it can only be good!
Wow, Carol: Very interesting!
We see this phenomenon in many conditions: Wheat may have not been the inciting cause, but it seems to make them much worse.