Question: from Sam
Gluten/wheat intolerance, what causes this condition and is there a remedy please?
Answer: from Joanna (Medical Nutritionist for Xtend-Life)
Unfortunately, there is no one clear answer as to what actually causes food sensitivities or allergies, or any allergy for that matter. There are many factors that are known to contribute, but no one defined cause.
Some allergies have a genetic component. I.e. if one parent has allergies the chances are statistically likely that one in three of their children will have allergies or sensitivities too. If both parents have allergies the chances rise to seven in ten. There has also been alot of controversy over the issue of breastfeeding, and the fact that babies that are not breastfed may be more likely to develop allergies as they are not getting the antibodies from their mother.
Emotional factors such as stress and anger can aggravate proneness to allergies, and of course the main factor is the health of the immune system generally and its ability to operate optimally.
Because there is no one cause, there is of course no one cure. The best way to approach intolerances is to try to ensure that the body is working optimally. Concentrating of course on the immune system, as well as providing the body with strengthening nutrients for vulnerable organs, such as the respiratory system, and anti-inflammatory ingredients, important in sensitivity conditions.
Total Balance and Omega 3 are our flagship products that help to balance a person's body, with ingredients to help improve immune system function, plus antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and many specialist nutrients to help the body perform at its best for optimum health. This would be a good start for anyone whose body is sensitive to reaction.
On top of this our Viral-Protec formula can help to boost your immunity, especially at times of more need, such as during high pollen counts if a hayfever sufferer for example, or as an intermittent boost generally for someone who wishes to give their immune system a 'kick'.
Together with this type of comprehensive general health regime, I would suggest a general healthy diet, high pure fluid intake, and generally healthy lifestyle practice, with moderate exercise.
These overall approaches to health will do the best to improve one's body function and general overall wellbeing. This is of course no guarantee that it will 'cure' gluten or wheat allergies or sensitivities. Only avoidance can do that. However it will ensure that the body has the best opportunity to deal with all substances naturally and optimally.
Along with good diet, fluid intake and exercise, I would recommend:
Total Balance at 6 per day
Omega 3 at 2 per day
Viral-Protec at 3-6 per day, intermittently or as needed.
It is potential that you could try to gradually and carefully re-introduce certain items into your diet to see how your body is reacting to it after a while using the 'Rotation diet' principle (info on how to use a rotation diet is widely available on the Internet, but if you have problems let me know and I will help).