Gluten Free vs Organic
by Dr. Harlan Sparer, Tempe Chiropractor
There is a remarkable proliferation of Gluten sensitivity and Gluten Intolerance diagnoses and self- diagnoses lately. While heightened awareness is part of the reason for this increase, the dramatic increase in pesticide use is also a great part of this problem. Contrary to claims made by the chemical industries, glyphosate use increased 6,504% from 1991 to 2010 according to data from the USDA: National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). States participating in the USDA surveys reported applying a whopping 91,200 tons (1 rail car holds approximately 100 tons) of glyphosate on corn, cotton and soy crops alone in 2010 .
It appears that there is a correlation between the proliferation of pesticide use and gluten intolerance and diseases of digestion and absorption in the colon (as well as other issues such as infertility, hormone deficiencies, and Vitamin D deficiencies, to name a few). That being said, let’s relate a tale about a Wholistic Non Force Chiropractor who traveled to rural Spain and France for a working vacation, treating patients in Spain and staying in Basque areas in both countries. The remarkable farm market and patisserie (bakery) of St. Jean de Luz were his source of food. The baguettes and pastries looked good enough to eat, and he began to experiment with increasing amounts not normally tolerated in the US without bloating, gas, and dramatic weight gain and insulin resistance. It was 2 baguettes and 2 pastries a day, accompanied by fresh vegetarian food prepared from market vegetables and items. Upon his return and an attempt to eat similarly, the reactions returned. Pesticide use and hybrid and GMO grain use were uncommon in this part of the world.
While I agree that some folks have a correct diagnosis of many increasingly common digestion and absorption syndromes and intolerances, I contend that pesticides such as Roundup (Glyphosate) and GMO products may in many cases be the cause of the problem. Sometimes, BOTH are the problem. Occasionally, the GMO and pesticide consumption has caused the problem and the body can restore itself over time with an Organic diet. There is marked evidence of GMO and pesticide use causing this in Samsel and Seneff’s study: “Glyphosate’s Suppression of Cytochrome P450 Enzymes and Amino Acid Biosynthesis by the Gut Microbiome: Pathways to Modern Diseases.”
The solution for many folks is to go on an Organic trial. Eat only organic food at home and in restaurants for a month and see if the problem begins to go away (It might cease completely!). If it does, the problem is pesticide and/or GMO related. Many practitioners have experimented with the all Organic diet to great success. There are classes available in the Greater Phoenix area for free in some cases. Don’t Panic, eat Organic!