While MuscleWorks is geared mainly toward helping with musculoskeletal issues, our ultimate goal of helping you achieve your optimal fitness potential would not be possible without addressing nutrition. With that in mind, the next few blog posts are going to be all about nutrition and diet, and what things are specifically getting in your way to fulfilling your greatest potential physically. The United States poses some unique challenges to our health, in the fact that our agriculture is broken. The way our food is grown, processed, and treated with pesticides and herbicides has significant impacts on our health and well-being. In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the prevalence of autoimmune and gut-related disorders, such as celiac disease, which is triggered by the consumption of gluten. Just how significant?
The numbers show that prevalence has doubled over the past few decades. This increase in prevalence has been linked to several factors, including changes in the way food is grown and processed, as well as increased use of pesticides and herbicides.
One major contributor to the rise of autoimmune and gut-related disorders is the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture. Monsanto, a leading producer of GMO crops, has been accused of using a cocktail of pesticides and herbicides, such as Roundup, that have been shown to have negative effects on gut health. A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, can cause damage to the gut microbiome and can lead to an increased risk of autoimmune and gut-related disorders. Additionally, Monsanto has been criticized for their immoral business practices, such as suing small farmers for growing crops that contain traces of their patented GMOs, even if the GMO presence is unintentional. This has led to many small farmers being driven out of business and has given Monsanto significant control over the global food supply.
Another factor contributing to the rise of autoimmune and gut-related disorders is the way food is grown and processed. In the United States, the majority of wheat is grown using modern hybridized seeds, which have been modified to increase yield and resistance to pests. However, these modern wheat strains contain higher levels of gluten and have been linked to an increased risk of autoimmune and gut-related disorders.
In contrast, ancient grains such as einkorn, spelt, and emmer, which are sourced from Europe, have not been hybridized and contain lower levels of gluten. These ancient grains are also more resistant to pests and are often grown using organic farming practices, which can result in a lower pesticide residue. A study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry found that ancient wheat varieties, such as Einkorn, have a lower gluten content than modern wheat varieties, which could be beneficial for people with celiac disease.
The rise of autoimmune and gut-related disorders can be attributed to several factors, including the use of GMOs in agriculture, the use of pesticides and herbicides, and changes in th
e way food is grown and processed. Ancient grains, such as einkorn, spelt, and emmer, which are sourced from Europe, can be beneficial for people with autoimmune and gut-related disorders as they contain lower levels of gluten and are often grown using organic farming practices. It's important to consult with a doctor to understand if these ancient grains can be beneficial for you and to understand the specific benefits and risks of consuming them.
Thankfully as awareness rises about the value of utilizing ancient grains, there are increasing opportunities to find and use them here in the United States. Here is a link to our
favorite source of ancient grains, that is sourced just up north in Idaho, along with amazing recipes you can try.
We hope this helps you if you are struggling with any gluten-related issues, if you have any other questions please feel free to reach out to our doctors to ask about more information.
· "Organic Crops Are More Nutritious Than Conventional Ones, Study Finds" Journal of Applied Microbiology
· "Food Processing Can Significantly Reduce the Nutrient Content of Food" Journal of Food Science and Technology
· "Added Sugars and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Children: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association" Journal of the American Medical Association
· "The Impact of Glyphosate on the Microbiome and the Consequences for Human Health" International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
· "Wheat and gluten: effects on celiac disease" Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry
· "Probiotics and gut health: a review of the evidence" Journal of Nutritional Science