- GLUTEN
Gluten is a storage protein that belongs to the class of prolamins and found in wheat, barley, and rye. The scientific evidence suggests that gluten should be avoided not only by the people affected by Celiac disease but by everyone. Gluten triggers the release of the protein called zonulin causing loosening of cell tight junctions and disruption of the intestinal barrier function, a condition known as leaky gut. Leaky gut leads to low-grade inflammation and contributes to the development of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, MS, asthma, chronic fatigue, IBS and depression.
- PROLAMINS
Every grain has its own prolamine that is functionally similar to the gluten in wheat: hordein in barley, secalin in rye, zein in corn and avenin in oats. Although prolamins in other grains are not as reactive as gluten, they are reactive enough to cause severe problems for those with gluten sensitivity, IBS, Crohn’s, colitis and leaky gut syndrome.
- PHYTATES
Phytates bind to the minerals present in grains and prevent absorption of iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc in the human body by making those minerals “bio-unavailable.”
- LECTINS
Lectins, nature’s own pesticides, are abundant in all grains. Lectins are known to damage our gut barrier cells and cause intestinal permeability. Leaky gut promotes consistent low-grade inflammation and is the first stage in the development of autoimmune and chronic diseases like rheumatoid, lupus, IBS, Crohn’s, colitis, thyroiditis, etc.
- GMO
91% of corn is genetically modified, which makes it the second most common genetically modified crop on the planet after soybeans. GMO Corn contains inserted genes that can create proteins capable of causing severe allergies and promoting diseases.
- TOXIC HERBICIDES AND PESTICIDES
The tolerance to herbicides and pesticides in genetically modified corn is remarkable. For that reason, corn is consistently exposed to some of the most toxic chemicals available, like Glyphosate and BT. Despite the effort of the processing companies, most corn products contain traces of glyphosate, known to disrupt gut flora, cause IBS, kidney disease, infertility. The World Health Organization has declared Glyphosate a human carcinogen.
- POOR SOURCE OF NUTRIENTS
Manipulated through hybridization to produce a higher gluten content and brimming with naturally occurring antinutrients, grains deliver only a fraction of the nutritional content promised by the outdated USDA food pyramid. Modern grain products are highly processed foods that don’t have much to offer besides rapidly digestible carbs and high calories leading to obesity and metabolic diseases.
- ACIDITY IMBALANCE
Most grains are highly acidic foods that can contribute to gastrointestinal disease and alter the functionality of the esophageal sphincter allowing stomach acid to escape into the esophagus leading to acid reflux disease (GERD) and esophageal cancers
- INSULIN SPIKES
Highly digestible carbs in processed grains lead to insulin spikes fueling the rollercoaster of high and low blood sugar. Diabetes, one of the deadliest chronic diseases, is caused by this frequent blood sugar imbalance. High blood sugar and insulin spikes also contribute to inflammation, hardening, and narrowing of blood vessels leading to heart attacks and strokes.
- GRAINS MAKE YOU HUNGRY
Appetite-stimulating effects of prolamins in grains are well documented. Gluten-derived peptides cross the blood-brain barrier and bind onto the brain’s opiate receptors. The same peptides also block leptin, a hormone that controls satiety. This result is a double whammy of increased appetite and disabled fullness signal – a recipe for certain overconsumption.
Sapiens Paleo Kitchen is 100% Grain Free
