When adding foods back in following an elimination diet, I realized that I get congested when I eat wheat. It also exacerbates a skin condition that now, thanks to my wheat-free diet, is no longer an issue. Have you noticed that wheat affects you?
Wheat is one of the eight most common allergic foods. It can a number of reactions including constipation, gas, bloating and even hormonal imbalance.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. Gluten helps binds the breads, pastas and other foods it is used in. Gluten can hinder the absorption of some nutrients. It can also cause bloating, constipation, autoimmune or thyroid disorders and inflammation. Chronic inflammation is linked to infertility, PCOS, endometriosis, and some implantation issues. One study showed that unexplained infertility is more prevalent in women with gluten sensitivity.
In general you’ll find gluten in bread, pasta, crackers, cookies and desserts. Read labels for these sources of gluten:
- Barley
- Barley enzymes (found in most breakfast cereals)
- Distilled (Malt) vinegar
- Kamut
- Modified food starch
- Oats (due to cross-contamination, so check the label for gluten-free)
- Spelt
- Rye
- Soy sauce
- Wheat
There tons of gluten-free and wheat-free items in the supermarket – again read labels to choose gluten-free. And as often as possible choose non-processed, whole foods and sprouted grains.
If you’re trying to get pregnant, consider eliminating wheat and see how you feel. With support and good resources it won’t be a challenge. I help women who are trying to conceive to clean up their diet and I provide sample meal plans to help balance hormones and promote fertility. I’m a guide and a support to a holistic, healthy fertility journey. Contact me to schedule a free discovery session.
xo Jennifer