Gluten allergy<\/a> sufferers may have an advantage over the rest of the population.<\/p>\n By following a gluten free diet<\/a>, those with a gluten allergy or celiac<\/a> are reducing the intake of grains that may in fact be harmful to the general population.<\/p>\n According to the book The Gluten Connection<\/a> the shift in diet when our ancestors switched from hunter-gatherer to farmer did not have a positive effect on our health, even as it boosted the population.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In a 2004 paper by O\u2019Keef and Cordain, the effects of a grain-based diet on the population include:<\/p>\n That should really give you something to think about. Our modern life is not nearly as healthy as we might think.<\/p>\n It is also interesting to note that hunter-gatherers spent far less time feeding themselves per day (a few hours) than the farmers that succeeded them (pretty much all daylight hours).<\/p>\n Most people with a gluten allergy or celiac disease switch to alternative grains<\/a>. This makes live easier, but not necessarily better. Still, it looks as if wheat<\/a> may be the worst of the lot.<\/p>\n Corn<\/a> is not necessarily all that much better. There is a relatively high incidence of corn allergies, and it is certainly responsible for its fair share of obesity and diabetes.<\/p>\n So what is the answer to this dietary problem?<\/p>\n Completely avoiding grains is difficult and probably not practical, but you can do a lot to reduce your grain intake.<\/p>\n Try replacing at least some of your grain<\/a> intake with an increased consumption of vegetables (especially fresh vegetables) and protein<\/a>.<\/p>\n Depending on your blood type, meat and fish may be the most appropriate source of protein. For others, vegetarian-based protein such as beans and pulses are preferable.<\/p>\n Maintaining a constant source of fresh fruit in your diet is also important.<\/p>\n When you do consume grain products, avoid processed foods completely. Whole grains are better than processed grains such as flour.<\/p>\n\n
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