Download Eating grains may help to promote pain and inflammation

Eating Grains May Promote Pain and Inflammation
David Seaman, DC
Everyone knows that proper nutrition can help promote health and fitness and prevent
disease. The problem is that some of the most commonly-made nutritional
recommendations for health are actually detrimental. Perhaps the most glaring example is
the recommendation to eat whole grains.
At first read, many will be shocked to see such a statement. You may be thinking: I knew
that refined grains and sugar were unhealthy, but whole grains are supposed to be one of
the healthiest foods.
Fact 1: Compared to refined grains, whole grains are healthy. This is because whole
grains contain fiber that is beneficial for blood sugar and cholesterol regulation, and for
keeping our bowels moving…but that’s it.
Fact 2: Compared to other whole foods, grains are unhealthy.
On a caloric basis, vegetables and fruit have significantly more fiber than whole grains.
Our muscles need potassium to function optimally, and vegetables and fruit also have
significantly more potassium than whole grains. See the “DeFlaming Guidelines” PDF at
http://www.deflame.com for specific details.
Vegetables and fruit promote an alkaline environment in the body and this helps to
maintain muscle and bone health as we age. Grains are acidic, and over a lifetime, dietary
acidity leads to the muscle and bone loss associated with aging.
In short, we really need to replace grains with fruit and vegetables, and consume nuts in
moderation. Grains have several pro-inflammatory components and it makes no
difference if the grains are organic or not. Below is a brief review of three proinflammatory substances found in whole grains.
1. Gluten: The most commonly consumed grains (wheat, rye, and barley) contain gluten,
which is a highly pro-inflammatory substance for certain genetically susceptible
individuals. At worse, gluten causes celiac disease, a painful, annoying digestive disease.
However, gluten sensitivity may manifest as chronic migraine-like headaches. Some
people develop annoying gastrointestinal symptoms such as gas, bloating, and varying
degrees of gut pain that are not severe enough to be considered celiac disease or
inflammatory bowel disease. Others become depressed and some develop chronic fatigue.
Still others develop chronic aches in muscles and joints.
2. Lectins: All grains and legumes/beans contain lectins. They are non-immunologic
binding molecules and are absorbed through the digestive tract and can attach themselves
to tissues throughout the body. There may be no effect or they may serve as a disease
promoter. They can also promote inflammation in the digestive tract.
3. Phytic acid: All grains contain phytic acid, which functions to reduce the absorption of
minerals found in grains, particularly, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron. So, if you are
worried about getting your minerals, grains should be avoided.
If you would like more detailed information about the pro-inflammatory nature of grains,
go to the bottom of the Diet page at www.deflame.com.
--------------------------------David Seaman, DC, is the clinical chiropractic consultant for Anabolic Laboratories, LLC. He serves on the
postgraduate faculties for several chiropractic colleges, providing nutrition seminars that focus on the needs
of the chiropractic patient. For more information contact Dr. Seaman at [email protected].