You may be eating something that’s slowly killing you – and your doctor probably has no clue. It’s not trans fats, sugar, or even pesticides. It’s gluten, the hidden protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and countless processed foods. And according to groundbreaking research, it’s linked to a shockingly wide range of diseases, from autoimmune disorders to cancer.
In this eye-opening video, Dr. Mark Hyman reveals the startling truth about gluten that most medical professionals are overlooking. If you suffer from any kind of chronic illness, this information could literally save your life.
The Gluten-Disease Connection: What Your Doctor Hasn’t Told You
You’ve probably heard of celiac disease, the autoimmune disorder that causes severe reactions to gluten. But what most people (and doctors) don’t realize is that you can have gluten sensitivity without having full-blown celiac – and it can be just as damaging to your health.
A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that people with diagnosed, undiagnosed, and even latent gluten sensitivity had a significantly higher risk of death from heart disease and cancer. And we’re not talking small numbers – there was a 39% increased risk for those with celiac, a 72% increased risk for those with gut inflammation related to gluten, and a 35% increase for those with gluten sensitivity but no celiac disease.
The Skyrocketing Prevalence of Celiac Disease: A 400% Increase in 50 Years
If those numbers aren’t scary enough, consider this: the rate of celiac disease has increased by a staggering 400% in the past 50 years. And that’s just the diagnosed cases – for every one person with celiac, there are an estimated 99 more with undiagnosed gluten problems.
So why the sudden surge in gluten-related issues? Experts point to several factors:
- Lack of genetic adaptation to gluten, which was only introduced to the European diet in the Middle Ages
- Higher gluten content in modern wheat strains, especially in the US
- Increased consumption of processed foods containing hidden gluten
- Improved diagnostic testing and awareness of celiac disease
Whatever the reasons, one thing is clear: gluten is making millions of people sick, and most of them have no idea why.
The Gluten Syndrome: 55 Diseases Linked to Gluten Sensitivity
So how do you know if gluten is YOUR hidden health culprit? According to a review paper in the New England Journal of Medicine, there are a staggering 55 diseases that can be caused by eating gluten, including:
- Autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis
- Digestive problems like irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and acid reflux
- Neurological and psychiatric conditions like anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and dementia
- Skin problems like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis herpetiformis
- Hormonal imbalances like PMS, PCOS, and infertility
- Chronic pain syndromes like fibromyalgia and migraines
Basically, if you have ANY kind of chronic symptom or disease, gluten should be on your radar as a possible cause or contributing factor.
The Economic Burden of Undiagnosed Gluten Sensitivity
Not only is undiagnosed gluten sensitivity devastating for individual health, it’s also a massive economic burden. A study by Dr. Peter Green found that people with undiagnosed celiac disease used significantly more health services and had much higher medical costs than those who were diagnosed and treated.
In fact, simply diagnosing and treating celiac disease reduced healthcare costs by 30%. The problem? Only 1% of celiacs are ever diagnosed, leaving 99% suffering needlessly and racking up huge medical bills.
Why Your Doctor Probably Won’t Diagnose Your Gluten Problem
With all this evidence, why are so many gluten-sensitive people slipping through the cracks of the medical system? A few key reasons:
- Lack of awareness and education about non-celiac gluten sensitivity among doctors
- Overemphasis on intestinal symptoms, when gluten can affect any tissue in the body
- Reliance on narrow diagnostic criteria and tests that miss many cases of gluten reactivity
- Perception of gluten-free diets as a “fad” rather than a legitimate medical treatment
As a result, millions of people are left to suffer with chronic symptoms and skyrocketing medical bills, never knowing that a simple diet change could be their ticket to health.
The Gluten-Free Experiment: How to Tell If Gluten Is Your Problem
So how can you tell if gluten is making YOU sick? Dr. Hyman recommends a simple experiment: eliminate all gluten from your diet for 2-4 weeks and see how you feel. That means 100% gluten-free – no exceptions, no cheating, no “just a little” – then reintroduce it and notice what happens.
For many people, going gluten-free leads to rapid and dramatic improvements in energy, digestion, mental clarity, and chronic symptoms of all kinds. If you feel better off gluten (and worse when you reintroduce it), that’s a pretty clear sign that it’s a problem for you.
Of course, you can also get tested for celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity – but keep in mind that these tests aren’t perfect, and many people with gluten issues test negative. The gold standard is really a gluten-free trial combined with an open-minded physician who understands the far-reaching effects of gluten.
The Bottom Line
Gluten sensitivity is the epidemic of our time – and it’s wreaking havoc on millions of people’s health, most of whom have no idea why. If you struggle with ANY kind of chronic illness or symptom, consider that gluten could be the culprit. A simple gluten-free experiment could be the first step to reclaiming your health and vitality.
Here are some key takeaways to remember:
- Gluten sensitivity is much more common than celiac disease and can cause a wide range of symptoms
- The rate of celiac disease has skyrocketed in the past 50 years, suggesting a major increase in gluten reactivity
- Undiagnosed gluten problems are a massive economic burden, costing the healthcare system millions
- Many doctors overlook gluten sensitivity due to narrow diagnostic criteria and lack of awareness
- The best way to find out if gluten is a problem for you is to eliminate it completely for 2-4 weeks and monitor your symptoms
If you suspect gluten may be undermining your health, don’t wait for a diagnosis – take charge of your own well-being and start your gluten-free journey today. Your body will thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of symptoms could indicate a gluten problem?
Gluten sensitivity can manifest in countless ways, from digestive issues to brain fog to joint pain. Some common red flags include bloating, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, fatigue, skin problems, and autoimmune diseases. If you have any chronic symptom, it’s worth considering gluten as a possible cause.
Can I just cut back on gluten rather than eliminating it completely?
For people with gluten sensitivity, even small amounts of gluten can trigger inflammation and symptoms. That’s why Dr. Hyman recommends a 100% gluten-free trial – it’s the only way to know for sure if gluten is affecting you. If you feel better off gluten, you’ll need to avoid it completely to maintain your health.
Will I need to be gluten-free forever if I’m sensitive?
For most people with gluten sensitivity, going gluten-free is a long-term lifestyle change. While some may be able to reintroduce small amounts of gluten after a period of healing, others find that they feel best avoiding it indefinitely. Working with a knowledgeable healthcare practitioner can help you determine your individual tolerance and needs.