Gluten is getting more and more attention these days, and for good reason!
It is not a food that is meant to be consumed in large quantities. Yet it comes in
whole grains. We’ve been told for years to increase our consumption of whole grains,
because they’re good for us, right? Sadly, we’re suffering very severe consequences
for it.

Last week we discussed what gluten is and where it is found in the diet. This week I
want to discuss its effects on fertility. More and more Dr.’s and researchers are
pushing to get gluten screenings as a routine part of pregnancy testing. Similar to
the way glucose intolerance screenings have become standard. The gluten test would be
done much earlier in pregnancy in order to reduce the risk of miscarriage and
intrauterine growth restriction. According to a 2009 study the antibodies that cause
reactions to gluten bind directly to the placenta and can cause many problems for the
developing fetus, including those mentioned above and even stillbirth.

You can, of course, get tested for gluten intolerance and celiac disease but many
people argue that these tests are not near sensitive enough. Getting a negative test
result leads many people to falsely believe that they can continue eating gluten without
any problems. The best way to see if you are intolerant is to simply remove it from
your diet for 30 days. Try to replace the calories you would normally get from gluten
grains with vegetables.

So, this week I want to challenge you to try a new, gluten free grain. Let’s go with
buckwheat (not related to wheat). Buckwheat is a delicious Russian grain. It’s easy to
find and can be used in place of any other grain.

Prepare by combining 1 part grain to 2 parts liquid (preferably bone broth).
Bring to a boil then reduce, cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Enjoy!

Yours in health,
September Baumgartner
www.howfoodheals.com 
Naheed Anjum, Philip N Baker, Nicola J Robinson. (2009). Maternal celiac disease
autoantibodies bind directly to syncytiotrophoblast and inhibit placental tissue
transglutaminase activity. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology.
Retrieved January 27, 2012, from http://www.rbej.com/content/7/1/16