Gluten Sensitive? Avoid Starbucks
If you think you are sensitive to gluten or you have celiac disease, think twice about drinking coffee. New research has shown that many other foods can ‘cross react’ with gluten, creating similar inflammatory effects in the intestine to non-gluten foods. If you are avoiding gluten containing grains and you still drink coffee, there is a strong likelihood that coffee is triggering the same intestinal inflammatory response that you are trying to avoid. This includes decaf coffee as well.
Other Cross-Reactive Foods
In addition to coffee, many other foods can cross-react with gluten. According to Cyrex laboratories, the following foods can irritate the intestines and cause inflammation in gluten-sensitive people:
- Cow’s Milk
- Casein (the protein found in dairy products)
- Casomorphin
- Milk, Butyrophilin
- Whey protein
- Milk Chocolate
- Yeast
- Oats
- Coffee
- Rice
Testing for Cross – Reactivity
Is it possible to be gluten sensitive and not react to coffee? Yes. How can you find out? A clinical immunology laboratory called Cyrex Laboratories offers a variety of testing including gluten intolerance panels, intestinal permeability, and specialized autoimmunity panels. If you are avoiding gluten containing foods yet you still have digestive issues, headaches, joint pains, or other autoimmune disease and you don’t feel 100%, taking this test could highlight other foods you need to avoid. Cross-reactive foods may be the issue.
Healing the Gut
Avoiding inflammatory foods is only part of the solution. The gut lining needs to be healed otherwise inflammation can still exist. Working with a naturopathic doctor or other qualified practitioner to ensure that your gut heals effectively is a necessary component of resolving leaky gut issues, autoimmune diseases and overall inflammation in the body.
To learn more about Cyrex Laboratory testing, food sensitivity testing and how to heal your digestion, contact Boulder Natural Health today at 303-960-3920.
Sources: Gluten Sensitive: You May Need To Ditch That Starbucks
Gluten Issues or Celiac? Don’t Drink That Coffee!
