I’ve been avoiding grains for a while now and I recently read a 600-page book without bothering to use a bookmark because I discovered I always remembered what page I was on as soon as I picked it up.  I was astonished!

I certainly was never able to do that before.  I have been eating the fats he recommends plus almonds, Brazil nuts, walnuts and avocados.

It turns out that eating grains causes your brain to shrink, leading to dementia and poor memory.

This is reversible.  Whew!

Archeological discoveries have revealed that, before agriculture was invented, our ancestors ate very few, if any, grains. Many different cultures throughout human history, even well into the last century, ate a totally grain-free diet.

When grains became commonly consumed, research of historical records has found that, following the advent of agriculture, human health around the world declined in a number of ways, including an increase in malnutrition and infectious disease.

Grains have Many Negative Effects

Wheat contains gluten.  Gluten has stretches of repetitive amino acid sequences that are particularly difficult for our body to digest.

Rye barley, durum, spelt, kamut, semolina and others contain gluten,

Partially digested gluten can cause many health problems in the digestive and immune system, especially in those who are genetically susceptible, leading to issues like Celiac disease and gluten sensitivity.

Prolamins, which are found in all grains, are known to be especially irritating to the immune system.  This particular type of compound is particularly found in wheat, rye, and barley

Grains Can be a Problem for all Types of People

A new protein, gliadin, came about after a hybridization form of wheat was produced in the 1960s and ’70s.   Gliadin protein stimulates appetite and is considered an opiate.  It binds into the opiate receptors in the brain.  If you are worried about weight gain you certainly don’t want your appetite stimulated.

A few of the common illnesses linked to grains include Crohn’s and Celiac disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and other digestive disorders.

Consuming grains can also increase the chances of developing diabetes. They can even worsen brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, as well as all autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

The consumption of wheat and other grains is believed by many health experts to be responsible for a significant amount of illness, obesity, and suffering in people today.

Health Benefits of Nuts and Seeds

On the other hand, nuts and seeds offer many wonderful health benefits.  Almost any kind of nut or seed can help control blood sugar and help you to burn belly fat.  They decrease appetite and cravings for unhealthy foods.

They contain healthy fats along with a wide range of micronutrients and are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber. Each type of nut or seed has its own unique benefits that can contribute to your optimal health.

Nuts, like almonds, walnuts, Brazil nuts and pecans, are outstanding.  Some of the best seeds include flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, chia seeds and sunflower seeds.

You might want to consider giving up grains or, at least, add more nuts and seeds to your diet along with lots of organic fruits and vegetables, all the while consuming fewer grains as a step-by-step move toward their eventual elimination.

Make Changes Slowly

This  New York Times bestseller was on a  PBS special on TV.

Dr. David Perlmutter: Grain Brain,

Eating Fat Makes You Smart, and Why (Brain) Size Matters

Archeological discoveries have revealed that, before agriculture was invented, our ancestors ate very few, if any, grains. Many different cultures throughout human history, even well into the last century, ate a totally grain-free diet.

When grains became commonly consumed, research of historical records has found that, following the advent of agriculture, human health around the world declined in a number of ways, including an increase in malnutrition and infectious disease.

 And Moving Right Along

You won’t feel deprived when you discover tasty alternatives and feel better.  Make changes slowly so you don’t feel withdrawal effects – something to consider because the modern forms of wheat bind to your opiate receptors.

When you start feeling great, you don’t need to be soothed all the time with comfort food that makes you feel worse in the long run.  You may find that, once you’ve had an opportunity to experience life without them, that you prefer the way you feel when they are not leaving you sedated and all bogged-down.

By the way, nuts and seeds are great convenience foods.  No fuss, no muss.