Gluten intolerance

Health Concerns Herbalist

Could one out of three of your patients be gluten intolerant?
By Andrew Gaeddert

Celiac disease (severe gluten intolerance) afflicts 1 out of 133 people in the general population; If you have a first degree relative with celiac disease it is 1 out of 22. Some researchers speculate that as much as 29 percent of all Americans have gluten intolerance,1 and 81 percent of Americans have a genetic propensity towards developing gluten intolerance. Gluten intolerance can contribute to gastrointestinal disease, diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis, lupus, MS, chronic fatigue syndrome, migraine headaches, and some forms of dermatological disease. While strict avoidance of gluten containing foods is invaluable, a new formula Enteromend has been developed to reduce the symptoms of food intolerance, reduce inflammation, and to help people with cross allergies. For example, many gluten intolerant patients have cross reactivity. Immunoreactivity to casein, contained in milk and whey, is similar to the immune response your body has to gluten if you have gluten intolerance. Other patients may be sensitive to gluten and corn, nightshade plants, peanuts, and soy.

Recently, Health Concerns introduced Enteromend, a formula used to treat the symptoms of food intolerance including cramping, bloating, intestinal gas, nausea, diarrhea and heartburn. Enteromend is especially useful for gluten intolerance, it improves the function of brush border enzymes which are important for the breakdown of gluten fragments. Enteromend also contains a full complement of enzymes to assist in the breakdown of protein, carbohydrates, and fat. As many patients with gluten intolerance are also lactose and bean intolerant, Enteromend also contains lactase and alpha-galactosidase.

Reference

Enteromend FAQs

 What is your experience with Enteromend? Why did you develop it?

Enteromend™ was developed for people who have food allergies and intolerances. One of the most promising aspects of the formula is that it addresses wheat and gluten intolerance by increasing the activity of brush border enzymes. Brush border enzymes are involved in gluten clearance and possibly other food intolerances. Enteromend also addresses cross reactivity by including a full spectrum of enzymes that digest proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. It also digests milk and boosts pancreatic activity.

Our experience is that it works to eliminate reactions to foods if it is taken prior to eating. If clients already have symptoms it tends to work within 30 minutes. Enteromend was not designed to treat anaphylaxis.

Would my patients use Enteromend when they either have symptoms or know that they may be exposed to gluten or dairy? Or would they use it regularly as a digestive aid?

It can be used as a regular digestive aid. What is different about Enteromend is it reduces inflammation and also increases specific brush border enzymes that are involved the digestion of gluten and likely other allergic substances. Therefore, Enteromend is also involved in the healing and repair of the intestines. For healing and repair it’s best to take the formula on an empty stomach. To neutralize food reactions take the formula before eating meals/snacks. If a person is having long term symptoms, they may be best taking one or more capsules between meals, and one or more capsules before meals as desired.

I work with many patients who make antibodies to gluten and casein. These people must completely eliminate these foods from their diets. I think you are suggesting that Enteromend could be used to support gut healing. 

Yes. It reduces inflammation and helps eliminate allergic food components. 

It seems this would be a terrific product for gluten and casein intolerant folks who completely abstain from these products, but who run the risk of hidden exposure when eating in a restaurant where these ingredients can be disguised in unexpected ways. Enteromend would also be good when eating at a friend’s house who swears the food is gluten and casein free, but may not be a good label reader and understand all the ways gluten hides in processed foods by going by other names. Would they take Enteromend before, during or after a meal, and what would be the dosage?

In general, the dosage is one capsule before meals, and one or more capsule if food reactions are noticed. Also, if the gluten/milk sensitive person has produced inflammation to these substance’s ideally they would take 1-3 capsules a day on an empty stomach to rid the body of inflammation and undigested food particles. For example, if people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance were to stop taking these substances, there still may be inflammation and food particles in the body even though they aren’t taking in any wheat or gluten. Enteromend, especially taken on an empty stomach, will help heal the intestines. 

How long should people take Enteromend?

For advanced gluten intolerance and Celiac disease up to two years to reduce inflammation and heal the intestines. If a person is only interested in reducing food reactions it can be taken short or long term.

You have developed a unique approach to treating food intolerance by healing the intestines. Can you explain your approach?

People with digestive disorders and respiratory allergies often have multiple food allergies and food intolerances. For example, almost all of these clients have milk intolerance, and up to one third have varying degrees of wheat and gluten sensitivity. Additionally, they may have classic IgE allergic reactions to other common foods. Enteromend works to not only stop the reaction, but when taken between meals it will also reduce inflammation and contribute to intestinal healing. Colostroplex and Six Gentlemen are also used to improve gut function and heal the intestines. 

Enteromend FAQs, Part II

I have been using Enteromend with one of my most difficult digestion patients and the formula seems very effective. How does this work from a TCM perspective?

First, food products with enzymatic activity have been widely used in Chinese food therapy. Second, Enteromend treats food stagnation and enters the stomach, spleen, small and large intestines. There is a complete monograph on the formula in our Clinical Handbook which is also posted on our website www.healthconcerns.com.

How long is the course of treatment?

If you are looking for symptomatic improve­ment, one or more bottles. If you are looking to heal the intestines, take Enteromend for at least three months. For intestinal inflammation, this formula is best taken on an empty stomach. 

How can children best utilize this formula?

The capsules maybe opened and emptied into room temperature water. Typical dosage is 1/2 to one capsule per day, although more can be taken if necessary. 

What is the highest dosage that can be used?

We typically recommend one to two capsules before meals. Additional doses can be taken between meals to heal inflammation, or for symptom relief. 

Is Enteromend enterically coated?

The ingredients work across a broad PH range and have been shown to survive gastric juices. For these reasons, it does not need to be enterically coated.

If my client has a food allergy with chronic constipation, would you still use Enteromend?

I would use Enteromend before eating and I would use Aloe 22 between meals for chronic constipation. 

Can Enteromend be used as a digestive aid?

Yes. What is different about Enteromend is that it increases specific brush border enzymes that are involved in digesting gluten fragments and other allergic substances. Enteromend, by reducing inflammation, is also involved in intestinal healing and repair.

Enteromend treats gluten and dairy intolerance. Does it address soy allergy, and bean intolerance?

Yes. 

I know that the formula is 100 percent vegetari­an. Does it contain sugar?

No sugar is contained in the formula. For a list of ingredients, see the monograph posted on our website. 

I have a client who is highly reactive to multi­ple foods. She has experienced migraines from food reactions for over twenty years. Would Enteromend be appropriate?

Yes. It may be best to experiment to see if she obtains better results using this formula before meals, between meals, or a combination.

Most of my clients have done well on the formula, however one client said it didn’t work.

I would first make sure that your client is taking an adequate dose. To my chagrin, I have heard that one capsule works great before eating a little bit of ice cream, whereas multiple capsules are required to digest a pint of ice cream. I really can’t endorse eating ice cream unless it is for special occasions. For some clients, emptying the capsules in room temperature water may improve efficacy, others may need to increase the dosage to two capsules.

Understanding Gluten Intolerance
By Andrew Gaeddert, RH

\What is different about the wheat of today?

The wheat we eat today has been bio-engineered to contain nearly 90 percent more gluten than the type our grandparents ate. Far beyond bread, pasta, and cereals, gluten is in everything from soups to ice cream.

Which foods contain gluten?

Wheat, barley, rye, spelt, and kamut. Oats contain gluten like molecules and are usually restricted in a gluten free diet.

Which disorders have been linked to gluten intolerance?

Digestive disorders, dermatitis, psoriasis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, osteoporosis, and chronic fatigue syndrome have been linked to gluten intolerance. The gluten free diet has also helped people with headaches, weight management, peak brain, and athletic performance.

Could you define wheat allergy, gluten intolerance, and celiac disease? How prevalent are these conditions?

Wheat allergy is an immunological reaction to wheat that will show up on standard allergy tests. The body produces a food-specific antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). IgE antibodies immediately attach themselves to wheat and this causes a release of histamine and other allergy related chemicals. Within a short time of eating the offending allergic food, skin rash, stomach cramps, diarrhea, or vomiting may be produced. You may also have itching, swelling, sneezing, or hives. Anti- histamine medication will typically relieve symptoms of wheat allergy. Wheat is one of eight foods known to cause ninety percent of the allergies in the United States.

Gluten intolerance is a sensitivity, not a true allergy. No histamines are released so anti-histamines have no effect. Reactions are typically delayed, and symptoms become apparent over time and may be related to the quantity and frequency of ingestion. Theoretically, if a person with gluten intolerance continues to eat wheat and other gluten containing foods, celiac disease, damage to the pancreas, and other organs may be affected. Gluten may stimulate an over production of pro- inflammatory cytokines causing inflammation. It is speculated that 29 percent of Americans have gluten intolerance and 81 percent have a genetic disposition towards developing gluten intolerance. 1

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder caused by the ingestion of gluten containing foods. In order to diagnose celiac disease, gastroenterologists look for intestinal damage via biopsy. Researchers have discovered that celiac disease affects 1 out of 133 people. If patients have a close relative with celiac disease, the number is 1 out of 22, and 1 out of 56 if the patient has a digestive disorder.

How can knowing about gluten intolerance help acupuncturists and herbalists?

First, there is a tremendous interest in gluten intolerance on behalf of the lay public. In addition to individuals with digestive disorders and autoimmune disease, people with neurological symptoms and weight management issues, parents, and athletes are also interested in the gluten free diet. The largest food companies in America are also reformulating products without gluten.

Acupuncturists and herbalists can help patients identify gluten intolerance and other food sensitivities. They can provide information and encouragement. As some patients may have difficulty coping with the withdrawal from gluten, acupuncture treatments can help relax the patient and counter cravings. Herbalists can suggest alternative eating plans, select calming herbs, and counter the inflammatory response.

How long do clients need to be on a gluten free diet to improve symptoms?

About one third of my clients feel considerably better within a few days of adopting a gluten free diet. Another one third takes two weeks. Many of the remaining one-third, either were never on a gluten free diet (i.e. they cheated), need more than two weeks, or have a sensitivity related to another food. Not everyone can comply with a gluten free diet. Many people pick a bad time to go on a gluten free diet. Other clients wish to see a laboratory diagnosis prior to changing their diet. One client said she would rather continue to take a drug costing almost $1,000 month co-pay, rather than investigate a gluten free diet.

What gluten free eating plan do you endorse?

Many years ago, I developed the Digestive Clearing Program. It is a rotation diet emphasizing lean protein, vegetables, and gluten free grains. The complete program is listed in my book, Healing Digestive Disorders. I also like the Paleo Diet, which is known as the caveman diet. This approach mimics eating like a hunter-gatherer, thus it is not only gluten free but grain free as well.

What substitutes can people with gluten intolerance use?

I recommend amaranth, buckwheat (soba), millet, quinoa, rice, wild rice (Zizania palustris), tapioca, teff, yam, or Jerusalem artichoke flour.  If you are not treating a digestive disorder, you might consider almond or chickpea flour.

What is cross-reactivity?

Cross-reactivity is a condition in which the autoimmune anti-bodies your body generates, mistakes other food proteins for the ones you cannot tolerate. When you experience a cross-reaction to other foods, the effect is the same as if you had ingested gluten.  Dr. Kenneth Fine, director of Enterolab.com, has found that patients with gluten intolerance have a high frequency of cross-reactivity to milk. Other suspect foods include eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, soybeans, and corn. Sweets and sweeteners such as high fructose corn syrup should be avoided because they upset the balance in the intestines, leading to bacteria overgrowth and mal absorption. Alcohol should be avoided, because it promotes fermentation in the digestive tract and can lead to diarrhea, bloating, and intestinal gas.

Do you have any tips on eating out?

Many people with celiac disease and gluten intolerance give a card to restaurant workers. The card indicates that you have wheat or gluten allergy, and need to refrain from eating foods prepared with wheat flour and other gluten containing foods, including sauces or gravies prepared with flour, croutons, bread or soy sauce. Soy sauce is one of many foods that have hidden gluten. Stick to lean protein, potatoes or rice and vegetables. Have a snack before you go, to counter hunger cravings. It is also helpful to rehearse what you are going to say when your friend, co-worker, or family member says:  “One piece of bread won’t kill you”; “You were much more fun when you drank. Loosen up, have a beer.”

Is gluten found in drugs and herbal products?

Prescription drugs do not need to have all the ingredients listed on the label, and gluten can be included. Gluten is found is several Chinese herbs including fu xiao mai, mai ya, and shen qu. Some overseas manufacturers may be using gluten in the production process without the knowledge of their distributor, as gluten intolerance is rarely diagnosed in Asia.  After taking a formula from an herbalist in Chinatown, one of our clients’ symptoms got much worse. On closer inspection, it turned out one of the ingredients contained malt, which exacerbated the client’s gluten intolerance.

Do you recommend herbs or probiotics for people with gluten intolerance?

Probiotics such as Bifidus acidophilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus are considered “friendly” bacteria and are taken for the purpose of re-colonizing areas of the body where they normally would occur. The human body relies on the normal flora for several functions including metabolizing foods and certain drugs, absorbing nutrients, and preventing colonization by pathogenic bacteria. Probiotics also stabilize the mucosal barrier and decrease intestinal permeability. Probiotics have immunomodulating effects and decrease markers of hypersensitivity reaction and intestinal inflammation.2, 3 For these reasons, I strongly recommend probiotics in the treatment of gluten intolerance. It’s important to use high quality brands of probiotics that can effectively colonize in the intestines. The healthy bacterial must be able to pass through the gut and latch on to the intestinal epithelium.

Colostrum is used for its anti-inflammatory, immune activating, and intestinal healing effects. Chinese herbal spleen tonics such as Six Gentlemen and Shen Ling Bai Zhu San improve digestive and immune system functioning. I have developed Enteromend™, an enzyme based approach to treating gluten intolerance and food allergies. Taken with meals, Enteromend™ breaks down food complexes. If used between meals, this formula reduces intestinal inflammation and may aid in the clearance of gluten molecules. In clinical practice, we use a rotation diet, probiotics, colostrum, Chinese herbs, and Enteromend™ in the treatment of gluten intolerance and other food sensitivities.

References

  • Lieberman, Shari. (2007). The gluten connection: how gluten sensitivity may be sabotaging your weight and your health-and what you can do to take control now. Page 6. New York: Rodale.
  • De Roos NM, Katan MB. Effects of probiotic bacteria on diarrhea, lipid metabolism, and carcinogenesis: A review of papers published between 1988 and 1998. Am J Clin Nutr 2000;71:405-11.
  • Pelto L, Loslauri E, Lilius EM, Nuutila J, Salminen S. Probiotic bacteria down-regulate the milk-induced inflammatory response in milk-hypersensitive subjects but have an immunostimulatory effects in healthy subjects. Clin Exp Allergy 1998;28:1474-9.

Andrew Gaeddert, RH has over twenty-five-years of experience in administering, researching, and teaching about herbs and Chinese Medicine. He is the author of several books including Healing Digestive Disorders. He is the founder of Health Concerns, the first company to produce Chinese herb in the USA for practitioners.

He can be reached at 510-639-0280 and herbalist@healthconcerns.com.

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