I'm only 50 pages into "Grain Brain" but that's enough to do some reflecting on my own brain function over the past 20 years. I say 20 years because that's how long I've been living with various learning disabilities. I have dyslexia and what's called a auditory processing disorder. The auditory processing disorder means I have to read it, say it, hear it. My brain doesn't process as well if I only do one of the aforementioned. The two disorders are linked because what I hear in terms of words and speech, I can't spell or figure out what letters make it up or when I read something with a lot of different letters, I can't sound it out. These disorders have been a HUGE challenge in my life; however, I have noticed a difference in the past year. I've been reading "Grain Brain" and reflecting, as I said, on how my brain is functioning lately. Since giving up gluten and changing my diet to Paleo, I have increased my brain function. I can remember spellings of things in a way I have never been able to do. My Spanish has gotten better. My reading comprehension is something it's never been. I'm finding that I can retain information better and my spelling is starting to get a little better.
That being said, a learning disability or disorder aren't really curable, they are more likely managed and that's when you figure out how to function with them. But since Paleo, I have noticed an increase in my learning abilities and retention. When I eat certain things, I get fuzzy and can't concentrate. I see a clear difference in my brain's ability to comprehend directions when I'm eating gluten free, Paleo. I find that I can concentrate longer, make more coherent sentences, write for longer, read for longer, and retain more information.
I also have been trying to be present in my body when I'm eating certain foods or when I'm out to eat and try to pay attention to my whole body's reaction to food. Last night, I went to Korean BBQ and I did a test. Usually I eat the soy sauce, despite the gluten properties. Last night, I opted to not eat the soy sauce. How did I feel? AMAZING. I had no bloating. No stomach ache and I didn't feel like I was going to be bent over in pain. I now know I have been giving my body poison even though it's few and far between with the soy sauce, it's still harming me. I also did not leave with a fuzzy head or the desire to pass out asleep. The last time I ate Korean BBQ, I was with friends and I felt like I wanted to sleep and lay down, the entire time. I ate soy sauce that night. My brain functions better when I'm completely gluten free. Being 100% Paleo is tough but being 100% gluten free is easier.
I'm telling you all of this because I think Dr. Perlmutter has a point, gluten really is a poison that we are consuming maybe without knowing it. Did you know that mascara has gluten in it? Did you know when I wear mascara my eyes get puffy and itchy? I have every reason to believe that I'm very allergic to gluten.
I challenge you to reflect when you eat, notice your gut, your brain, your eyes, your skin, and really reflect on the foods you're eating. If your resolutions have anything to do with your health, attempting to be gluten free might just change your whole world.
Think about it. Talk about it. Read about it. Inform yourself and others. Ask questions. Don't be afraid to try things and notice the differences.
Be healthy and well.
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