William Davis's Blog: Dr. Davis Infinite Health Blog, page 130

Cathy on her way to minimizing or reversing diabetes

Even though Cathy feels that she is only halfway to her target weight and health, she is so thrilled with her progress that she shared her interim photos and experience with the Wheat Belly lifestyle:

“I love seeing everyone’s success. I have a long way to go but wanted to share my own progress since starting the Wheat Belly lifestyle.

“I am 51 years old and have been a type 2 diabetic for 26 years. I have been on both long and short acting insulin for over two years now. I have always been overweight but, once going on insulin, I decided I needed to make changes. No matter how hard I followed the nutritionist’s advice, I just kept gaining or at the very best maintaining. My friends have always eaten twice as much food as I do, yet I just kept gaining weight.

“In January I decided it was time to make some drastic changes. I started walking and began to eliminate grains from my diet. I am now six months in and my insulin dose has been cut in half with great control of my sugars. I am hoping to be able to come off all insulin soon. I just hit the 50 pound mark, but the real differences I see are in my face. The amount of inflammation was crazy in my ‘before’ picture. My skin was red and blotchy and I looked much older.

There is this notion that, once type 2 diabetes is established, you can never become non-diabetic. That is absolutely not true.

What it does not mean is that, once you reverse all typical type 2 diabetic phenomena–high fasting blood sugar, high HbA1c, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, excess small LDL particles, excessive postprandial (after-meal) lipoprotein excursions, resistance to insulin, fatty liver–that you would be able to consume all the grains, carbs, and sugars you want and not re-trigger diabetes–you will, quite quickly, in fact. What it does mean is that, even if there is modest impairment of pancreatic beta cell function (producing insulin), if you achieve normal blood sugars, HbA1c of 5.0% or less, reduce triglycerides to 60 mg/dl, normalize blood pressure, raise HDL and reduce/eliminate small LDL particles, normalize liver tests (AST, ALT), then for all practical purposes you are non-diabetic: You will experience none of the long-term consequences of diabetes. You no longer have the excess cardiovascular risk of diabetes, you no longer are exposed to the phenomena of excessive endogenous glycation (glucose modification of proteins) that would have led to premature cataracts, arthritis, accelerated skin aging, peripheral neuorpathy and kidney disease. In other words, all the excess health risks of type 2 diabetes are erased.

But even if Cathy falls a bit short and requires, say, metformin to keep blood sugars under perfect control (because she may have less than normal residual beta cell function), she will still have erased nearly all of the excess risk of diabetes–by doing the OPPOSITE of following the awful dietary advice of the American Diabetes Association, diabetologists, and diabetes educators.

Cathy’s experience also highlights the health-impairing effects of the high doses of insulin used in type 2 diabetes that make weight loss virtually impossible and typically cause extravagant weight gain. Years ago, I watched people put on insulin injections gain 20, 30, even 50 pounds just over the first 6 months of starting. Eliminating the foods that raise blood sugar–grains and sugars–allowed her to reduced insulin dose while enjoying less blood sugar fluctuations, allowing weight to drop, restoring insulin sensitivity.

And just look at Cathy’s face: As she points out herself, the excessive edematous inflammation that she used to show is virtually gone.

Remember: Anyone wishing to stack the odds in favor of a full turnaround from type 2 diabetes needs to, yes, start with elimination of wheat and grains, but then correct all the other health distortions that persist after their elimination, discussed at length in Wheat Belly Total Health and summarized in this Wheat Belly Blog post.

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Sharon’s astounding Wheat Belly update

Sharon provided an update of her results in following the Wheat Belly lifestyle:

“Want to share continued success with Wheat Belly. Holding steady at an 80 pound loss.

“First time to Hawaii this month without meds for blood pressure, cholesterol, diuretics, and CPAP machine [for sleep apnea]. I actually bought two swimming suits in Maui!

“Thank you so much for revealing the truth. Truth may hurt, but it also sets you free.”

Following the Wheat Belly lifestyle has freed Sharon from several chronic conditions, all of which previously “required” medications to manage, none of which erase all risk of such conditions. It is widely known through clinical studies, for instance, that, even if blood pressure is controlled with medications, the excess cardiovascular risk for heart attack, stroke, and death, is not fully eliminated–there is so-called “residual risk,” no matter which medications are chosen. So controlling blood pressure naturally using strategies such as wheat/grain elimination, sugar avoidance and carb management, vitamin D, magnesium, fish oil, and bowel flora cultivation eliminates the risk and the residual risk–because you revert back to blood pressure control the way it was supposed to have been accomplished in the first place.

Sharon now enjoys medication-free health without hypertension, without cholesterol/lipoprotein distortions, without having to rely on a device that blows high-pressure, high-volume air into her airway to keep it from collapsing while trying to sleep. And she looks terrific and vibrant, to boot, having shed 80 pounds of inflammatory grain-induced fat.

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Look what Wheat Belly did for Sharon

Sharon shared her photos following the Wheat Belly lifestyle:

“All the pre-Wheat Belly versus post-Wheat Belly pics are so wonderful. I wanted to share mine as well.

This is my 1 1/2 year post Wheat Belly. I’m now completely grain-free along with sugar-free.

“Crohn’s disease and constant sluggish feeling made me make a complete lifestyle change. I’ve never felt better, nor have I ever had more energy. If you would have asked me to trail run 5 miles 2 years ago, I would have passed out or had a heart attack. Now at 43 years old, I run 5-7 miles everyday in the mountains. Thank you so much!!! I now have my husband grain-free and he’s feeling better, too!”

Sharon also shared her “mid” photo:

Yes, Sharon lost weight and looks spectacular. But freedom from Crohn’s disease and new energy and vigor sufficient to run through mountains? No calorie or point counting can accomplish that.

Sharon has reverted back to the way her life should have been all along before wheat and grains worked their destructive effects on her. But now she is free of them, slender, and healthy!

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Marilyn conquers Zoloft and depression

Marilyn shared her wonderful story of success in reversing decades of depression and anxiety, ridding herself of a prescription antidepressant, while also enjoying reduced joint pain and losing weight effortlessly:

It is my birthday and I have decided to celebrate by writing my story:

“It has been one year since my journey on Wheat Belly. I have changed my lifestyle and will never go back to my old one. I love all the healthy changes in my life. I am not going to begin my story a year ago, but 19 years ago.

“I quit smoking 19 years ago and with that I began to substitute Jujubes and jelly beans for cigarettes. I had always loved sweet things and I now realize that I had an addiction to sugar. Even as a child I would spend my allowance on candy, desserts, and put extra sugar on my cereal so that I could eat the sugared milk that was left at the bottom of the bowl.

“As the months went on and I struggled with nicotine withdrawal, I comforted myself with candy. My husband would bring me a bag of jellybeans to make me feel better. I struggled with depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. Finally, I went to the doctor. She put me on Zoloft 100 mg. She said it was a chemical imbalance and Zoloft would correct it. And it did. I felt better, but continued to love sugar. If I felt like I was spiraling down, I would go to my doctor and the dose of Zoloft would increase. It became a cycle. I would feel down and comfort myself with nacho chips and candy. Eventually I was taking Zoloft 200 mg. My husband told me that I lived in la-la land. I was now at the stage that I would have to go on another anti-depressant, as I had hit the maximum dosage for Zoloft.

“My family decided for me that I should see a naturopath, which I did. I was told that sugar was the worst thing for depression and that I needed to wean myself down to a lower Zoloft dosage. That was several years ago. I did cut back on sugar ALOT, but did not read all food labels and was still consuming some. I was now on Zoloft 50mg. Things we’re looking better for me.

“Now to one year ago…

“I was at an all-time low at the beginning of last summer. My depression was very disturbing, as I had suicidal thoughts. It’s sad to me when I think of the weddings I have missed, the gatherings I would refuse to go to because of the anxiety that I would feel. The thought of groups of people terrified me at times. Throughout my depression I had to fake happiness so much. I was so tired of doing that and found myself sitting in a dark place from which I saw no way out.

“I did not want to increase my Zoloft so began to search the internet for some alternatives. I noticed that a friend of mine had been mentioning “Wheat Belly.” She was very happy with the results. I read and thought about this lifestyle change for over a month. I decided August 1, 2014 to make this much needed change. I bought the Wheat Belly book and the cookbook.

“I was pleasantly surprised that it was a very easy transition. Once I removed the wheat, carbs, and sugar, I had no cravings for them. I read all labels and am enjoying healthy eating. My pantry is empty! My husband opened the cupboard for crackers and I just laughed. He found a new home for my pots and pans. I will admit that meal planning and cooking all the time was an adjustment for me. I was one who would make a quick pasta meal, order pizza or grab take-out on a regular basis. I gave up gum chewing, which I did daily. The one thing that I am hanging onto is a daily diet drink. I know I need to give that up, and will eventually.

“After one month, I noticed that I did not have the pain in my knees that I suffered with for many years. I actually wore knee braces prescribed by my doctor to help with the pain. I stopped wearing them, going to a small elastic support for my one damaged knee from a skiing accident. I love that I can now walk up and down stairs, make the step of the curb without grunting and sleep without moaning about the pain of my knees. The inflammation of my joints is gone. This also allowed me to sleep better.

“Next thing I noticed was weight loss. In the first 4 months, I lost 25 pounds. I was very happy about that. Before, I was constantly on a diet. I had success with Weight Watchers, but would fall back to my old ways and gain the weight back plus more. It is such a relief to me to never have to diet again. It is a word that I have removed from my vocabulary. I would like to lose a few more pounds, but I know in time with exercise it will come off.

“Over time, I noticed that I was feeling better mentally. I was happy within and with no anxiety, panic feelings, or suicidal thoughts. After checking with my doctor, I went to taking my Zoloft every other day. I used to panic if I didn’t take it in the morning and by lunch I would have a tingling in my lips that would remind me to take it. Then I went to forgetting to take it and now I have been off Zoloft for 8 weeks. I am feeling great and have not had any tingling in my lips.

“The other amazing thing is I am no longer a nail biter. I have been all my life. It has been a habit that I could not break. I now have no desire at all to continue to bite!

“And, finally, I am happy to say that I have influenced many people to change to a healthier lifestyle. After seeing my results, some of my family members have followed suit. Friends have watched my changes and are cutting out wheat and sugar.

The Wheat Belly lifestyle has changed me forever. I am a happier, healthier 62 year old that does not have to fake happiness anymore.

Wonderful story, isn’t it? Marilyn no longer has to “fake happiness.” I share stories like Marilyn’s in the hopes that people see themselves in these stories and take action, not having to struggle through nearly 20 years of suffering first. There are millions of Marilyn’s out there, being told that they’ve had bad luck, bad genes, or are paying the price of poor eating, and that drugs or procedures are the only solution.

Through all this, I hope you are beginning to appreciate just how powerful this lifestyle can be. It provides a way to be free of so many health conditions, be free of dependence on a deeply-flawed healthcare system, and feel and look wonderful.

Oh, and happy birthday, Marilyn!

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You’ve probably got dysbiosis: An excerpt from Wheat Belly Total Health

Here’s an excerpt from chapter 9, Full Recovery From Post-Traumatic Grain Gut Syndrome, of Wheat Belly Total Health about the exceptionally common issue of dysbiosis:

“Up to 35 percent of people with no other gastrointestinal disease and no symptoms have bacterial overgrowth (dysbiosis) or other distortions of bowel flora composition. Even though many doctors regard irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as a benign condition, 30 to 85 percent of people with IBS have varying degrees of dysbiosis at the time of their diagnosis–it is not benign. Overgrowth of unhealthy bacteria is common in people who have low stomach acid due to acid-blocking drugs (such as Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonix, and Pepcid) or reduced stomach acid provoked by prior grain consumption; people who have taken antibiotics repeatedly or chronically; people with diabetes; people who take narcotics that slow bowel function; people with chronic constipation, which also slows bowel function; and people with fibromyalgia, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease and autoimmune diseases. Even rosacea and restless leg syndrome have been associated with dysbiosis. In short, if you have lived a modern life, you probably have some degree of dysbiosis.

“It’s therefore time to repopulate the gastrointestinal tract with healthy species such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Some of this is accomplished simply by an increase in their numbers, while some healthy species also produce bacteriocins–small proteins that act as natural antibiotics on unhealthy bacteria. The most effective species to employ in probiotics may be those that are best at producing effective bacteriocins. A wonderful thing happens when the disruptive effects of grains are removed and healthy bacterial species reenter the picture in large numbers: They outcompete the undesirables for nutrients, reducing their number, while the number of desirable species increase as they feed and reproduce. Bowel health and multiple other facets of health improve as a result.”

The situation is probably worse than the numbers suggest, as these observations come from comparing presumed healthy populations with unhealthy populations, e.g., comparing non-diabetics with diabetics. If 35% of people with no gastrointestinal symptoms have dysbiosis, it is likely that the other 65% still have disruptions in bowel flora composition acquired by living a modern life but just not meeting semi-arbitrary criteria for dysbiosis. The problem is that even people presumed to be healthy living a modern, Western lifestyle have dramatically different bowel flora profiles compared to people who have been unexposed to antibiotics, grains, sugars, herbicide and pesticide residues, BPA and other endocrine-disrupting industrial chemicals, and other factors. This has become clear with examination, for instance, of the bowel flora of the Hadza, natives of Burkina Faso (who consume cornmeal, however) and some of the inhabitants of the Amazon rainforest, whose bowel flora are dramatically different from ours: different species, different numbers, greater divesity of species. But it is not clear whether such differences are responses to local conditions or whether they are truly essential for health. That wisdom is slowly yielding to the work being done in bowel flora research.

Until then, our practical solution is to apply the insights we have in bowel flora and rid your life of bowel flora disrupters as best you can. Start by removing wheat and grains that disrupt gastrointestinal health and microbial species from mouth to anus, minimize the other factors that disrupt bowel flora, then “seed” and nourish the species that we know to be beneficial by treating bowel flora as your “garden,” a very special garden that can provide many wonderful benefits for overall health.

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Chris’ weight and life returning to normal on Wheat Belly

Chris shared some photos and his experience having followed the Wheat Belly lifestyle for the past 5 months:

“Just wanted to say thank you for coming up with a great cookbook and guidelines for my wife and I to go off of. I started on the Wheat Belly lifestyle on 2/16/15. First pic I weighed 288 lbs. 2nd pic I weighed in at 224 lbs! Best of all I feel amazing. Not sluggish anymore, sleep better, and my energy level is way up.

“Who would have thought cutting this stuff out would make somebody feel normal again? I’ve shared my success with many of my friends and family and they’re on board now as well. Anyone who has doubts just needs to try it for a couple months and the results will get them pumped up!

“I’m currently doing a boot camp workout a few times a week now that I’m actually able to be active!”

64 pounds in 5 months? Not too shabby! But, as you all know, weight loss is really just one aspect of the return to health that develops with the elimination of wheat and grains. Chris now has energy enough to engage in the very demanding boot camp workout. Sleep is improved, as well, all part of the removal of the gliadin-derived opiates with their range of mind effects, as well as all the other inflammatory components that add to fatigue and stiffness.

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Look what 12 days of Wheat Belly did for Lori

Lori shared some photos of her first 12 days on the Wheat Belly lifestyle:

“I had to share this. The picture on the right was me on July 4th, 2015. The picture on the left is me today, July 16, 2015. This is a loss of bloat and inflammation. The change is drastic–I’m down 12.2 lbs.

“I was not one prior to this to believe that wheat was my enemy. Moving is so much easier without all the bloat. Even breathing is easier. Breathing and moving had become so difficult that I was concerned I may have a mass in my chest or abdomen.”

12 pounds in 12 days is pretty impressive, a mix of fat loss and receding edema and inflammation. But look at the stark and dramatic change in Lori’s facial appearance! It’s a shame she’s wearing sunglasses in her “before” photo, because it’s great to see how much the eyes become larger with this lifestyle.

As with so many such successes, nobody here is engaging in new extreme exercise, nobody is counting calories, nobody is reducing portion sizes–yet look at what happens.

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Paula’s astounding health- and age-reversing Wheat Belly trip

Paula shared her 9-month Wheat Belly results:

“First photo taken Nov, 2014. Second taken mid-July 2015. I was shocked just how puffy and pasty my face wqs in the first photo. Finally, without effort, my body is returning to its natural state eating the Wheat Belly way.

“As a young person, I always had a lean athletic build but, as the years rolled on, my weight crept on even eating what was considered a ‘clean healthy diet.’ At last, I am more energised and my health is as good as it was 20 years ago. Heading towards middle age with a positive outlook, as I certainly feel this has turned back the clock on my health in a way no amount of traditional healthy eating was going to do, had I stuck to the so-called ‘healthy food’ pyramid recommended here in Australia.

“Waving goodbye to wheat, grains and sugar has been a game-changer. High-fat, low-carb eating is my friend and the list of improvements to my health are long. I started this with the focus being health–losing weight has been a pleasant consequence. I don’t own scales, but figure the photos are self explanatory. I just love eating this way, will never go back and, yes, I have been caught out by re-exposure to wheat and it wasn’t good.

“Thank you, Dr. Davis, for challenging current thinking within your profession and presenting current science in a healthful way.”

As often happens on the Wheat Belly Facebook page, you see these “before” and “after” Wheat Belly transformations and you have to ask, “Gee, is this the same person?” Did the person get her Mom to stand in for the before, then shoot herself as the after? Or do I spend my day looking for people who have similar features, but one is bloated and overweight, while the other is slender and youthful?

Get a grip. These testimonials and photos pour in with a rapidity that is astounding. I don’t personally have the time–nor the interest–in trumping up these discussions with false stories. This is real. I’ve experienced it myself, watched the health of members of my family change in front of my eyes, and have now observed or assisted in the health transformations of thousands and thousands of people.

Paula does not just look healthier and younger: She IS healthier and younger. And to further demonstrate just how dramatic such reversals can be, Paula shared a photograph of herself at age 21:

I’d say that Paula transformed at age 46 barely looks much older than her 21. Isn’t that spectacular?

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A former skeptic finds answers in Wheat Belly

Elizabeth, a former Wheat Belly skeptic, receives wisdom from her doctors:

“I have to say, I was incredibly skeptical in January, 2015 when my endocrinologist and dermatologist separately suggested I try cutting gluten out of my diet. I did that for a month and then discovered Wheat Belly. I haven’t felt this good in over 8 years!

“My thyroid levels (hypo) have stabilized and my dermatitis has almost completely gone away. My constant anxiety has disappeared. I’m now off of 3 medications I had been on for over 10 years!

“Have I slipped? Absolutely, but I always very quickly went back to following the lifestyle my body tells me to.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart! I feel like myself again. Can’t wait to see how I feel in the next 6 months.”

By rejecting wheat and grains, Elizabeth has caused thyroid inflammation to subside, skin inflammation to reverse, and mind effects that she experienced as anxiety to stop. And, as happens often around here, you can see the changes in her face: less facial edema in the cheeks and around the chin, eyes are larger from loss of around-the-eye puffiness. If you’ve been following these conversations, you can see why skeptics often say “Those are two different people!” No, they’re the same person, but have experienced dramatic changes in health, especially the loss of inflammation.

It is great to hear from people whose doctors have prescribed Wheat Belly, as it means that more and more healthcare practitioners are coming to recognize the astounding power of this lifestyle to reverse SO many human health problems–at virtually no cost, with so many benefits in health and appearance.

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Sydne an example of Wheat Belly Total Health done right

Sydne took the information in Wheat Belly Total Health to heart and is enjoying a dramatic turnaround in health.

“My family and friends know me well enough to know that I NEVER share photos of myself. As a matter of fact as my thyroid dysfunction worsened over the years, I tried very hard to stay out of all photos. The issues with my thyroid dysfunction (hypothyroidism) went on for more than 15 years and became worse as time went on. I went from doctor to doctor seeking answers, to no avail. I cannot tell you how much I suffered during this time, mostly in silence except when I was alone. Those are the times I would cry out to God and plead for guidance.

“In the midst of my search for answers, during the month of February, 2014, my daughter told me about the book ‘Wheat Belly.’ After reading this book, for the first time I felt I was on the right track with my health. My wheat-free/grain-free journey began on March 2, 2014. All of the things Dr. Davis spoke about in his book confirmed a lot of things I believed were happening in my body and taught me a lot more. His teachings, the treatment/guidance I receive from my current doctor of holistic and integrative medicine, and my own research have helped me to listen to my body and encouraged me to be patient as my body and health is restored. Health challenges included Hashimoto’s (hypothyroidism), leaky gut, joint pain, obesity, fatigue, food allergies. Took your advice and utilized pro/prebiotics, corrected thyroid levels with NatureThroid, increased good fats, eliminated processed foods.

“I experienced reduced inflammation, much more energy, weight loss, no more leaky gut, acid reflux or constipation. Reduced swelling around eyes and restful sleep. I continue to see my doctor for thyroid level control and overall wellness. I feel 10 years younger and am enjoying life again.

“Though my journey is certainly not finished, I have attached photos to show my progress thus far. The first photo was taken in August, 2014. The second was taken this past week on my birthday, July 6, 2015. As I continue this wellness journey, I am sincerely grateful to Dr. Davis and those in the wheat-free/grain-free community for helping me to restore my health and save my life! ”

In the approach articulated in Wheat Belly Total Health, we begin with wheat elimination, but extend it to all closely-related grains. We then correct all the abnormal health conditions left in their wake. Thyroid disease is particularly common. Most autoimmune thyroid disease is caused by wheat and grains but, unfortunately, removing them can leave you with a damaged, underperforming thyroid gland that is no longer able to produce sufficient thyroid hormone. There are also factors that impair conversion of the T4 thyroid hormone to the active T3, meaning prescription agents such as levothyroxine or Synthroid (containing only the T4 thyroid hormone) can leave you hypothyroid regardless of the dose–they are not enough for the majority and will booby-trap your return to health. Sydne is experiencing success by taking a combination of the T4 and T3 thyroid hormones–such an easy fix, once you identify a practitioner informed in thyroid.

She is also adding more healthy fats, has eliminated processed foods and did not turn to awful gluten-free replacements made with junk carbs, and is cultivating a return of healthy bowel flora with a pro- and prebiotic regimen. The combination of strategies sends Sydney’s health through the roof, as you can see on her glowing face in her “after” photo.

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