<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

"The Vicious Cycle"

From BREAKING THE VICIOUS CYCLE by Elaine Gottshall:

"Injury to small intestinal surface (from gluten and some kinds of
carbohydrates) = Impaired digestion = Malabsorption = Bacterial Overgrowth
Increase in bacterial by-products and mucus production = Injury to small
intestinal surface = Impaired digestion = Malabsorption = Bacterial
Overgrowth = Increase in bacterial by-products and mucus production . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . ."

"The purpose of the SPECIFIC CARBOHYDRATE DIET is to deprive the microbial
world of the intestine of the food it needs to overpopulate.  By using a
diet which contains predominantly "predigested" carbohydrates, the
individual with an intestinal problem can be maximally nourished without
over-stimulation of the intestinal microbial population."

Definition of "refined carbohydrate":

"A carbohydrate such as cornstarch or white sugar which has been separated
from substances with which it is normally associated in the natural or whole
state.  Refined carbohydrates usually have their calories left intact but
have lost most, if not all, of the fiber, vitamins, and minerals found in
the whole foods from which they have been extracted."

Packaged foods = Refined carbohydrates to one degree or another.

It's not the "fat" that makes us fat . . . it's, more often than not, the
"refined carbohydrates".

If we Celiacs with impared absorption live on refined carbohydrates or high
starches, how are we getting all the nutrients we need to have a healthy
immune system?  We're not!  Does it not seem logical that with a faulty
immune system, we would become allergic or sensitive to not only airborne
pollens but also foods?  And that eventually, as the immune system becomes
weaker, any other autoimmune disease could attack us?  I believe that should
be our first priority . . . eat as healthy as possible in order to build the
immune system to fight for us, not against us.

Eat healthy.

    Kay