In 2023 we are working through the 10 chapters of The Health, Energy & Longevity Plan, digging deeper into each aspect of the plan on a monthly basis. If you’d don’t want to wait, click here to access to the whole booklet now.

Why grains are harmful

In addition to gluten, which is the cause of celiac disease and other sensitivities, cereal grains include other proteins such as gliadin that can cause systemic inflammation. Dr William Davis (Wheat Belly and Undoctored) and Dr David Perlmutter (Grain Brain) are among those who have led public awareness of the health problems resulting from grain consumption

These grains should be avoided:

• Wheat
• Oats
• Rice
• Wild Rice
• Corn, Barley
• Rye
• Millet
• Triticale
• Sorghum
• Spelt
• Fonio
• Teff

Cereal grains also are carbohydrates, which you should be limiting anyway. Cereal grains are all members of the Poacea family of plants which contains over 12,000 grass species. Look for “hidden” sources, like corn syrup or rice flour as a capsule filler by carefully reading labels.

Grain substitutes and acceptable grains to add to your diet

Additionally, grain substitutes are becoming increasingly available, such as chickpea pasta, red lentil pasta, riced cauliflower, vegetable-based chips, coconut flour and almond flour.

These grains are acceptable:

• quinoa
• Amaranth
• Buckwheat
• Chia
• kañiwa/cañihua
• Kiwicha

Remember to check back each Wednesday for another post offering practical advice and education about topics addressed in The Health, Energy & Longevity Plan.