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How much do you know about grains? They're a big part of our diet. But do we really need them? In the previous issue, we looked at some facts about grains and health. Here are more particulars to consider.
Grains aren’t good for your joints
Due to their inflammatory nature, grains – even whole grains – are linked to joint pain and arthritis. Grain’s amino acid composition mirrors that of the soft tissue in your joints. Because synovial (joint) tissue and grains are chemically similar, your body has difficulty differentiating between the two. So when your immune cells become irritated and attack inflammation, they also begin to attack the soft tissue in your joints. This leads to pain, autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and, of course, more inflammation.
Poorly prepared grains prevent mineral absorption
When improperly prepared, as they frequently are, grains can inhibit vitamin and mineral absorption. Grains contain substances like phytic acid, which binds up minerals and prevents proper absorption. So even though your diet might be rich in iron, calcium and other vital nutrients, if you eat improperly prepared grain, you’re not fully absorbing nutrients from your food. Souring, sprouting and soaking grains neutralizes phytates and renders the nutrients in grain more absorbable.
Grains are bad for your teeth
Due to those high levels of phytates, grain is linked to dental problems, especially tooth decay. How? Grain’s high levels of mineral-blocking phytic acid are coupled with low mineral absorption rates and plenty of starches for bacteria to feed on. Anthropological records of our pre-agricultural ancestors indicate very little to no tooth decay. That changed after the dawn of agriculture. Some anthropologists use the presence of tooth decay as an indicator of an agricultural society.
Grains aren’t good for your skin either
Grains have a very high carbohydrate content and, while the carbohydrates in grain are complex, they are broken down into sugars nonetheless. These sugars instruct your body to produce more insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IFG-1). Elevated insulin levels lead to a cascading hormonal response and these hormones activate the sebum-producing glands in your skin – encouraging them to produce more oil. IFG-1 is also linked with the increased production of keratinocytes, which also contribute to acne.
Eating grain makes you crave grain
You know how the smell of bread triggers a craving. Or consider a plate of cookies set in front of you. Foods rich in carbohydrates give you quick energy, which wears off just as quickly. Since grains break down into sugar, they create a rise in insulin levels. When those levels fall, you crave more grains and the vicious cycle continues.
Now that you know more about grains, consider reducing your consumption or even eliminating them from your diet.
Dr. Mark W. Pegan is a board-certified chiropractic physician. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Central Florida and a Doctorate of Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida. Dr. Pegan and his family have lived in the Lake Mary area for over 22 years. He owns Heathrow Chiropractic, which opened in November 2010. For more information call 407-829-2133 or visit HeathrowChiropractic.com.
