Welcome! My guest today is Dr. Tom O’Bryan, who is an internationally-recognized speaker and workshop leader about the health dangers of gluten. He is the founder of www.thedr.com and a visionary behind the paradigm shift at The Gluten Summit: A Grain of Truth. In this summit, 29 leading experts on gluten diseases and disorders met to discuss the issues. Check our resources below to find out more about the summit. Dr. Tom is here to discuss the complications of non-celiac gluten sensitivity, celiac disease, and autoimmune disease. Join us for this informative conversation! Dr. Tom discusses the following: Dr. Tom became known as “The Gluten Expert” after he and his wife successfully beat infertility 36 years ago by following the advice of 7 holistic health experts. His fame spread as he was able to help friends and neighbors with health issues by following the same program and helping hundreds of couples beat infertility. EVERY couple that he worked with had food sensitivity issues, and they were “throwing gasoline on the fire” with their gluten-rich diets. Gluten is THE MAIN CULPRIT WITH THE GREATEST IMPACT ON HEALTH! Symptoms can be varied and many, including seizures, rheumatoid arthritis, and infertility. Dr. Tom started his Certified Practitioners Program for medical professionals all over the world; it’s for those who understand “the big picture.” “If you have sensitivity to gluten, it will manifest itself wherever your weakest link is.” Doctors usually focus on celiac disease for ALL gluten sensitivity, but the proper term is “gluten-related disorder.” Gluten sensitivity will be manifest in the intestines as celiac, in the brain as ADD, and in the joints as RA---wherever YOUR weak link is. One in 100 people in the US have celiac disease, but 60% of people have a “wheat-related disorder.” “No human can digest gluten completely.” Dr. Tom explains how “pathogenic intestinal permeability” occurs because of gluten. Tests for gluten sensitivity are not accurate and comprehensive. Most test for ONE gluten issue when there are really over 60 components. Dr. Tom explains the elevated antibodies to the cerebellum, thyroid, and other organs. “The elimination diet is NOT the only answer to identify gluten sensitivity.” “Why would we eat a food that causes intestinal permeability in everyone?” Gluten can manifest itself in ANY tissue in the body. Going gluten-free can reverse some cancers and autoimmune diseases. Going gluten-free can alter the microbiome in the intestines—THE most important organ in the body! Dr. Tom explains how to use fermented vegetables, like sauerkraut, to foster a healthy microbiome in a gluten-free diet. The good fat in the gut is butyrate; get it from eating different colored vegetables—at least 1 pound each day! Dr. Tom explains his normal diet, even when traveling. He focuses on quality proteins and LOTS of veggies! Even ancient grains will still trigger sensitivity if you make antibodies to gluten. Wheat in Europe has less “fodmaps,” which may not produce the gas and bloating that American wheat does, but the immune response is still triggered. Dr. Tom explains how to guard against accidental gluten exposure and inadvertent exposure with his GI Shield digestive enzymes. Dr. Tom’s goal is to lessen the period of disability at the end of life, to help people stay active and healthy until death. Gluten adds to the “wearing-down” process that can be the last ½ or 1/3 of a normal lifetime. Dr. Tom cites an ADHD study involving gluten and explains the details. It is recommended that every ADHD-diagnosed person be tested for gluten sensitivity. Gluten-free products? Are they helpful and safe? Dr. Tom says that they are NOT healthy and nutrient-poor. Dr. Tom explains an FDA study that proves that most gluten-free products are not safe because of the