Loaves of bread by ProjectManhattan

Bread, wheat and gluten can contribute to serious health problems

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Traditionally made slow-rise wholemeal bread is allowed

Dr Budwig allowed a slice or so of wholemeal bread on the the Budwig diet. Bread is not an optimal food because it contains very few nutrients. She allows it only if you are still hungry after the important healthy food.

The effects of wheat and gluten on your health may surprise you

But read more about the health problems that can be caused by wheat and gluten to see if it could be contributing to more your health issues than simply problems. 

Loaves ofnice bread by ProjectManhattan
Loaves ofnice bread by ProjectManhattan

Bread, wheat and gluten contribute to a lot of health problems

The way wheat, other cereals and other foods made from them can affect health is quite surprising.  The health problems they can cause are far more than just digestive issues. Just a small amount of cereals and the gluten and lectins they contain can contribute in surprising ways to many degenerative, inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.  See the Budwig-Diet page: The Problem with Wheat and Gluten

  • Inflammation
  • Heart disease
  • Metabolic disorders
  • Arthritis
  • Skin conditions
  • Allergies
  • Digestive issues
  • Traditionally made bread

However the bread she spoke of  would have been traditionally slow risen breads. In the rising process, the yeast helps to break down  some of the harmful components in wheat and make it safer.  Modern breads are risen much quicker, the yeast has less time to work on the gluten and other anti-nutrients.

Wholemeal better than white

The starches in cereals are absorbed quickly and converted almost immediately into sugar in our bodies. High levels of starch or sugar are bad for almost every aspect of health. The starches in wholegrain bread is absorbed slower than refined white breads; the same goes for white flour used in cakes, biscuits and pasta. If you have digestive problems or other health conditions caused by wheat of gluten you may have even more problem with whole grains because some of the lectins and other anti-nutrients are concentrated in the bran and outer layers of the seeds.

Digestive issues connected with wheat & gluten

Wheat and cereals and the gluten, lectins and anti-nutrients contained in them can cause or exacerbate a range of digestive issues. If you suffer from any of these it is worth avoiding all wheat and gluten, probably all other cereals as well because the effects on your health of these foods are unlikely to be limited to just your digestion.

  • Crohn’s disease
  • Colitis
  • IBS
  • Bloating
  • Constipation
  • Diahorrea
  • Gas
  • Wind
  • Acid reflux
  • Indigestion
  • Cramps
  • Candida

The Alternatives to bread, wheat and cereals

The Budwig provides lots of nutrient rich foods, even when you give up bread there is scarcely any need to find alternatives.  But if you do need filling up on the Budwig Diet you are best to make your own foods from the alternatives ingredients to avoid bad fats and other additives which the wheat-free gluten-free foods are usually stacked with.  Try making crackers, drop-scones, breads or using them as rice in risottos or instead of pasta in soups.and salads.

Don’t just think of trying to make a wheat-free replacement experiment with just eating a bit differently, it’s usually nicer and healthier.

Substitutes for Wheat and Gluten

  • Almonds
  • Amaranth
  • Buckwheat
  • Chestnuts
  • Chick peas
  • Coconut flour
  • Gram flour
  • Linseed
  • Millet
  • Quinoa

Read more about the problem with wheat, cereals and health: