Doctors Keevin and Denise Davis Teach Healthy Home Cooking

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Published on Wednesday, 05 September 2012 03:19

Written by Jackie Jones, BlackAmericaWeb.com

Many of us deal with abdominal pain, bloating or gas after eating a heavy meal, especially a meal loaded with bread and figure that it just comes with the territory.

Some folks, though, have gluten intolerance, a condition in which people have a reaction to gluten proteins contained in certain foods. The term first gained currency when some researchers suggested that making changes in the diet, especially eliminating gluten, might help children with Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Now sensitivity to gluten has been linked to other problems, including joint pain, indigestion and the aggravation of diabestes, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, weight gain, skin rashes, acne, eczema, chronic yeast infections, chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression, early aging, autism and dementia.

About 18 million Americans are affected by gluten sensitivity and another 3 million have celiac disease, a chronic digestive disorder. Symptoms include constipation, diarrhea, abdominal cramping and severe weight loss. A blood test, followed by a biopsy of the lining of the small intestines, can confirm a diagnosis of celiac disease.

Doctors Keevin and Denise Davis, co-hosts of the national award winning television program, “Doctors in the Kitchen,” focus on healthy home cooking. They educate, encourage, and empower people to obtain the best health possible by increasing their knowledge of proper food selection, preparation, and consumption in conjunction with environmentally friendly and sustainable lifestyle choices.
 
The Davises tell their patients that with a little planning, creativity and some dietary changes, gluten sensitivity can be managed.

First, those determined to have gluten sensitivity should eliminate foods containing wheat, barley, rye, spelt, kamut, malt, bulgar, triticale, farina, seminola, dorum and certain oats. Read labels carefully, too, because there may be hidden gluten in yogurts, soy sauce, toothpaste, mouthwash and dextran additives.

In recipes, wheat flour can be replaced with a variety of other flours, including corn, potato, rice, tapioca, millet, quinoa, soy buckwheat, flaxseed and chia seed.

And you don’t have to give up flavor when making your favorite breads, cookies, pasta, muffins, rolls, pie and pizza crusts.

The doctors recommend you prepare your own food and bring your own food or condiments to work or social outings.
They also suggest your diet go heavy on fruits, vegetables, gluten-free foods and water. Exercise an hour each day and try a variety of activities, get plenty of rest, get regular medical and dental checkups, do your best to keep your life stress-free and live with a smile and a lot of gratitude.

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I've heard stories of over weight people who are diabetics lose weight and become non-diabetics. Is it possible that the fat percent could have caused such a thing and, if so, is it possible for a slim person to increase muscle and get the same result?

People who have diabetes and lose weight can lower their blood sugar levels and not need as much medication. Stay in close touch with your doctor as you lose weight so your medication levels can be adjusted.

Is it true that gluten sensitivity is the outcome or can be diagnosed in people with geographic tongue?
Yes, if you have geographic tongue you should have your physician check you for gluten intolerance.

What is the name of the blood test? And what my doctor can order? I have an diabetic doctor but currently no primary and where can I locate a black primary doctor?
Ask your doctor about testing for gluten sensitivity. If they are not familiar with the testing they can find out by calling the laboratory they use to test their patients.
Go to the National Medical Association web site: www.nmanet.org/ and then click on physician locator

Things have changed by a lot, but are there wheat, barley, oats, grains that we can continue to eat that is safe? I am a Cream of Wheat and oatmeal eater.
If you suspect that you are gluten-sensitive, avoid wheat, barley, rye, spelt, kamut, bulgar, malt, farina, and seminola to name a few. Oats are fine if the package states it is “gluten free”.

Did the doctor say substitute glutens with corn and potatoes? I thought we were to avoid corn since it doesn't break down in the body and potatoes since they're super starchy and turn into sugar.
Most corn contains a large amount of sugar and white potatoes have a high glycemic index.
Substitute the following flours:  corn, potato, rice, tapioca, millet, Quinoa, buckwheat, bean, nut, flaxseed, chia seed, sorghum, mesquite, teft, and einkorn.


What is the website for Drs. Davis? I would like read up further on the gluten free info.
Our web site is: www.DoctorsintheKitchen.com We have created an awesome gluten free, oven fried green tomato recipe which is posted on the web site.

My son is allergic to wheat and my budget is very limited. What types of bread or inexpensive foods would be the best for him? I live in a suburb if Atlanta and I am about 45 minutes away from Whole Foods or Trader Joes.
Most large, national grocery stores have a natural foods section. Usually you can find gluten free products, including gluten free breads. These products tend to be a bit more expensive, hopefully as more people purchase them the price will come down.

I have WDEIA due mainly to shellfish. How long do the shellfish properties stay in the body and how long should I wait to exercise after eating shellfish?
WDEIA or Wheat-dependent, Exercise-Induces Anaphylaxis is caused by exercising within a few hours of eating wheat or a wheat related product.  It is not caused by shellfish that is a different allergic reaction.  Since it is difficult to avoid wheat products the key is to not exercise within 4-6 hours of eating, don’t take NSAIDs like ibuprofen, aspirin, and it is very important to carry an EpiPen at all times in case you have a severe reaction that may be life threatening.

Is there a list to print out online for gluten free foods? If so, what is the website?
Google gluten free foods and check with your grocer to see what they carry and encourage them to stock additional gluten free products.

I am struggling with Crohn's and never thought about gluten free products but I have a lot of the symptoms and I just blame it on my disease. Is this something I should really look into?
It is a good idea to be tested for gluten sensitivity. Sometimes the symptoms can be similar and with Crohn’s Disease a gluten free lifestyle may be helpful in controlling your symptoms.

Can I get the gluten test done by my primary care doctor or do I need to go to a specialist?
Your primary care physician can test you for gluten sensitivity.

How do you get rid of bloat, water and excess gas?
Gluten sensitivity could play a role in your symptoms.  Make sure you are eating a healthy diet overall with lots of fresh fruit and fresh vegetables and drinking at least 8 glasses of water daily.  Check with your physician to make sure nothing more serious is going on.

Can the doctors recommend some gluten free breakfast foods?
Google gluten free foods and check with your grocer to see what they carry and encourage them to stock additional gluten free products. Fresh fruit and fresh vegetables and meat products are for the most part gluten free.

What can I do to increase my sexual stamina?
Low libido may be a symptom of gluten sensitivity.  It is important to have your hormonal levels checked including testosterone and thyroid levels. 

I have Sjogrens syndrome. Would it help if I changed my diet to gluten free to help flare ups?
There is a good chance that it may be helpful to practice gluten free eating.  There is a definite and well documented connection between gluten sensitivity and Sjogren Syndrome.

Why is wheat bad? I thought it was a natural product that provides fiber?
Wheat in itself is not necessarily bad. There is some evidence that eating too many grains may not be as beneficial as once thought. They are a carbohydrate and can be a cause of weight gain and other health issues.

I've been recently diagnosed with MS and was told that a gluten free diet would be beneficial for me.  Is this true? Do you know of any facts to support this?
There is some evidence of a link between gluten sensitivity and MS or Multiple Sclerosis but it is not confirmed. There are MS patients that have had major improvements in their symptoms by following a gluten free lifestyle.

I found my celiac when my doctor told me to diet and suggested the South Beach Cardiology Diet. I eliminated so much of the gluten in the first two weeks, my health changed so drastically I thought I was sick and went to the doctor! I had the test and found the celiac Blessed! I feel much better and am more motivated to lose weight!
Good for you!  Keep it up and continue to share your success with others.

Diabetes and all the other "major" health problems heavily run in my family. Should I go ahead and get tested when I go to the doctor today?
Diabetics can have positive results from following a gluten free diet.  Be sure to stay in close touch with your doctor to monitor your need for medication.  Share this information with other family members.

What type provider/doctor would be familiar enough to know the type blood test to order with skin issues?
Your primary care physician is most likely knowledgeable enough to guide you in taking care of your skin condition.

Isn't it true that the mass consumption of high fructose corn syrup and the use of corn as a filler in processed foods is the culprit in the increase in diabetes in this nation?
Eating foods with lots of sugar that converts to fructose and that are high on the glycemic index should be minimized in everyone’s diet and especially if you have diabetes.

Where can I find alternatives to wheat bread?
Check the natural food section of your grocery store and ask for them to stock more gluten free products.  Also eat more fresh fruit and fresh vegetables and some fish.

What are the top 5 high gluten content foods I can immediately eliminate from my diet?
Avoid products that contain wheat, rye, barley flours.  Avoid almost all processed and refined foods.  Make sure the package says “Gluten Free”.

How long does it take for the inflammation associated with gluten intolerance to go away once you stop eating products with gluten?
It may take 3-4 months to reverse the inflammation in your body depending on how severe your sensitivity is to gluten and how much damage has occurred in your body.  You may feel significantly better in 24-48 hours after stopping gluten containing foods.

Please visit our web site for additional health and wellness information as well as some great and very healthy and good tasting recipes.  We are available to keynote, present at conferences, and do cooking demonstrations.  We speak to both large and small groups. We would love to hear from you so contact us through our web site at www.DoctorsintheKitchen.com.

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