GOOD MEDICINE
By Dr. Hyun K. Lee
You may have been hearing more about gluten lately, but perhaps have not been certain what it is or why a lot of healthfoods are labeled “gluten-free.” Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley and is indigestible to some people. A more advanced intolerance is called celiac disease and is on the rise.
Gluten issues commonly cause chronic diarrhea, bloating, gas, and constipation as well as a host of other issues such as joint pain, abdominal pain, malnutrition, infertility, fatigue, and the list goes on, varying per patient.
Western medicine says that those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease cannot digest this protein, and when eaten, it triggers an autoimmune response, provoking the body to attack itself and destroy healthy tissues, especially the villi in the small intestine.
Korean Constitutional Medicine attributes gluten intolerance to a lack of heat in the intestines, which is common especially among So Um In constitutional types.
Wheat, rye, and barley are termed “cool foods” that are not on the constitutional list for So Um In types, but rather on their opposite, So Yang In types. For So Yang In types, their intestinal area is already hot, and they have general problems with heat, so these foods are better for them. For So Um In types, however, they have issues with lower organ temperature and need “hot foods.” In the grain department, they thrive on brown and white rice, especially. Other foods that are better for the So Um In constitution are (but not limited to): honey, leeks, ginseng, dates, ginger, garlic, onions, curry, and spicy foods, which all increase the temperature in the intestines.
When the temperature in the intestines is too cold, your body can no longer take all the nutrients from the food you eat, and the food becomes only partially digested. Coolness creating a malfunction in the small intestine causes gas and bloating, and the digestion process is rendered incomplete. When this occurs, the large intestine becomes stressed, and it slows down to create constipation in some sufferers. In others, the liquid that was not properly removed in the small intestine remains, and causes diarrhea when it hits the large intestine. For many with gluten intolerance, these issues are unstable, and can vacillate from constipation to diarrhea often.
When the intestines are no longer taking the nutrients that they are supposed to, and are instead dumping them, this causes a lack of nutrition in the blood, which makes organs weak and causes fatigue. The blood also cannot cleanse itself as well any longer, which leads to a buildup of toxins in the joints that creates pain. Having coolness in the lower abdomen also makes fertility difficult.
To deal with the effects of gluten intolerance and celiac disease, it is essential for the sufferer to build their immune system with acupuncture and herbs. Limiting stress, exercising, and keeping a happy mind is ideal for all types. Constitutional food is also a must. Keeping a food diary is also a helpful thing to do, so that you may track how you feel after meals and really get to know what your body likes and dislikes; one body is always different from the next.Over time, your immune system will improve and build strong organs and things will go back to a healthy normal.
So Um In types should also always eat on time, to a schedule, and consume smaller meals throughout the day. (Do not skip meals as this stresses out your organs.) Larger meals can be difficult on this constitution’s digestive system. Buffets should also be avoided as the temptation for larger meals is so much higher.
It is a new year, and a great resolution to make is that of your health. Improving your immune system eliminates so many problems, including gluten intolerance. Happy New Year.
