New Month's Resolution: February

February's resolution: Go gluten-free

Gluten is a very significant part of the average American’s diet but it can cause a variety of issues ranging from fatigue to arthritis to depression.

Nearly 60 percent of the population has some degree of gluten intolerance, but the majority of people don’t realize they have an intolerance or Celiac’s Disease.

Gluten is a protein found in most grains and has increased by 50 percent in the past 50 years in food products due to genetically modified foods. Food manufacturers have increased the amount of gluten because it helps to increase the thickness and density of grain products making cooking easier. The less processed foods you eat, the better, as it reduces the amount of gluten there is in your diet.

The most common symptom of gluten intolerance is stomach discomfort. Many people experience bloating, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome or diarrhea without attributing it to the food they are eating. With any of these symptoms, I always recommend for people to try a gluten-free diet.

This month, take a step to improve your health by going gluten-free. Look for more information throughout the month on DrKehres.com and the Kehres Health Facebook page.

Learn more:
Gluten-free recipes
List of foods with and without gluten

Sources: Pathways Magazine, Dr. Thomas O'Bryan.

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In 2012, I challenge you to do a new month’s resolution instead of a new year’s resolution. This year, let’s celebrate accomplishments and re-focus on new goals each month.

On the first of every month, a new month’s resolution will be posted on DrKehres.com. Share your updates in the comments below or on the Kehres Health Facebook page. Articles and tips will be posted with each resolution.

Make your health a priority throughout the year!