The first couple of items are related to the foods we eat and the next couple of items are concerned with the lives we live. Granted, these are tied together as a listing, but protein doesn’t gain any importance by being listed first as FGID could easily be the first item in this essentials listing. The numerals associated to the ideas are not there to provide a hierarchy — these are just 4 essentials based on my own experiences.
- Protein — the basics of celiac disease present specific proteins, found in wheat, barley, and rye, which cause the immune system to attack and destroy healthy tissue, better known as an autoimmune response. What to watch out for — gluten is the word being used to describe one specific issue; however, engineered foods (GMOs), food additives (like natural flavorings, sugar variants), and FODMAPs may mimic how gluten creates or triggers the autoimmune response.
- FGID about it — Those with Functional GastroIntestinal Disorders, FGID, experiencing abdominal or intestinal pain, swelling (distension), bloating, and constipation or diarrhea ( intestinal motility ) may benefit by adding in more low FODMAP Fruits and Vegetables ( Carbohydrates ). A nice chart of high versus low FODMAPs is on http://www.ibsfree.net/high-or-low/. So there it is again — it’s not just about gluten.
- Improving relationships with yourself, family, education, work, mother earth, and father time. When the foods and liquids you ingest are letting your body work towards healing, it may be easier to relieve stress, exercise, sleep, and get a better overall perspective as well as improving health. No one thing should appear to be more conducive to an improving lifestyle — I’m suggesting that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts with these notions.
- Track, but don’t necessarily enumerate, the endeavors you are pursuing that allow improving the ability to make stronger connections in the world. Item 3’s statements are fairly straight-forward if not simple, improving your lifestyle is easier when you feel well. To recognize and acknowledge how you feel may be new to many; however, trying to measure calories or count the pounds you’re gaining or losing isn’t feeling, it’s counting. If you’ve been ill, your transition with food and lifestyle changes can be subtle or surprising as you discover you are actually feeling better. Check it and see.