Yesterday, the Wall Street Journal identified an important observation: The United States has more Coronavirus cases than anywhere in the world. Why? Our diet. We eat modified wheat, which as a polysaccharide not only feeds the virus as a simple sugar, but is pro-inflammatory. No doubt there are many contributory factors, but in the U.S. the Coronavirus could become a modified wheat, viral storm.
Most of us know that grain polysaccharides metabolize into simple sugars. However, do consumers realize our wheat contains pro-inflammatory defense genes? These plant defense genes, also called lectins, protect the plant against viruses and bacteria etc. enabling the plant’s survival. God made plant defense genes strong enough for the plant to survive, yet weak enough for human consumption. In the U.S., these plant lectins have been modified by man to produce heartier crops. Sounds good, but unbeknownst to most of us, these plants are no longer ‘weak enough’ for human consumption. Internally, this modified wheat causes a significant immune response.
When humans eat wheat, internally these lectins attach to our collagen fibers. Collagen fibers are widespread in tissues, including in the lungs. Our immune system recognizes these foreign lectins attached to collagen fibers and attacks. The immune system’s chemical response deteriorates the lectins and the collagen fibers. (It appears that the body is attacking itself (e.g. autoimmune disease)). This attack is most noticeable in the lungs where lectins and the resultant inflammation inhibit air exchange (e.g. asthma). Viruses such as the Coronavirus will thrive in the internal inflammation caused by a pro-inflammatory wheat diet.
Let’s consider China’s diet. Assumably, the Chinese eat a lot of rice. Rice and yams only have one defense lectin. It appears that China does not have genetically modified rice. Rice is supposedly the least immunogenic food, so the amount of internal inflammation from the Chinese rice diet should be low.
Now let’s consider Italy’s diet. Italians probably eat a lot of wheat pasta. Wheat has two defense lectins, making Italian wheat more immunogenic than the one lectin, Chinese rice. Europe typically does not allow wheat modification. (People who experience gastrointestinal problems eating American wheat, tend to consume European wheat unaffected.) However, it’s unclear how much modification the Italians allow. Italian wheat pasta with two lectins (with/without modification) would be more immunogenic than China’s one lectin rice.
How will the virus affect Mexico where they eat corn? Corn has two lectins, so its fairly immunogenic. However, Mexico probably doesn’t modify their corn. Mexico should likely fair better than the U.S., but possibly worse than China, maybe similar to Italy, as has been mentioned.
In the U.S. we eat a two lectin, wheat diet. Being modified wheat, those two lectins are far more immunogenic than God’s original two wheat lectins, making America’s diet pro-inflammatory. The inflammation is particularly noticeable in lung tissue, the perfect storm for a Coronavirus.
To stop the Coronavirus, we have externally experimented by shuttering our economy to “stop the spread” and “flatten the curve”. In some parts, citizens and businesses are threatened with jail time for failing to comply with our external experiments. Yet internally, we are feeding the virus pro-inflammatory polysaccharide sugars at every meal. Once attached, it is most difficult to remove wheat lectins from collagen tissue. Yes indeed, America has and unfortunately may continue to have more Coronavirus deaths than other countries.
What should our country do? Like washing our hands and protecting our face externally, we should add internal protection. Stop feeding the virus wheat and grains three times a day. By offering a virulent organism little fuel our COVID-19 cases will be milder, thereby reducing hospitalizations, respirator use, and fatalities. Please help decrease the threat to yourself, our first responders, and our medical community. Delete the wheat and grains from your diet if possible for a while.
One day, America might understand how this pandemic spread like wildfire on man-made wheat and grains. Read more of this post
Tonsillitis Gluten Allergy Case Study of a three year-old boy: As an infant this subject had experienced recurrent ear infections and was prophylactically placed on low dose amoxicillin. As a two and three year old, this subject would present with tonsillitis bi-monthly. His submandibular lymph nodes were swollen bilaterally, palantine tonsils were bright red with a whitish exudate, there was difficulty swallowing, malaise, and no fever. All tonsil infections presented with similar signs/symptoms, some tested positive for Group A Streptococcus. Amoxicillin was no longer effective. To alleviate recurrent infections, subject was treated with various antibiotics. Tonsillectomy was discussed. This patient began a wheat gluten free diet (WGFD). After initiating a wheat gluten free diet, this subject was tonsillitis free …unless he ingested wheat. Most ingestion was immediately treated with antihistamines every 4-6 hours for the next 24 hours or until sore throat resolved. Untreated ingestion resulted in tonsillitis and required a 5 day course of azithromax to resolve symptoms. This patient continued on a wheat gluten free diet.
Tonsillitis Discussion: We often hear about the circulatory system with the heart at its center supplying blood with nutrients to cells. As the cells burn this food and oxygen, they create waste products which they either dissolve or excrete through their cell walls. It’s the function of the lymphatic system to provide small vessels to remove these waste products and filter them through lymph nodes ultimately returning this fluid to the heart. This is why when a surgeon checks for cancer, he checks the affected tissue but also the lymph nodes draining that tissue.
Lymph vessels and tissue are present throughout the body. Because food is ingested through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and can be a major source of foreign bacteria, etc. the GI tract contains a major portion of the lymphatic tissue. As food is brought into the mouth, the lymph tissue of the tonsils and adenoids are immediately present to defend the body against pathogens. These tonsilar lymph tissues filter the harmful bacteria and viruses to keep them from entering the body and carry away the waste filtrate that is produced. Thus, the high level of importance for fluid in our bodies. Within the lymph system are immune system cells called lymphocytes. These cells travel in the lymph filtrate and are present in tonsil tissue. When pathogenspresent in food or from the fingers, these lymphocytes respond. They call other immune cells to the location, burn fuel and secrete waste products, which generates dead cells and inflammation within the tonsil tissue. The tonsil becomes inflamed, red, swollen, and painful. Fluids bring relief to the tonsil tissue as they aid in washing away some of the congested filtrate.
When wheat gluten presents to the tonsil tissue it is recognized by the immune system as a pathogen and is attacked by lymphocytes which generate an immune response, inflaming the tonsil tissue. For years, now we have “solved” the tonsillitis symptom by surgically removing the tonsils. Unfortunately, we have also removed important tissues that are an important line of defense to kill pathogens before they enter the GI tract. Removing the tonsilar policemen at the gate is merely passing the immune system defense job of the tonsils further down the GI tract, placing additional stress on the esophagus, stomach, and small/large intestine, and colon lymph tissue.
An important microbiology concept that is helpful to understand is that good and bad bacteria are most always present on our bodies, as good and bad people are always present within a population. The balance of good to bad is critical. Our police and parole departments keep crime in check under normal circumstances, but when 50,000 prisoners are released, they are overwhelmed. The same is true for probiotics and good bacteria keeping disease under control. Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria are most always present as normal flora on the body, but they are under control. When wheat gluten causes an overwhelming immune response with immune complex formation and inflammation, S. pneumoniae may be more likely to cause disease.
Disclaimer: The ERB is a literature research team presenting the findings of other researchers. The ERB is not licensed medical nor dietary clinicians and will not give medical nor dietary advice. Any information presented on this website should not be substituted for the advice of a licensed physician or nutritionist. Users of this website accept the sole responsibility to conduct their own due diligence on topics presented and to consult licensed medical professionals to review their material. We make no warranties or representations on the information presented and should users utilize this research without consulting a professional, they assume all responsibility for their actions and the consequences.
Mountain Bicyclist Asthma Case: A male in his forties, a former NORBA sectionals downhill mountain biking champion, experienced a 40 yearhistory of asthma upon exposure to grass, yard trimmings, or pets. Childhood allergy patch testing showed allergies to most all allergens. His typical medical routine prior to and following allergenexposure included use of antihistamines, corticosteroids, and the use of a nebulizer. This patient experienced a 10 year history of gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). Treatment included use of proton pump inhibitors and histamine H2 receptor antagonists. The acid had inflammed the esophageal stricture, the opening between his esophagus and stomach. To allow for the passage of food, his gastroenterologist had balloon dilated his esophagus and recommended dilation every six months. This athlete frequently experienced gastrointestinal (GI) upsets with diarrhea and vomiting. In 1998, his physician diagnosed him with pneumonia and treated him with antibiotics. To alleviate the long-term asthma, esophagitis and GERD the patient began a wheat gluten free diet (WGFD).
Thirteen years post WGFD initiation this cyclist no longer has asthma nor requires asthma therapy. Anti-histamines are occasionally required upon exposure to wheat, grass or pets. He utilizes Citrus sinesis (orange peel extract containing 98.5% d_limonene, 1000mg) or fresh kumquat to reduce stomach acid. He sleeps on a wedge pillow elevating his chest and head to protect his esophagus from stomach acid. Esophageal balloon dilation was not required at six month intervals for the next ten years. Then the procedure was repeated. Patient has contracted no further cases of pneumonia. He experiences typical cold/flu illnesses less than once each year. Antibiotics are rarely required and amoxicillin is effective. Patient maintains GI bacterial balance with acidophilis and lactobacilli probiotics (more discussion on the Gastrointestinal Post on Wheatfreediseasefree.com). He continues on a WGFD with no ingestion of wheat gluten.
Asthma Discussion:
In the food industry, cross pollinations are utilized to produce high quality wheat (Kuchel et al. 2006). Gluten protein forms a proteinaceous matrix and a viscous elastic network. Three loci (Glu-A1, Glu-B1, Glu-D1) present on the long arm of group 1 wheat chromosomes code for wheat gluten (WG), which determines the functional properties of wheat flour including elasticity and shelf life. (Mondal et al. 2008) Genetic engineering can be utilized to manipulate these subunits to produce a hearty wheat gluten with strong elastic properties which help bread rise and make it soft and chewy.
In manufacturing, the elastic and tensile properties of wheat gluten are utilized as a matrix material for plastic injection molding. The resultant glue-like product is a strong oxygen barrier and produces films which are cytotoxic and restrictive to cell growth (Cho et al. 2011) (Reddy et al. 2010).
Given this genetic modification of wheat, the gastrointestional (GI) system does not digest WG well. Decomposition occurs by an enzyme called a tissue transaminase which produces a gliadin peptide product. This peptide has a lectin, a powerful agglutinin, which causes inflammatory complexes to be formed within the body. Gliadin is a potent stimulator of the immune system, stimulating T lymphocytes which activate both B lymphocytes and secrete harmful chemicals known as cytokines. The B lymphocytes produce the allergy Ig E antibodies which bind gliadin, form gliadin-antibody complexes, and are found crosslinked on collagen sites. The T lymphocyte activated cytokines destroy collagen and activate phagocytes. Thus, the effect of wheat gluten is in initiating a comprehensive immune cascade which damages collagen both physically through immune complex formation and chemically through cytokine secretion and phagocytic actions.
As gliadin-antibody complexes travel through the circulatory system they attach to various tissues containing collagen. Collagen is found in the walls or septum of lung tissue where it supports the oxygen-carbon monoxide exchange sacs called alveoli (Ross & Romrell, 1989). As immune complexes attach septal collagen and damaging chemicals are secreted, the ability of lung tissue to function properly is impaired. Breathing difficulties and a decreased oxygen tissue saturation results.
Gliadin specific IgE antibodies may cause both Baker’s asthma and wheat dependent exercise induced anaphylaxis (Ueno et al. 2010). While the most prevalent upper respiratory allergen is recognized as grass and tree pollens, the cross reactivity of IgE antibodies to wheat flour and grass pollens has been demonstrated (Merget et al. 2011). Given this high cross reactivity and the inhalation of flour dust, there is an increased risk that allergic asthma reactions will occur. Of 25 subjects with mild asthmas and hay fever, given no previous occupational exposure to flour products, each one of these subjects showed sensitization to flour (Merget et al. 2010). Beyond occupational exposure, bronchial activity leading to asthma, can be associated with food allergy to wheat (Salvatori et al. 2008)
Sinus mucosa undergoes modification when exposed to wheat gluten antigen (WGA). Respiratory epithelial cells with low quantities of goblet cells are found to change into epithelium with heavy quantities of acid mucin secreting goblet cells. These are the front line immune response defenders (Otori et al. 1998) Sialic and fucose residues are produced to immunologically conceal the mannose sugar and carbohydrate moieties from the WGA. The resultant disease etiology is sinusitis and allergic rhinitis. In a wheat challenge test of 23 bakers with a history of wheat flour induced ocular hypersensitivities, 17 subjects had symptoms of rhinitis within 10-30 minutes of wheat flour exposure. (Wittczak, et al. 2007)
While conjunctivitis and urticaria are more prevalent wheat manifestations, respiratory problems are more disabling. 30% of workers in a flour mill were found to have chronic bronchitis or chronic productive cough. Chest tightness was an affliction of 22% of the workers, while bronchial asthma developed in 18%. At the end of a work shift three fifths of the workers had a significant drop in Forced Expiratory Volume(FEV) and Forced Vital Capacity(FVC). Flour disease etiologies were found to match those of cotton, hemp and flax milling. (Awad el Karim, et al. 1986)
In addition to asthma, our male bicyclist experienced esophageal and GI problems. Our subject was not tested for Celiac Disease (CD), however, rhinitis and nasal allergies are frequently associated with CD. Gluten peptide inflammation is shown to induce zonulin release in the GI tract opening tight junctions between intestinal cells. The activity is inserted in to the lamina propria of the gut. The immune system responds with CD4+ T helper lymphocytes which are sensitive to gluten and cause damage in the gut and esophagus. (Lucendo, 2011) The release of T cell mediated cytokine interferon remodel the gut tissue , flattening the mucosa and causing malabsorption. This is a cytotoxic attack on the epithelium. (Nova et al. 2010) Motility disorders in celiac subjects have been reported to affect the gastric mucosa, small bowel, gallbladder and colon. GERD can develop in untreated CD which is often associated with esophageal maladies. (Lucendo, 2011)
The cure for this plethora of disease is generally considered to be a gluten free diet (GFD). A GFD is associated with the resolution and improvement of intestinal and esophageal symptoms in celiac subjects. Reflux symptoms are relieved and heartburn, chest or epigastric pain, and regurgitation significantly reduced. With elimination of gluten, the clinical symptoms are reversed. (Lucendo, 2011) With a GFD the CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte counts, TCR antibodies return to normal and the villi recover. (Nova et al. 2010)
REFERENCES:
Awad el Karim MA, Gad el Rab MO, Omer AA, El Haimi YAA, “Respiratory and Allergic Disorders in Workers Exposed to Grain and Flour Dusts”, Archives of Environmental Health, September-October 1986, Vol. 41 No. 5
Cho SW, Gallstedt M, Johansson E, Hedenqvist MS, “Injection –Molded Nanocomposites and Material based on Wheat Gluten”, Int J Biol Macromol 2011 Jan 1;48(1):146-52. Epub 2010 Oct 28
Kuchel H, Langridge P, Mosionek L, Williams K, Jefferies SP, “The Genetic Control of Milling Yield, Dough Rheology and Baking Quality of Wheat”, Theor Appl Genet, 2006 May;112(8);1487-95. Epub 2006 Mar 21
Lucendo AJ, “Esophageal Manifestations of Celiac Disease”, Dis Esophagus 2011 Mar 25. Doi: 10.1111/j.1442-2050.2011.01190.x. [Epub ahead of print]
Merget R, Sander I, van Kampen V, Bechmannn U, Heinze E, Raulf-Heimsoth M, Bruening T, “Allergic Asthma after Flour Inhalation in Subjects without Occupational Exposure to Flours: an Experimental Pilot Study”, Int Arch Occup Environ Health; 2011 Jan 30 [Epub ahead of print]
Mondal S, Tilley M, Alviola JN, Waniska RD, Bean SR, Glover KD, Hays DB, “Use of Near-isogenic Wheat Lines to Determine the Glutenin Composition and Functionality Requirements for Flour Tortillas”, J Agric Food Chem 2008 Jan 9;56(1);179-84. Epub 2007 Dec 12.
Nova E, Pozo T, Sanz, Marcos A, 3rd International Immunonutrition Workshop. Session 4: Dietary Strategies to Prevent and Mitigate Inflammatory Disease. Dietary Strategies of Immunomodulation in Infants at Risk for Celiac Disease, Proceedings of the Nutrition Society (2010), 69, 347-353
Otori N, Carlsoo B, Stierna P, “Changes in Glycoconjugate Expression of the Sinus Mucosa during Experimental Sinusitis: A Lectin Histochemical Study of the Epithelium and Goblet Cell Development”, Acta Otolaryngol (Stockh) 1998; 118: 248-256
Reddy N, Jiang Q, Yang Y, “Novel Wheat Protein Film as Substrates for Tissue Engineering”, J Biomater Sci Polym Ed 2010 Occt 27. [Epub ahead of print]
Ross, Michael H., Romrell, Lynn J., “Histology, A Text and Atlas”, Second Edition, 1989
Salvatori N, Reccardini F, Convento M, Purinan A, Colle R, De Carli S, Garzoni M, Lafiandra D, De Carli M, “Asthma Induced by Inhalation of Flour in Adults with Food Allergy to Wheat”, Clin Exp Allergy, 2008 Aug;38(8):1349-56. Epub 2008 May 28
Ueno M, Adachi A, Fukumoto T, Nishitani N, Fujiwara N, Matsuo H, Kohno K, Morita E, “[Analysis of Causative Allergen of the Patient with Baker’s Asthma and Wheat-Dependent Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis (WDEIA)]”, Arerugi, 2010 May;59(5):552-7.
Wittczak T, Krakowiak A, Walusiak J, Pas-Wyroslak A, Kowalczyk M, Palczynski C, “Challenge Testing in the Diagnosis of Occupational Allergic Conjunctivitis”, Occupational Medicine 2007;57:532-534
Photograph: Traveling on the Pacific Coast Highway 1 south of Hearst Castle.
Disclaimer: The ERB is a literature research team presenting the findings of other researchers. The ERB is not licensed medical nor dietary clinicians and will not give medical nor dietary advice. Any information presented on this website should not be substituted for the advice of a licensed physician or nutritionist. Users of this website accept the sole responsibility to conduct their own due diligence on topics presented and to consult licensed medical professionals to review their material. We make no warranties or representations on the information presented and should users utilize this research without consulting a professional, they assume all responsibility for their actions and the consequences.
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