21 days to 100 percent healthy
William Davis, M.D., reveals how inflammatory compounds in all grains can make women fat, sick and tired. To the rescue: FIRST’s cookbook is loaded with meals to rev fat burn and restore vitality
Head down the aisle in any grocery store and you’ll see that gluten-free cookies, crackers and breads have taken over the shelves, adding up to an industry that brings in $1.3 billion a year. Fueling this growth are women desperately trying to alleviate the bloat, brain fog and excess pounds that have been associated with eating the wheat protein. But in studies, 43 percent of women report that going gluten-free doesn’t deliver the results they’d hoped. What gives?
Researchers have discovered that gluten is not the only problem for our systems. “Wheat and other grains contain not one, but several components that activate inflammatory pathways in the body,” asserts William Davis, M.D., author of Wheat Belly Total Health.
He cautions that the resulting inflammation can trigger the autoimmune process where the body attacks its own organs and glands. “Grains also contain super starches that spike blood sugar,” adds Dr. Davis. “This triggers fat-promoting insulin surges and increases appetite.”
The good news: It’s possible to quickly dial back grain-induced inflammation and restore health. “Cut out grains, and inflammation stages a rapid and powerful retreat,” says Dr. Davis. Once the organs and glands are no longer bombarded by inflammatory proteins, they can start repairing damaged tissue and restoring the function of key slimming systems. And all it takes to start this healing process is steering clear of grains, plus limiting other inflammatory foods including dairy products, processed foods and refined sugars for 21 days.
Once you go grain-free, the results kick in fast. “Many people lose 5 pounds in the first week without restricting calories—and weight is lost mostly from abdominal fat,”says Dr. Davis. Indeed, women FIRST spoke to reported losing up to 11 pounds a week, plus reversing chronic health conditions ranging from Hashimoto’s, arthritis and ulcerative colitis. “You can feel the inflammation receding,” affirms Dr. Davis. “You can feel it in your joints with pain lessening. You can feel it in your stomach and intestinal tract as acid reflux and heartburn reverse. You can even see it in people’s faces with a reduction in cheek redness and around-the-eye puffiness.”
Even better: After 21 days, some women can put grains back on the menu. Integrative health expert John Douillard, D.C., author of Eat Wheat, explains that allowing the body time to reset can make the immune and digestive system less responsive to the inflammatory compounds in grains. “Start with sourdough bread,” he notes. “It goes through a fermentation process that makes it easier to digest.” Simply choose from the delicious grain-free recipes on pages 49 through 72 to jump-start your slimdown and revitalize your health!