Optimal Diet For Celiacs

[Phila]

Hello everyone,

I have been gluten-free and very low dairy since Nov 2005. Many of my symptoms have improved, but I know that it can be better. This thread is about raising the bar and becoming as healthy as possible. I'm looking for suggestions and tips for improving the gut through diet. Besides going gluten-free or DF, what are some foods/beverages/supplements that celiacs would benefit from either avoiding or eating. Here's to thriving as opposed to just surviving.

[BRUMI1968]

I'm with you, and I'm glad you started this thread.

I'm of the mind that my body is the vehicle through which I experience my life. Thus, I want it to be in tip top shape. Finding out I had Celiac disease has certainly taken that in some new directions I would not have expected.

One thing I've recently tried is quitting all grains and beans (already didn't do soy, corn, or dairy). This is based on the idea of lectins and how they are toxic to our bodies. I think if you look up Lectin Story or something on google, you'll find it. Or doctorj.com. I am trying it, since it made some sense to me. So far, it has stopped by gums from bleeding, and decreased my intestinal turmoil.

Another thing I'm trying right now is a candida starvation diet (I feel I'm starving too). I am doing this for two weeks to kill off any nasty yeasties living in my digestive tract. This involves eating no grains, beans, sugar, fruit, or sweet veggies.

Now what TO do, instead of what NOT to do.

I think it is a mistake to separate anything out onto its own...so diet is important, but so is the way we think about food, interact with food, and take responsibility for our food. I'm reading "The Omnivore's Dillema" right now by Michael Pollen - it's a great book.

Excercise according to our needs. For example, I'm really more of a walking,swimming,yoga,pilates,taichi type - not to sound lazy - but I exhaust easily with running or extreme hiking and the like, which makes it unpleasant and not nurturing to my whole being. Even just with walking and pilates, I've gotten my resting heart rate down, and strengthened my back and stuff.

Lastly, and I think this bit is important. Americans tend to pick and choose remedies from a variety of traditions. Standing at the vitamin/supplement area you can gingerly pick a thousand things. "Oh, garlic is good for you". ONE THING WILL NEVER BEEN GOOD FOR ALL PEOPLE. I myself prefer a tradition, such as Chinese Medicine, well, I use Ayurvedic medicine from India. The systems are ancients - they understand about combining; they understand differences between men and women (ginseng is a male herb - how many women in America take it?), etc.

Those are my two cents anyhow. I'm glad others are trying to get their life vehicle, the engine of all of our senses, to be the best that it can be.

[CarlaB]

This is a great idea!

I work out four times per week, cardio and weights -- it's what works for me. I mostly eat whole foods and take supplements. I don't eat a lot of sugar and I drink one night per week -- Friday night = date night! Two or three drinks is my limit!

I've been drinking teas that are supposed to be good for you -- green tea, licorice tea, detox tea, etc. I've also been drinking acai juice because it's high in antioxidants.

I think sleep is an obvious one we overlook. I always allow for 8 hours, I can't really sleep longer than that.

Lots of loving from hubby and kids is great, too!

Staying away from gluten and dairy has completely changed my health. Three weeks dairy free and six months gluten free and I've just had three days in a row where I feel GREAT!!!! My husband keeps saying, "Who are you and what did you do with my wife!"

I really look forward to getting new ideas from all of you!

[Mango04]

This is an awesome thread. Here's what works for me:

Absolutely no gluten, no dairy and no soy. I stick to organic, natural whole foods as much as possible. I don't shop at conventional grocery stores and when I do shop I try to stay on the outer perimeter of the store (near the whole, single ingreident items and away from the pre-packaged stuff). Farmer's markets are great too. Of course once in a while I'll have some fun and eat gluten-free/cheeseless pizza (see avatar ), but I don't eat foods like that every day.

I also recently started trying to balance my meals in accordance with my metabolic type. I'm a mixed type, and I don't like meat, so it's difficult for me to get enough protein sometimes. Since I've become more aware of incorporating the correct ratios of fats, carbs and protein I've felt much better though.

In terms of beverages - water!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sometimes I'll have a kombucha , but I think all I really need to drink is water.

Alcohol makes me feel absolutely horrible, but on a rare occasion I'll have a few drinks and survive

I start to feel bad real quick if I don't get enough excercise. I seem to need at least seven hours of sleep.

I also develop temporary intolerances to things really easily. For example, if I eat too much corn, too many days in a row, I start to feel sick. I try not to eat too much of one thing.

Other than that, I basically just try to stick to whole natural foods. If I start to have too much fun with the gluten-free pre-packaged stuff I definitely pay the price In general if I stick to all the things mentioned above I feel really really healthy.

[tarnalberry]

Don't rely on packaged, pre-processed stuff. Buy fresh produce and meats, and cook! That, and exercise - whatever makes you happy, get up and do it!

[RiceGuy]

One thing I've recently tried is quitting all grains and beans (already didn't do soy, corn, or dairy). This is based on the idea of lectins and how they are toxic to our bodies. I think if you look up Lectin Story or something on google, you'll find it. Or doctorj.com. I am trying it, since it made some sense to me. So far, it has stopped by gums from bleeding, and decreased my intestinal turmoil.

Interesting. I just looked it up:

In raw form, beans can contain excessively high amounts of a potentially toxic substance called phytohemagglutinin. This substance is classified as a lectin glycoprotein, and in sufficiently high amounts it has been shown to disrupt cellular metabolism.

The amount of this toxin in beans is usually measured in terms of hemagglutinating units, or hau. In their raw form, red kidney beans can contain 20,000 to 70,000 hau. This number drops down to 200 to 400 hau with fully cooked red beans.

White kidney beans start off with about 1/3rd less hemagglutinin than reds. Other beans, like broad beans (also called fava beans) contain only 5 to 10% the amount that red kidney beans contain. Soybeans are also in this lower category of hemagglutinin content.

In some studies of soybean cooking, researchers have actually arrived at optimal cooking time and temperature recommendations based on decreases in hemagglutinin and other potentially toxic substances. In these studies, optimal time and temperature was found to be 120 minutes at 140°C (284°F), or 30 minutes at 160°C (320°F).

The most common cooking method, however, would be overnight soaking of the beans, discarding the water, then immersion in boiling water, followed by simmering for 2-3 hours or until tender.

Here's the whole page:

Open Original Shared Link

And another interesting page about wheat allergies:

Open Original Shared Link

CarlaB: I won't lecture you, but most or all grain alcohols contain gluten AFAIK. There is one I've heard about, but I don't ever drink so I don't have any details on that. Also, alcohol promotes intestinal yeast infection, which seems to be another common issue for Celiacs.

Mango04: I agree with you about the organic and natural stuff completely. I also drink only water - never anything else. Getting the right amount lately has been a bit tricky. Too little and I dry out inside, and everything in my gut turns to cement. Too much and...you know. Anyway, loads of fresh veggies, and of course rice, potatoes, and a few other things that agree with my system. I find that I don't use much if any spices most of the time. Once in awhile I'll add a tiny amount to something, but my taste buds have become much more sensitive since avoiding processed foods and such, that flavors can easily become too strong for me. I know most people find it hard to accept/believe, but that's typical for Americans especially. I was never into strong spicey stuff anyway, so I'm sure that helped. I do use salt though, in sensible amounts, but only the good kind: RealSalt. Expensive yes, but worth it IMHO. I do believe it agrees with me better, plus the trace minerals are an added benefit.

Now, I'm looking into Flax seeds as a way to boost magnesium and omega-3 levels. Magnesium will help absorb calcium and various other nutrients. Vitamin C helps greatly with this too. All the best info I can find suggests that whole foods are better than suppliments even when you are looking to boost certain things. It comes as no surprise to me, since native peoples all over the world who eat off the land always seem to be in far better health than such over-developed countries like the USA.

As for protein, you CAN get plenty from veggies. It's basically the meat/dairy industries which have convinced the consumer that their products are good for protein and calcium. Here's some great info on the topic:

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

And as always, cut out the processed sugar and other refined stuff. (ok, so I'm guilty of still using instant potatoes, though they aren't so loaded with junk)

One thing I think I've been having trouble with lately is the parboiled rice I use . I wonder if it may be giving me certain issues recently, but I still don't know for certain. Perhaps the enriching stuff they use has been changed to something less friendly, but again I don't yet know (all parboiled rice sold in the USA is enriched by law). I may have to switch to brown, though there are certain consequences depending on the type, like parasites, pesticides, and the like. Brown always made my stomach feel icky, but it's been years since I've tried it, so perhaps now that I've been gluten-free it will be fine. It is supposed to be better for nutrients, so if it agrees with me I'll switch right away.

One odd thing I noticed recently too is I can't eat squashes without certain intestinal issues. Maybe it's the skin? I have yet to narrow it down, but without going through some trial and error/discomfort, I'm not sure yet. Maybe someone else can relate to this.

I know many people are addicted to coffee, however:

Correct me if I'm wrong, but since caffeine has a diuretic effect, that would tend to cause mineral loss, wouldn't it?

[CarlaB]

CarlaB: I won't lecture you, but most or all grain alcohols contain gluten AFAIK. There is one I've heard about, but I don't ever drink so I don't have any details on that. Also, alcohol promotes intestinal yeast infection, which seems to be another common issue for Celiacs.

I don't drink grain alcohols. I'm on top of the candida issues ... I don't worry about two or three drinks per week. Thanks for your concern!

[RiceGuy]

I don't drink grain alcohols. I'm on top of the candida issues ... I don't worry about two or three drinks per week. Thanks for your concern!

Ah, you replied fast!

Yeah, I did get the impression that you probably aren't having serious problems with the way you eat right now. Glad to see one of us is doing well! While far better, I have a looooong way to go yet.

Oh, I just read the other day that tea can have certain absorption-inhibiting effects depending on when you consume it. I think the advice was to have it 3 hours from meals or something like that. I don't recall all the specifics right now. Probably depends on the tea too. Otherwise they are apparently beneficial for stuff. Right now I have reason to think I need to focus on maximizing absorption of stuff. My gut just isn't operating well at all

[CarlaB]

Ah, you replied fast!

Yeah, I did get the impression that you probably aren't having serious problems with the way you eat right now. Glad to see one of us is doing well! While far better, I have a looooong way to go yet.

Oh, I just read the other day that tea can have certain absorption-inhibiting effects depending on when you consume it. I think the advice was to have it 3 hours from meals or something like that. I don't recall all the specifics right now. Probably depends on the tea too. Otherwise they are apparently beneficial for stuff. Right now I have reason to think I need to focus on maximizing absorption of stuff. My gut just isn't operating well at all

Sorry your gut is doing so poorly ... I went on a pretty serious anti-candida diet about 4 years ago, and through it discovered wheat made me sick (I never knew why I was always so ill). So, I've been "off wheat" for four years, off gluten for 6 months, and off casein for three weeks. The casein was the missing link for me. I've had three days in a row where I don't feel like a sick person. Before, I tired easily. I still have a ways to go, but I'm doing pretty well all things considered!

I've never been one to drink with meals, I would think even water would inhibit absorption if you drank at the same time as you eat. I mostly drink water, but I had to have something hot to replace the coffee ... hot water just didn't sound appealing

For rice, there are all kinds, and I cook them all ... I particularly like short grain and basmati. A good mix that included wild rice is always tasty, too. If one kind bothers you, you might try something different. White rice is pretty void of nutritional value much in the same way white bread is.

[Mango04]

RiceGuy - I agree with what you're saying. I am definitely not a fan of the dairy industry! Actually when I was in college I used to print out anti-dairy industry articles from notmilk.com and post them up in the bathroom that I shared with five other roommates lol. Yeah they thought I was nuts but they put up with it . I actually prefer to get protien through beans, lentils, seeds and raw nuts but I feel a bit healthier if I also incorporate some chicken, fish and eggs.

I hear ya on the flavors too! I also think it's important to aviod processed white table salt. I recently upgraded from RealSalt to Celtic Grey Sea Minerals. lol. They're probably both about equally healthy but the celtic stuff is pretty amazing.

I also can't imagine that caffine would be good for anyone. If I want a buzz all I need is raw organic kombucha. That stuff is intense!

[emcmaster]

I believe in drinking a lot of water, getting a good amount of exercise (3-4 sessions of cardio a week, 2 sessions of weight lifting), eating at least 5 servings of vegetables and 5 servings of fruit per day and getting plenty of sleep.

I am dairy and gluten free, but also, low-fat. My intestines cannot handle even moderate amounts of fat, so I have to incorporate fat carefully into my diet.

I take an allergy-free multivitamin daily, eat antioxidant-rich fruits & veggies (no iceberg lettuce or "mixed vegetable" [peas, carrots, corn, green beans] mixes for me) drink red wine a couple times a week and eat small amounts of high cocoa-content dark chocolate daily.

Also, I focus on proteins. Egg whites and egg white protein powder are some of the staples of my diet, along with chicken and fish (when it's available). I feel better - my hair, skin and nails look better and I have more energy when I get a lot of protein.

[BRUMI1968]

Do you not eat the yellow because you don't like it? Or because you have trouble digesting the fat?

I think eggs are so perfect (I hope I'm not allergic - I find out next week) because they have all the little baby chicken needs - they are a whole food. I usually try to eat them whole. Poached is my favorite.

[Green12]

I would love to figure out what diet is optimal for me and my body, I have been trying to figure that out for 12 years!

I'm at my wits end right now, I have done just about every type of diet- several candida diets, Dr Weil's eating plan, The Fat Flush Plan, The Body Ecology Diet...... I went off carbs for 3 years and that totally messed my system up, I added back in some grains and starches in the last 2 years and followed The Schwarzbein Principle and I actually did pretty well. Then I hear it is recommended celiacs and those with auto-immune conditions not eat grains and legumes so I took those out last month or so and went to fruit as a replacement. I don't think I am doing so well on the fruit now, I was better off with the grains and legumes.

What to do?

Sorry I am totally venting.....

I'm glad so many of you have figured it out and are doing so well

I agree that a whole foods diet is key, full of good quality protein sources, fresh produce, and fats/oils. Stay away from the packaged stuff, or at least really limit it to holidays and special ocasions for example. Do some kind of physical activity, whatever you can handle, meditate or have some inner focus/quiet time, breathe, and stay hydrated.

[marciab]

Same as above, but I eat sprouts, raw nuts, beets, etc. Basically, anything that has a high nutritional value. I added a few herbs too, like cilantro and oregano for medicinal purposes.

I am on a mission !!!! Yep, I am definitely a Type A

Marcia

[emcmaster]

Do you not eat the yellow because you don't like it? Or because you have trouble digesting the fat?

I don't eat the yolks because I have trouble digesting the fat. Fat seems to be just as hard for me to digest as dairy... and almost as hard as gluten, although it doesn't do permanent damage like gluten does.

If I could only eat normal amounts of fat, I certainly wouldn't mind being Gluten-free Casein-free.

[Guest Robbin]

I don't eat the yolks because I have trouble digesting the fat. Fat seems to be just as hard for me to digest as dairy... and almost as hard as gluten, although it doesn't do permanent damage like gluten does.

If I could only eat normal amounts of fat, I certainly wouldn't mind being Gluten-free Casein-free.

Elizabeth, have you had your gallbladder checked? Gallbladder problems are rampant with this disease. Fatty foods irritate it and your liver. Elevated liver enzymes are quite common too it seems .

[RiceGuy]

My intestines cannot handle even moderate amounts of fat, so I have to incorporate fat carefully into my diet.

<SNIP>

I take an allergy-free multivitamin daily, eat antioxidant-rich fruits & veggies (no iceberg lettuce or "mixed vegetable" [peas, carrots, corn, green beans] mixes for me) drink red wine a couple times a week and eat small amounts of high cocoa-content dark chocolate daily.

Interesting. I recently read that fiber helps deal with fats. Apparently, bile acids from the liver are used to break down fats, and the fiber combines with the bile and carries it out of the body. From all I read, eating proper amounts of fats and fiber also helps lower cholesterol, because the liver uses it to make the bile acids.

So, maybe fiber would help move fats through and thereby enhance your particular nutritional balance. I'm not suggesting that you might increase fats, but we do need them, like in the case of omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids. Those are essential, so not having them is apparently a serious detriment. Of course many veggies have omega-6. So you're getting fats in one form or another. Animal fats are another thing altogether, so I'd never touch those. There's a big difference between the two. Animal fats and proteins will really inhibit calcium absorption.

I also find it interesting that you would name the veggie mix - the one with corn. I've found many brands of corn to be a problem for me. I do have a rather uncomfortable reaction to them. The ones labeled "extra sweet" are generally much worse. From my research, I've concluded that the problem stems from the GMO varieties. Most of the corn on the market is bad for me, and each brand seems to vary from time to time. At the time I write this, I can tolerate the corn in the Green Giant brand of the mix, though I go easy on it. I tend not to take chances.

Incidently, have you identified why the iceberg lettuce doesn't work for you? I find that intriguing.

[emcmaster]

Elizabeth, have you had your gallbladder checked? Gallbladder problems are rampant with this disease. Fatty foods irritate it and your liver. Elevated liver enzymes are quite common too it seems .

Perhaps I should have my gallbladder tested. It's likely I was tested when they tested me for practically everything BUT celiac over 2 years while telling me I just had IBS. I read up on the symptoms of gallbladder disease and a difficulty digesting fat is definitely one of them.

Thanks!!!

[emcmaster]

Interesting. I recently read that fiber helps deal with fats. Apparently, bile acids from the liver are used to break down fats, and the fiber combines with the bile and carries it out of the body. From all I read, eating proper amounts of fats and fiber also helps lower cholesterol, because the liver uses it to make the bile acids.

So, maybe fiber would help move fats through and thereby enhance your particular nutritional balance. I'm not suggesting that you might increase fats, but we do need them, like in the case of omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids. Those are essential, so not having them is apparently a serious detriment. Of course many veggies have omega-6. So you're getting fats in one form or another. Animal fats are another thing altogether, so I'd never touch those. There's a big difference between the two. Animal fats and proteins will really inhibit calcium absorption.

I also find it interesting that you would name the veggie mix - the one with corn. I've found many brands of corn to be a problem for me. I do have a rather uncomfortable reaction to them. The ones labeled "extra sweet" are generally much worse. From my research, I've concluded that the problem stems from the GMO varieties. Most of the corn on the market is bad for me, and each brand seems to vary from time to time. At the time I write this, I can tolerate the corn in the Green Giant brand of the mix, though I go easy on it. I tend not to take chances.

Incidently, have you identified why the iceberg lettuce doesn't work for you? I find that intriguing.

I get a good amount of fiber, both from fruits and vegetables and from fiber supplements. That's interesting to know that it can help move fats through.

I used to take a supplement called Omega 3-6-9 from NOW foods. I had to split up the dosage in able to digest it more easily, but I had no problem with it. I should buy some more.

I should clarify that I do eat fats, just not much at a time. Dark chocolate has fat in it, as do my kinnikinnick english muffins and rice cheese. I just can't have all those together in one meal.

I don't eat that veggie mix with corn, carrots, green beans and peas or iceberg lettuce because I think, compared to all the other vegetables available, they are nutritionally void. I eat on a daily basis: asparagus, red bell peppers, green bell peppers, yellow squash, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, green beans, romaine lettuce, mesculan greens, carrots, tomatoes and cucumbers. I eat less often: spaghetti squash, orange and yellow bell peppers, and sweet potatoes (which I don't like, but eat for the nutritional value). I try to get a good variety of vegetables in my diet and to eat the ones most often that have the most antioxidants and vitamins. I need to start finding new veggies to add to my diet.

[Phila]

I get a good amount of fiber, both from fruits and vegetables and from fiber supplements. That's interesting to know that it can help move fats through.

I used to take a supplement called Omega 3-6-9 from NOW foods. I had to split up the dosage in able to digest it more easily, but I had no problem with it. I should buy some more.

I should clarify that I do eat fats, just not much at a time. Dark chocolate has fat in it, as do my kinnikinnick english muffins and rice cheese. I just can't have all those together in one meal.

I don't eat that veggie mix with corn, carrots, green beans and peas or iceberg lettuce because I think, compared to all the other vegetables available, they are nutritionally void. I eat on a daily basis: asparagus, red bell peppers, green bell peppers, yellow squash, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, green beans, romaine lettuce, mesculan greens, carrots, tomatoes and cucumbers. I eat less often: spaghetti squash, orange and yellow bell peppers, and sweet potatoes (which I don't like, but eat for the nutritional value). I try to get a good variety of vegetables in my diet and to eat the ones most often that have the most antioxidants and vitamins. I need to start finding new veggies to add to my diet.

Wow. Sounds like a nice array of vegetables. You could try adding Kale or Collards...either one are great in soup. I add chicken, lots of spice, onions, garlic, carrots and zucchini, along with the Kale OR Collards and tis fantastic.

[sillyyak]

Since starting on this diet I have become very - what's the word - obsessed - with what I eat. In fact I am so scared of having any type of intestinal reaction to anything even potentially contaminated with gluten. Right now this is my daily meal plan

Morning: decaf tea and gluten free cereal or pamelas cookie

Lunch: Brown rice with a vegetable, tomatoe and some meat or fish

dinner: gluten-free pasta or brown rice with meat or vegetable, or salad with annie's natural gluten-free salad dressing

dessert: gluten-free kozy shak rice pudding, chocolate pudding, caramel flan

Snack: Peanut butter with rice cakes or plain chocolate bar, or applesauce, or a piece of fruit

Drinks: water or gatorade or vitamin water (I never drink soda). Sometimes I can drink Lactaid and it does not upset my stomach. Otherwise no dairy

I also take a gluten-free multivitamin (Nature Made brand), calcium supplements, B Complex and Omega 3 capsules

Sometimes I eat gluten-free bread. I should say sometimes I splurge on it but mostly I do not like it (unless it is toasted)

Anyone with suggestions on how to add more nutrients, flavor to my diet, please advise. I feel like I am eating too much rice and my diet is bland. Where can I get more fiber?

-- Gluten free

-- dairy free

-- no corn

-- food sensitivies to bananas and potatos

[CarlaB]

Wow. Sounds like a nice array of vegetables. You could try adding Kale or Collards...either one are great in soup. I add chicken, lots of spice, onions, garlic, carrots and zucchini, along with the Kale OR Collards and tis fantastic.

Leeks are another good one to add! I love leeks ... I use them in homemade soup in the winter, along with sweet potatoes, cabbage and a bunch of other winter veggies. In the summer I make frittatas (eggs) with asparagus, leeks and s$#&ake mushrooms.

I also avoid iceberg lettuce because the others have so much more nutritional value.

[BRUMI1968]

Anyone with suggestions on how to add more nutrients, flavor to my diet, please advise. I feel like I am eating too much rice and my diet is bland. Where can I get more fiber?

-- Gluten free

-- dairy free

-- no corn

-- food sensitivies to bananas and potatos

It sounds like you eat a lot of grains in the form of gluten substitutes. You mention a grain at every meal. I would consider trying to decrease the amount of grains you're eating - they have anti-nutrients in them, can block mineral absorption, and have some other issues surrounding the fact that they're lectins.

[CarlaB]

Anyone with suggestions on how to add more nutrients, flavor to my diet, please advise. I feel like I am eating too much rice and my diet is bland. Where can I get more fiber?

If I feel like I'm not getting enough fiber, I will drink a glass of acai juice with psillium in it.

Lara bars have fiber. So do fruits and veggies, especially salads and the other raw stuff.

[BRUMI1968]

I'm not suggesting that you might increase fats, but we do need them, like in the case of omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids. Those are essential, so not having them is apparently a serious detriment. Of course many veggies have omega-6. So you're getting fats in one form or another. Animal fats are another thing altogether, so I'd never touch those. There's a big difference between the two. Animal fats and proteins will really inhibit calcium absorption.

Actually, AS important as getting the omega fats, is getting them in the right proportion. You're average American diet provides a ratio of 10-1 Omega 6 to Omega 3. The ratio should be 1 to 1. If you eat gluten-free but still eat a lot of grains, corn-fed beef, etc etc., you're getting too much Omega 6 to your Omega 3 ratio. I personally, would not supplement Omega 6. I eat a lot of salmon, which is high in Omega 3, and avoid the American diet pretty much entirely.

Another interesting fact is that CORNFED Beef has a 10 to 1 ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3. This is doubtlessly why it is bad for you. GRASSFED beef has a ratio of 2-1, which is fantastic. This is near the quality of salmon. (By the way, this is coming from a vegetarian of 15 years). The same is true of raw milk versus cooked and homogenized milk. the nutritional value of grass fed organic beef and raw organic milk are substantial, and the risks are not so high as many might have you believe - since they are basing their info on corn-fed beef. Cows are not meant to digest corn, they are ruminents - their entire existence is based on eating grass.

People for thousands of years have been drinking milk and eating 'red meat'. It has not been long, however, they have been eating corn-fed beef, feed-lot pigs, caged chickens, and cooked and homogenized milk. These things are a problem.