Sixteen years ago, the release of "The Dark Side of Wheat" by PatientHealThyself.info (the original website that became Greenmedinfo.com) marked a significant turning point in our understanding of wheat and its impact on human health. At the time, gluten-free options were scarce, and the concept that wheat--and grains at large--might be a species-specific intolerance or suboptimal "survival food" was not widely recognized. In 2007, Dr. Mercola discovered the essay and promoted it on his popular website and in his newsletter. Since then, there has been a dramatic increase in interest and adoption of a gluten-free diet, driven by growing awareness of wheat's potential health risks.

Key Theses of "The Dark Side of Wheat"

"The Dark Side of Wheat," written by Sayer Ji, is a comprehensive examination of wheat's impact on human health, broken into three key parts:

1. New Perspectives on Celiac Disease & Wheat Intolerance:

• Celiac Iceberg: The book introduces the "Celiac Iceberg" metaphor, illustrating that while a small portion of the population shows obvious clinical symptoms of celiac disease, a much larger portion has latent or asymptomatic celiac disease. This includes those with genetic susceptibility to wheat intolerance.
• Epigenetics: It challenges the traditional view that genetics alone cause diseases like celiac disease, highlighting the role of epigenetic factors influenced by diet and environmental exposures.
• Protective Response: The symptoms of celiac disease are framed as a protective response to wheat, a food that the human body was not designed to consume.
• Species-Specific Intolerance: The book argues that wheat intolerance is not a rare genetic weakness but a universal species-specific intolerance, where the issue is of degree rather than susceptibility. Essentially, no one should consume wheat.

2. The Critical Role of Wheat Lectin in Human Disease:

• Wheat Germ Agglutinin (WGA): This part emphasizes the role of WGA, a lectin found in wheat, which can cause direct damage to various tissues in the body, crossing protective barriers like the gut and brain. WGA is linked to several health issues, including kidney damage and immune system disruption.

3. GreenMedInfo Wheat Research PDF:

• Research Compilation: The updated research PDF contains 335 unique research abstracts, providing extensive scientific evidence on the adverse health effects linked to wheat consumption.

The Rise of Gluten-Free and Paleo Awareness

In November 2013, the launch of the Gluten Summit significantly raised awareness about the issues related to gluten consumption. The summit featured experts, including Sayer Ji, and reached hundreds of thousands of people, highlighting the potential health risks of gluten and promoting gluten-free diets. At the time, the concept that wheat, functioning more like a 'crutch' than the 'staff of life,' with all the corollary symptoms associated with gluten-induced debilitation, was controversial and not widely accepted. That said, at around the same time, the Paleolithic diet, also known as the Paleo, caveman, or Stone Age diet, was beginning to take on immense popularity. Described as one of the "latest trends" in diets in 2012, the paleo diet was Google's most searched weight-loss method in 2013 and 2014. This diet, which advocates eating as our ancestors did during the Paleolithic era, aligns with the ideas presented in "The Dark Side of Wheat" about the unsuitability of modern grains for human consumption.

Industry Statistics on Gluten-Free Products

The past fifteen years have seen a substantial increase in the availability and popularity of gluten-free products:

• Market Growth: The global gluten-free food market was valued at approximately $4.72 billion in 2017 and is projected to reach $7.59 billion by 2024, growing at a CAGR of 7.6% during the forecast period.
• Consumer Adoption: According to a 2020 survey by Statista, about 30% of American adults reported they were trying to reduce or avoid gluten in their diet.
• Product Diversity: The range of gluten-free products has expanded significantly, including bread, pasta, snacks, and even beer, catering to the growing demand from consumers.

Critical Acclaim and Continued Innovation

"The Dark Side of Wheat" received critical acclaim from scholars like Ron Hoggan, who praised the book for its groundbreaking insights. Contrary to the dismissive suggestions by some pro-wheat critics that the issues with wheat are solely due to either genetic modification or glyphosate, Sayer Ji's work establishes that the inherent problems with wheat consumption are far deeper and more pervasive.

This seminal work is just one of many areas of innovation produced by Sayer Ji and his platform, GreenMedInfo.com. To stay abreast of the continual stream of leading-edge information on health, subscribe to GreenMedInfo's free newsletter at www.Greenmedinfo.com/newsletter. GreenMedInfo publishes three articles a day, ensuring that readers are always informed about the latest developments in natural health.

Availability and Impact

"The Dark Side of Wheat" has been downloaded over 250,000 times and is available for free as part of a library of e-books offered to GreenMedInfo members. Membership starts as low as $8.00 a month, providing access to a wealth of information on natural health and wellness.

Conclusion

The release of "The Dark Side of Wheat" played a crucial role in sparking a broader conversation about the health implications of wheat and gluten. The book's insights, combined with events like the Gluten Summit and the rise of the Paleo diet, have led to a significant shift in public perception and consumer behavior. The gluten-free market continues to grow, reflecting an increasing recognition of the potential benefits of a gluten-free diet. As we celebrate this 15-year milestone, it's clear that the conversation initiated by "The Dark Side of Wheat" remains more relevant than ever.

For those interested in exploring these topics further, joining GreenMedInfo's membership provides access to "The Dark Side of Wheat" and many other valuable resources. Visit the GreenMedInfo Membership page for more information.