The wisdom of the Donguibogam remarkably resembles modern gluten sensitivity, doesn’t it? When stomach pain or skin troubles flare up solely from eating flour, it is easy to think, 'I just have a weak gut.' However, it may actually be a more complex signal sent by our body. Modern medicine refers to this as non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). While it lacks clear diagnostic criteria unlike celiac disease or wheat allergy, it refers to a condition where consuming gluten found in flour triggers digestive symptoms such as abdominal distension, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain, along with non-digestive symptoms such as headache, fatigue, brain fog, skin troubles, and joint pain.
Why do these symptoms occur? There are several scientific hypotheses. First, it is closely related to increased intestinal permeability, also known as leaky gut syndrome. Gluten in wheat, specifically a protein called gliadin, stimulates the secretion of a substance called zonulin, which can loosen the tight junctions between the cells of our intestinal wall. When these junctions loosen, undigested food particles, toxins, and even bacteria infiltrate into the bloodstream. Our body perceives these as foreign invaders and mounts an immune response and systemic inflammation, which can serve as the primary cause of abdominal pain, fatigue, and skin troubles.
Second, in addition to gluten, wheat flour contains a large amount of specific carbohydrates known as FODMAPs. These FODMAP components are poorly absorbed in the small intestine and are fermented by gut microbiota in the large intestine, generating excessive gas and influencing fluid shifts, which may induce abdominal distension, gas, and diarrhea. Some individuals may react more sensitively to these FODMAP components than to gluten itself.
Third, gut dysbiosis is also a significant factor. Gluten can alter the composition of the gut microbiota, decreasing beneficial bacteria and increasing harmful bacteria, which can impair digestive function and worsen inflammatory responses. The gut is closely connected to the nervous system, so much so that it is called the 'second brain,' meaning deterioration in gut health can lead to psychological issues such as anxiety or depression. The imbalance of qi mentioned in the Donguibogam can be interpreted in modern medicine as an issue of the gut-brain axis.
While there are currently no definitive blood tests or imaging studies to diagnose NCGS, an elimination diet restricting flour to see if symptoms improve is the most effective approach. Listening attentively to the delicate signals sent by your own body is truly the most important step, isn't it?
