Elisabeth Hasselbeck

Gluten-Free Discovery Out Back

Very few would recommend going on a “survival” diet plan to gain strength, but for Elisabeth Hasselbeck, a literal “Survivor” diet menu brought her body back to health.  While filming the hit series “Survivor” in the Australian Outback, Hasselbeck lived off the land – and lived without indigestion, stomach pain and cramps, diarrhea, bloating, chronic fatigue and anemia.  The key to gaining her strength was avoiding wheat.  Now, Elisabeth Hasselbeck is the well-known co-host of ABC’s “The View,” author of “The G-Free Diet: A Gluten-Free Survival Guide,” mother of 3 and Celiac disease awareness ambassador.

Here’s an excerpt from her book:

“I noticed that the moment I ate a starchy food, all the symptoms returned, and with even more fury than before. I went on the Internet to research what this reaction might mean, and soon after thought I had discovered the cause: Wheat! Out it went from my diet.”

Contestant For Success

She finally discovered that it was gluten, the binding protein in grains like wheat, barley, rye, contaminated oats, and numerous other products. It’s also a food additive found in everything from condiments to medications.

Instead of gathering nutrients from gluten, the body sends a signal to the immune system to attack, harming the small intestine in the process. The best way to avoid an attack is to change your diet and avoid certain foods.

Hasselbeck said it’s made all the difference in her life. She also discovered the going gluten-free can help with weight loss and increased energy. Not only can removing gluten from one’s diet help those with Celiac disease, but it has been proven to help people with diabetes and arthritis. And all it takes is a little willpower!