General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Modern wheat a "perfect, chronic poison," doctor says [View all]Kelvin Mace
(17,469 posts)but the problem still may not be wheat.
There is a danger in generalizing cause and effect, without very specific testing and controls. It is also very problematic to extrapolate results of one person, or group of people as applying to a larger group.
Let me provide an example:
You are having health problems, and after much reading decide that it is glutens that are causing your illness. So, you cut out all wheat and gluten-containing products. One, month later, you feel great. You stay on the diet and a year later you still feel great.
So, can we conclude that wheat/glutens were the problem?
No, we can't. It is entirely possible that amongst all the wheat/gluten products you were eating, was the real culprit, say an ingredient in your favorite brand of doughnut. You ate these doughnuts at least once a week maybe more, and it was that food item causing your health problems, not wheat/gluten in general. But, since the change to your diet also involved dropping doughnuts, you got better, but not for the reason you thought.
Even when a dietary change seems to affect a group of people, you cannot determine with certainty the reason for the health improvement without a detailed medical history and a careful analysis of what is added or subtracted to the diet, while monitoring various metabolic rates via blood tests.
So, your treatment for an ailment can work, but not for the reasons you assume.