ARE WHOLE GRAINS GOOD OR BAD?
We might be tempted to ask the question: Are whole grains good or bad for our health?

Perhaps, we are asking the wrong question.  
Instead, let’s ask: Could going grain-free help my health?

Are you struggling with: digestive issues, allergies, chronic pain, autoimmune disease, or any other illness that could be aggravated by inflammation?  If so, I’m going to encourage you to consider taking grains out of your diet for a period of time and notice how you feel.  

  • GLUTEN – The truth is, no one’s body can digest gluten.  The havoc it wreaks will be different for everyone.  Some people have no “apparent” issues.  Some people experience digestive discomfort and bloating.   Some people will experience inflammation and flu-like symptoms (this happens to me every time I consume too much gluten…I literally get a fever!)  Gluten is the first thing you should eliminate from your diet if you are struggling with your health!
  • RICE (& OTHER GLUTEN FREE GRAINS)– Good news!  Rice is gluten free!  Most people who cannot tolerate gluten, CAN tolerate rice.  Many gluten free products (pasta, bread, etc) include rice flour.   However….rice is a grain.  Some people, who are sensitive to all grains, may not be able to tolerate rice.  My husband is a perfect example of this.  We have been living a gluten free lifestyle for many years. However, when he eats rice (or any other “gluten-free” food that contains rice flour), he gets bloated, his sinuses start to drain, and his respiratory system fills up with mucous. At times, he even feels an asthma attack coming on.  
  • CORN – Another gluten free grain.  Except…the majority of corn grown in the US is genetically modified and filled with pesticides. There are so many reasons to NOT eat corn. I won’t bore you. Cut out as much as you can….and save it for the times when you really need a taco!   LOL!
HOW CAN I KNOW IF I NEED TO ELIMINATE GRAINS?
Try it and see how you feel!  Eliminate all grains for two weeks and see how you feel.  Add grains back in one at a time (rice, wheat, etc), and notice if your body has any undesirable reaction. Your reaction might NOT be related to digestion!  You might notice a flare-up of pain, a reduction in energy, etc.  

If you’d like to know more about a “healthy reset” protocol that cuts out grains and reduces inflammation, click below:



1 Comment

  1. I see so many things on your site, that is speaking to me.
    I am a Christian woman, who is under considerable amount of stress,
    caring for my Mother. I would not have it any other way, though. God
    is so good, and I give him all the glory. I eat very healthy, and ride a bike
    about 30 miles per week. I pray a lot, and stay in God's word. I tend to be
    some negative, working on changing that, and my mind toward God. I have had
    ITP for over 10 years. My numbers run around 127, and I just developed some fatigue,
    not normal for me. I do have some joint pain, DUH!!!! I am very thin, and do not had too many bad habits,
    other than a little chocolate now and then. Please, add me to your mailing list. I need to learn
    all I can, and heal from ITP. I was told from a ANA blood test, I have autoimmune, just don't know
    what it is. My problem, different sites, state different foods to eat. Unsure if I am eating the correct ones.
    I read Papaya leaves will bring up platelets. Is this true? Thanks again! Tina

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Meet Nina Cesena

 

Hi, I’m Nina!

I'm an ITP warrior, author, wellness coach, and woman of faith who believes that a diagnosis doesn't have to define the rest of your story. 

My journey with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) began in 2003 with a platelet count of just 2,000, years of treatments, and eventually the removal of my spleen. After years of battling autoimmune disease, I reached remission—but I also discovered that healing was about much more than simply getting a diagnosis behind me.

My own journey led me to dig deeper into nutrition, stress, gut health, reducing toxic load, targeted supplements, essential oils, mindset, and faith. I became passionate about understanding not just what we can do to support our bodies, but why it may matter.

Today, I share what I've learned with other ITP warriors and people navigating chronic illness, helping them discover practical, whole-person ways to support their health and well-being.

I don't believe wellness is about finding a magic answer or doing everything perfectly. And I don't believe that ITP has no known cure means there is nothing you can do.

There is hope. There are choices. There are things we can learn and ways we can care for ourselves along the journey.
Most importantly, I've learned that healing is a journey—and you don't have to walk it alone.

I'm here to help you find hope, take empowered steps, and discover what's possible for your own healing journey.


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