December 23, 2011
The gluten free diet has been bandied about on the internet and in the news quite a bit lately, leading some folks to wonder just what it is. Some have wondered if it’s not the latest weight loss ‘miracle’. The truth is that it has nothing to do with weight loss, but everything to do with health. Here are 7 facts about gluten and celiac that will help you understand what they are.
1. Gluten is a type of complex protein found in many grains, like wheat, rye, and barley. There is some discussion about whether or not there is gluten in oats, as some people who are gluten intolerant eat them with no problem while others suffer ill effects.
2. Gluten intolerance means that a person’s body does not process gluten well. Celiac disease is a specific type of gluten intolerance, for which you can be tested. Some studies claim that as many as 1 in 7 people are gluten intolerant, with about 1 in 200 suffering from Celiac disease.
3. Gluten intolerance causes chronic problems with the digestive system. Because of this, it can prevent the absorption of the nutrients from food as it moves through the intestine. This can be especially problematic with children, causing malnutrition and developmental delays to children even if they are eating a healthy diet.
4. The symptoms of gluten intolerance are varied, and can even be different from one person to the next. This makes it especially difficult to diagnose. Gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, gas and bloating are typical, but other symptoms are not as well known. Headache, weight gain or loss, dermatitis and eczema are all possible symptoms of gluten intolerance.
5. Genetics seem to play a large role in gluten intolerance. It’s more frequent among the Caucasian population, and women are 2-3 times more likely to be gluten intolerant than men.
6. There is no cure for gluten intolerance. The best treatment is to eliminate all gluten containing products from the diet. This includes wheat, barley, rye and possibly oats – plus any products made from these grains. It can be a daunting task because wheat products and gluten are often found in unexpected foods, with names like “hydrolyzed vegetable protein”. It is important to know the disguises for gluten so you can be informed when you are reading nutrition labels on foods.
7. If you think you may suffer from gluten intolerance , speak with your doctor or nutritionist. Medical testing can confirm if you have Celiac disease. If not, an elimination diet can help you determine if gluten is at the cause of your symptoms.
Posted by Meadow Summers. Posted In : Healing
December 21, 2011
There are so many uses for coconut oil I thought I would share with you some of my favorites. It is true that coconut oil is a saturated fat. However, it is a good saturated fat. Because of the lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid it contains, it is beneficial for lowering blood cholesterol, relieving stress and helping with metabolism and digestion. It can also help with high blood pressure, heart disease and kidney function. It also contains antioxidants, which are important to our he... Continue reading...
Posted by Meadow Summers. Posted In : Cleansing
December 20, 2011
When I found out I am allergic to dairy products, I was somewhat devastated. Not only did I consume all types of cheese regularly and indulgently, but I drank cow’s milk and ate eggs regularly as well. Discovering the allergy opened my eyes to why I spent so much time not feeling well. In general, for years, I had a constant feeling of unwell. I felt bloated and just plain old.
Eliminating the dairy products from my life made an immediate difference. I wasn’t congested all the time and ... Continue reading...
Posted by Meadow Summers. Posted In : Guides
December 12, 2011
Healthy Dinner Recipes are easy to find these days. But, being a “clean” vegan, or a person who does not eat animal products or processed foods, it can still be a challenge to find a suitable recipe that doesn’t need altering. I can usually tweak most recipes to come up with “clean” versions and when I come across one that I get excited about, I like to share it. I came across the creamed kale recipe on the Whole Life Nutrition Kitchen. A wonderful blog filled with healthy recipes. M...
Posted by Meadow Summers. Posted In : Recipes
December 6, 2011
Cancer is frighteningly mainstream these days. My teenage daughter has attended several funerals. At her young age, several of her friends have lost a parent at the hands of this disease and its harsh, dangerous treatments. Countless other friends have a parent (or two) that have been diagnosed with cancer but have thankfully survived. What is going on?
When I was growing up, cancer was a rare, distant disease that did not affect anyone that I knew personally. It was unheard of that a paren... Continue reading...
Posted by Meadow Summers. Posted In : Healing
December 2, 2011
Green cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable that is rich in phytonutrients. Working against free radicals, phytonutrients actually increase the production of enzymes in our bodies that are increase detoxification in our bodies. Cabbage contains sulfur and iodine both of which encourage cleansing in your body.
This soup is chock full of nutrition. All of the ingredients involved are fresh and unprocessed providing enormous health benefits. The ingredient list is quite long, but the flavors come ... Continue reading...
Posted by Meadow Summers. Posted In : Recipes
November 30, 2011
When winter time comes around, nothing warms me more than homemade soup. Just having it simmering on the stove warms the house and fills it with inviting, delicious smells. Soup is one of my soul foods and I love to put together combinations of foods that I love and creative different recipes that fulfill different cravings I might be having. Sometimes I will crave a light soup, while other times I will be craving more of a stew like concoction. And, still other times a thick, creamy soup wil... Continue reading...
Posted by Meadow Summers. Posted In : Recipes
November 29, 2011
Potatoes are nutritious, versatile and easy to prepare in so many recipes. Perhaps this is why they are one of our most popular vegetables. One medium sized potato provides us with about 5 grams of fiber and 150 calories. They are rich in complex carbohydrates, which can supply us with valuable energy. Potatoes contain vitamin C, B6 and other vitamins and minerals. They are rich in potassium (in fact they contain more than any other vegetable – even bananas). As an electrolyte, potassium ca...
Posted by Meadow Summers. Posted In : Recipes
November 26, 2011
This is a great side dish, especially during the warm summer months. It is completely raw and chock full of fresh, zesty ingredients.
Red cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable. It is a good source of phytonutrients that assist our bodies with detoxification from the daily carginogens to which we are exposed. It is rich in glucosinolates which help the body to develop isothiocyanates - strong cancer fighting properties. Red cabbage is a rich source of Vitamins A and C which are powerful antioxida... Continue reading...
Posted by Meadow Summers. Posted In : Recipes
November 22, 2011
This recipe is one of those old fashioned healthy meals with my own added updates. When I was a kid, my grandmother, then my mom used to make this healthy food regularly. However, with my vegan substitutions, I have cut down the fat content, refined carbohydrates and use only fresh organic broccoli and garlic. It is still a quick, easy meal that is inexpensive to prepare. And, it is filling and nutritious. Broccoli is one of those foods that is packed with nutrients and has strong cancer fight...
Posted by Meadow Summers. Posted In : Recipes
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