So, I'm getting married in October in Los Angeles (exciting!). But, along with the excitement comes the stress of planning a gluten free wedding. Everyone has told me that you won't really eat at your wedding, you are always SO busy. I don't care! I want my wedding to be gluten free! :D
The biggest worry is the cake! So, I contact the only GF bakery in Los Angeles, The Sensitive Baker. I love these guys. Their stuff is amazing. Really, it's the best stuff I've found that I haven't made from stratch myself. Granted, the price tag is a little high, but the food is awesome. I've had cakes from here before for birthdays, etc. So I know that this place is great.
I go and talk to the Sensitive Baker. Apparently, they don't really feel comfortable decorating elaborate cakes. They also don't do tiered cakes. Sadness. But, the woman told me that they bake cakes and then send them over to this bakery called Hansen's Cakes. They try to sell me on it by saying that movie stars shop there (which is the most common thing said about ANY store in LA... this is LA people, you can't impress me with movie stars... they are everywhere).
So I made an appointment there at their main showroom, explained that I had Celiac's, and off I went with my fiance.
THE EXPERIENCE WAS COMPLETELY TERRIBLE!!! Do NOT go to this bakery. I have probably never had as bad of an experience with a company in my life!
When I show up, the woman that I met with was insulting. Every idea I had she looked at me like I had said something offensive. I ask for was a two-tiered white wedding cake with a blue ribbon around each tier (I bring a picture from Martha Stewart Wedding, I want something simple). "You want your cake to be white?!?" "You want your cake to have blue on it?" Every time she gave me this horrible face that basically said, "Well, if you want to ruin your wedding, go right ahead!"
Then comes the cake tasting. They bring me a plate that has white cake and chocolate cake (even though their website says that they offer more varieties, as did the Sensitive Baker). I look at the guy who brought me the cake test pieces and ask, "These are the gluten free ones, right?!?" He looks at me and says, "Oh, I don't know. I just got it from the kitchen." I look at him and say, "Well, can you please check because if I eat this and it's not then I will be very sick for three days." The saleswoman tries to get me to go ahead and eat the pieces he brought. Hum... NO?!? I get sick if I eat a piece of lettuce that touched a cruton, there is NO way I'm flat out eating that much flour!
After the guy returns and assures me the cake he gave was GF, we taste it. The cake they served was NOT the Sensitive Bakers. The cake was dry, terrible tasting, and falling apart. I've had cakes and cupcakes from the Sensitive Baker many times and this was not that! A GF cake mix you get from a store is WAY better!
No one could tell me what of the fillings was gluten free and each person I talked to told me something different. I finally talked to one person who actually seemed to know what was going on and he grabbed me a printout of the ingredients for the cakes. I tell him that the cake ingredients don't look like something that the Sensitive Baker would make and that it sure didn't taste like their recipe. He said that they say that they take the cakes from the Sensitive Baker, but apparently they have started making their own recipe!?!
I went and complained to The Sensitive Baker. The saleswoman woman there told me that this was the first that they had heard of this and they were shocked that Hansen's was selling gluten free cake that wasn't theirs (in violation of their contract... opps!). From the sound of it, doesn't look like Hansen's will have the Sensitive Baker's business for much longer. I'm not sad at all.
So I'm currently trying to work out something. My caterer is seeing if he can find someone else decorate a Sensitive Baker cake for. He said that he uses Cake Divas to decorate vegan cakes from a vegan bakery all the time so we are currently talking with them to see if we could work something out.
In conclusion, DON'T go to Hansen's. The terrible reviews they have online are COMPLETELY true! Don't risked getting glutened (and terrible cake) from this place!!!
30 Kasım 2012 Cuma
Review: Hansen's Cakes
The Celiac Disease Epidemic - Why Gluten-Free isn't enough
By Jordan Reasoner
http://scdlifestyle.com/jordan/
On June 10th 2005 my mom died from Cancer at the age of 52… and I miss her every single day.
I was devastated.It tore me apart.It didn’t make sense.It wasn’t fair.How could this happen?
But looking back, the signs leading up to her cancer revealed a pattern:Lifelong “nervous stomach” (diarrhea, gas, and bloating)
Fertility problems Graves’ disease Endometriosis Migraines Fatigue Anxiety Depression Frequent illness Gallbladder cancer Bile duct cancer Liver cancer
And my own Celiac Disease diagnosis in 2007 affirmed my suspicions.
Lifelong untreated Celiac Disease killed my mom…
Celiac Disease is an exploding epidemicThe latest research estimates 1% of the western population has Celiac Disease (1 in every 133 people) with nearly 3 million people suffering in the United States. Lot’s A LOT of people… but what’s worse is the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center estimates 97% of those with Celiac Disease remain undiagnosed.
So why are so many people unaware they have Celiac Disease?The diagnosis itself can be expensive, time-consuming, and misunderstood. The “gold standard” Celiac diagnosis looks for a positive antibody blood test confirmed by an intestinal biopsy. The biopsy is typically ordered by a Gastroenterologist and gathered in a hospital setting during a procedure called an Endoscopy, costing anywhere from $2,000 – $5,000. For some people, that’s just not an option. It isn’t necessarily a lack of tests that’s the problem - it’s the lack of doing tests in the first place. But I’ll get to that in a moment…
I used to think the Celiac Disease epidemic was there all along… that this meteoric rise in the disease was the result of new medical technology and the growing awareness in mainstream media. But I was wrong… well sort of.
We are getting better at finding it - but recent studies provide solid evidence that a Celiac Disease “explosion” is happening because more people are developing the disease, not just because of better testing. In fact, one study performed at the Mayo Clinic suggests the incidence of Celiac Disease in men has increased 4X since 1948! If that’s not enough to convince you that there’s a tidal wave of Celiac Disease headed for us, let’s follow the money. Private Industry has taken notice of the rising population of gluten-free dieters (not all of which have Celiac Disease).
Look at this data:Gluten-free foods and beverages, once considered specialty items, had a compound annual growth rate of 30% in the U.S. between 2006 and 2010… $2.64 billion in total sales in 2010. New reports estimate it will be a $5.5 Billion market by 2012! Corporations wouldn’t be pumping millions of dollars into a market if they thought it could shrink or slow down anytime soon. Not only have that, but pharmaceutical companies are racing to develop several drug treatments for Celiac Disease. The worst part of this story isn’t just the growing epidemic…
You Could Have Celiac Disease and Not Even Know ItCeliac Disease is an autoimmune condition of the gastrointestinal system triggered by gluten, the protein found in wheat. When people with Celiac Disease are exposed to Gluten it stimulates the immune system to attack and damage the intestinal lining, waging war against its own intestinal tissue (villi). The challenge with Gluten is that it’s virtually ubiquitous in today’s world, found in just about everything… from cereal to lipstick. And because Gluten is in just about everything we eat, drink, and bathe with – it can be tough to avoid. We could conceivably consume Gluten in every aspect of our daily lives.
Lately, public awareness has been growing for the digestive symptoms related to Celiac Disease like diarrhea, gas, cramping, and bloating. It’s a good sign, but one problem lies in the fact that only ½ the people with Celiac Disease actually have significant diarrhea as the primary symptom.
Additionally, the disease has been linked to over 300 different symptoms, many of them subtle and seemingly unrelated to digestive problems. Other symptoms include fatigue, unexplained weight loss, depression, anxiety, joint pain, seizures, muscle cramps and many more.
That’s the problem with undiagnosed Celiac Disease… It’s not a lack of available testing - but a lack of recognizing the need to test for it in the first place. The disease is like a chameleon, sometimes manifesting into symptoms that don’t exactly scream out, “Hey Doc, I’m Celiac Disease.” Couple that with an average family physician 10-20 years out of medical school that’s not current on the latest Celiac Disease research and it’s a losing equation for everyone involved.
That’s what my story was like. After losing my mom in 2005 I started having diarrhea more and more every day… sometimes 10 or more gut-wrenching sessions. I was losing weight and malnourished. And even though I had some “classic” Celiac Disease symptoms, I also had a history of depression, anxiety, “nervous stomach”, chronic fatigue, and low iron.
Over the next year, I continued to go to the doctor with worsening diarrhea and received a different diagnosis each visit. First I got sent home with Fiber, then drugs for IBS, and then a colonoscopy looking for Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s Disease. It was only because of my emotional pleas the gastroenterologist agreed to take a small intestinal biopsy for Celiac Disease.
The bottom line is this: you could have Celiac Disease and not even know it - and your Doctor might not realize it either.
What Happens in Untreated Celiac Disease?
If Celiac Disease goes untreated… it’s not good. Here’s just a few of the increased risk factors from various studies:
- 30% increased risk for GI cancer
- 40X increased risk for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma of the small intestine
- 77X increased risk for lymphoma
- Anemia (3-6%)
- Arthritis (20%)
- Ataxia (40%)
- Cows Milk Intolerance (24%)
- Dermatitis (5%)
- Diabetes-Type 1 (12%)
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (20%)
- Liver Disease (42%)
- Migraine Headaches (4%)
- Nerve Disease and/or Peripheral Neuropathy (51%)
- Obesity (30-40%)
- Osteoporosis (4.5%)
- Low Bone Density (70%)
- Pancreatic & Thyroid Disorders (5-14%)
The Gluten-Free Diet will save your life (maybe)…It’s widely accepted that the first step in treating Celiac Disease is removing gluten from the diet with 100% strictness. In fact, this is the treatment plan copied right from the National Library of Medicine and typical of most doctor-patient conversations after a diagnosis:
Celiac disease cannot be cured. However, your symptoms will go away and the villi in the lining of the intestines will heal if you follow a lifelong gluten-free diet. Do not eat foods, beverages, and medications that contain wheat, barley, rye, and possibly oats. You must read food and medication labels carefully to look for hidden sources of these grains and ingredients related to them. Because wheat and barley grains are common in the American diet, sticking with this diet is challenging. With education and planning, you will heal. While removing gluten exposure is critical to the treatment of the disease… it isn’t THE only treatment. It’s just part of it. The danger lies in the promise that people with Celiac Disease who follow a strict Gluten-Free diet for life will fully heal. I followed a strict Gluten-Free diet for two years with only minor symptom-relief. And it turns out I’m not alone….
The Gluten Free Diet Isn’t Enough…New research suggests that the small intestines of up to 60% of adults never completely heal from Celiac Disease despite following a gluten free diet. In one study of 241 Celiac Patients – small intestine mucosal recovery 2 years after following a Gluten-Free diet was 34% and 5 years later was only 66%. The authors stated: “Mucosal recovery was absent in a substantial portion of adults with CD after treatment with a GFD.” Another study of 465 Celiac patients after 16-months on a Gluten-Free Diet found that: “Complete normalization of duodenal lesions is exceptionally rare in adult coeliac patients despite adherence to GFD”
So in other words, many of these people followed a gluten free diet for years without completely healing the intestinal damage caused by the disease. If the intestinal damage never heals it is no wonder Celiac Disease patients are more likely to experience cancer or some other debilitating disease. That’s incredibly depressing for people with Celiac Disease… especially if their Celiac Disease diagnosis went anything like mine: I’d finally convinced my Gastroenterologist to order an endoscopy after years of horrible diarrhea, fatigue, and depression. A few weeks after the procedure I got a pamphlet in the mail from her called “Living Gluten Free” with a hand-written note that said: “Jordan – tests showed you have Celiac Disease. Follow a Gluten-Free Diet and you’ll be just fine.” Ummm, what? What’s Celiac Disease and what’s gluten?!? How could gluten be causing all these problems in my life? I’ll really be just fine if I change my diet? I can’t help but wonder how many people around the world get thesame prescription I did and feel desperate when the Gluten-Free Diet doesn’t work.
But here’s what I do know: when I followed a strict Gluten-Free diet for 2 years believing I would be “just fine” and STILL had diarrhea 5-10 times a day, I came face-to-face with insanity. In fact, things got a little scary when I was absolutely convinced I was getting “gluten contamination” from everything (like the dishwasher, cooking pans, silverware, water, air, kissing, breathing, whatever). It reached the lowest point when I thought I couldn’t eat anywhere but my own kitchen without getting “glutened.” But the reality is: it wasn’t gluten contamination at all. The gluten free diet wasn’t working for me…
How to tell if The Gluten Free Diet isn’t working for youIf you have Celiac Disease and you’re following a Gluten-Free diet - but still experiencing any of these symptoms, the Gluten-Free Diet isn’t working for you either. (Remember: Celiac Disease symptoms may or may not occur in the digestive system).Recurring bloating and cramping Chronic or recurrent diarrhea Constipation Nausea Liver and biliary tract disorders Weight loss Pale, foul-smelling stool Iron-deficiency anemia unresponsive to iron therapy Fatigue Arthralgia Tingling numbness in the legs Sores inside the mouth Skin rashes/acne Tooth discoloration or loss of enamel Unexplained infertility or recurrent miscarriage Osteopenia or osteoporosis Anxiety or Depression
Each of these symptoms can present themselves as part of Celiac Disease and simply removing gluten can help. Many people even see a disappearance of random symptoms after they go gluten free. However, if you have Celiac Disease and any of the these symptoms are still present… even on a Gluten-Free Diet, it’s likely gluten free isn’t working for you. It might be providing some relief, but it’s not healing the underlying damage in your gut… which dramatically increases your risk for cancer and the other diseases I just mentioned. That doesn’t mean all hope is lost either….
Why My Mom’s Story Matters to YouMy mom is a prime example of what can happen when Celiac Disease goes undiagnosed and untreated. She suffered through stomach pain, an irradiated thyroid, rounds of chemotherapy, and an early medical retirement from her career. Above all – we lost her too early.
That’s part of the reason I fought for my diagnosis - why I pressed my doctors to get the tests I wanted. Why I followed my Gluten-Free prescription with the strictest adherence. Yet I still suffered from life threatening symptoms. So much so that I wrote my first will at the age of 24 because I didn’t think I’d live much longer unless they miraculously figured out what else was wrong with me. Then I got lucky and found a new doctor with new ideas about what it meant to treat Celiac Disease. A new doctor, that finally helped me stop my diarrhea for the first time in 6 years.
I’m one of the majority - One of the 60% that didn’t get better from a Gluten-Free diet alone. I needed to do more to treat my Celiac Disease. Jordan
Carolanne LeBlanc Email: GlutenFreeInFlorida@Yahoo.com FaceBook: www.facebook.com/glutenfree.inflorida E-group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GlutenFreeInFlorida Meeting: Cypress Palms, 400 Lake Avenue N E, Largo, FL 33771
Healing...Gluten-Free, what's to eat??
People simply want to feel better. That’s not so hard to understand. But what people need to remember is that the first step is to heal the damage that’s already been done and if that took years to happen it might take time to repair. So be you need to be patient.
Sometimes the best thing to do is to stop a moment, take a step back and begin again with a slower approach. Yes, you want the Gluten out of your life – but it's not going to happen overnight. Give yourself a little time. I normally ask people to dedicate the first 6 weeks to just cleaning up their diet. Go back to basics. Instead of lamenting over what you can’t eat…why not focus on what you can.
This is a list of ‘beginner’ foods, things that are good for the body, pretty easy to digest and a great place to start. Use your common sense. If something makes you sick, don’t eat it. If you have a hard time digesting food try soups and soft cooked foods at first. Remember the goal is to give your intestines a break…not create more work. There is nothing processed - if it comes in a can or box just put it back on the shelf. Do most of your shopping around the outer edges of the grocery store. Fresh or frozen is great…but make certain there are no ‘added’ ingredients. If you’re drinking juices…add an equal amount of filtered water. Stay away from the sugar…that’s a simple rule many of us should follow. If you like your coffe or tea just remember to make it a bit weaker for a while.
Allspice
Almond butter
Almond milk
Almond oil
Almonds
Anchovies
Apple Cider
Apples
Apricots
Artichokes
Asiago cheese
Asparagus
Aspartame
Avocadoes
Avocado oil
Bacon
Baking soda
Bananas
Bay Leaf
Basil
Beef
Beets
Berries
Black beans
Black radish
Blue cheese
Bok Choy
Bourbon
Brazil nuts
Brick cheese
Brie cheese
Broccoli
Brussell sprout
Butter
Cabbage
Camembert
Canola oil
Cantaloupe
Capers
Carrots
Cashews
Cauliflower
Celery Root
Celery
Chard
Cheddar
Cherries
Chestnuts
Cilantro
Cinnamon
Club soda
Coconut
Coconut milk
Coconut oil
Coffee
Collard greens
Colby cheese
Corn oil
Courgette
Cranberry
Cucumbers
Custard apple
Dates
Cottage Cheese
Echinacea
Edam cheese
Eggplant
Eggs
Filberts
Figs
Fish
Flax seed oil
Fowl
Garlic
Gelatin
Ghee
Gin
Ginger
Gorgonzola
Gouda cheese
Grape juice
Grapefruit
Grapes
Grapeseed oil
Green tea
Gruyere
Ham
Haricot beans
Havarti cheese
Hazelnuts
Honey
Jalapenos
Kale
Kidney beans
Kimchi
Kiwi fruit
Kumquats
Lamb
Leek
Lecithin
Lemons
Lentils
Lettuce
Lima beans
Limburger
Limes
Macadamia
Macadamia oil
Manchego Cheese
Mangoes
Mead
Meats
Melon
Monterey Jack
Muenster
Mushrooms
Mustard
Navy beans
Nectarines
Nutmeg
Olive oil
Olives
Onions
Orange juice
Oranges
Oregano
Papayas
Paprika
Parmesan
Parsley
Passion Fruit
Peaches
Peanut butter
Peanut Oil
Peanuts
Pears
Peas
Pecans
Peppermint tea
Peppers
Persimmons
Pickles (dill)
Pine nuts
Pineapple
Pistachio nuts
Plums
Pork
Pork Rinds
Poultry
Provolone
Prunes
Pumpkin
Raisins
Rhubarb
Romano
Roquefort
Rosemary
Rutabaga
Saccharine
Safflower oil
Sage
Salt
Sashimi
Saurkraut
Scotch whisky
Sesame oil
Shellfish
Spearmint Tea
Spices
Spinach
Split peas
Squash
Stilton cheese
String beans
Sunflower oil
Swede
Swiss cheese
Tabasco sauce
Tangerines
Tarragon
Tea
Thyme
Tomato juice
Tomatoes
Vanillin
Vinegar
Vodka
Walnuts
Walnut oil
Wasabi
Water chestnut
Watercress
Watermelon
Wine
Yoghurt
Zucchini
Carolanne LeBlanc
Email: GlutenFreeInFlorida@Yahoo.com
FaceBook: www.facebook.com/glutenfree.inflorida
E-group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GlutenFreeInFlorida
Meeting: Cypress Palms, 400 Lake Avenue N E, Largo, FL 33771
Time to Make Rugelach Cookies
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The traditional fillings are apricot jam, cinnamon nut, and chocolate, but some cooks use raspberry jam, pistachio nut filling or even Nutella.
Rugelach are a traditional cookie for Hanukkah (also spelled Chanukkah), but they are good anytime! With more "sophisticated" fillings like pistachio, and apricot, they would be great for an adult holiday gathering.
Recipes for Rugelach
This is pretty much the recipe that I use but I use apricot jam or chocolate for the filling -
Jewish Rugelach Recipe
This recipe uses chocolate and cinnamon in the filling. Oh, yum!
Israeli Chocolate Rugelach Recipe
Rugelach recipe from Hershey's Kitchens has chocolate walnut filling -
Hershey's Kitchen Rugelach
This Rugelach recipe from King Arthur Flour includes pictures to show the process of preparing your rugelach cookies for baking!
Holiday Baking Traditions - Rugelach
Want to learn more about Hanukkah?
Hanukkah begins the evening of Saturday, December 8th, and continues through Sunday, December 16th.
What is Chanukkah?
What is Hanukkah?
Can Zinc and Selenium Counteract Mercury's Effects on ADHD and Autism?
Mercury, an unwanted side-effect of the omega-3 rich fish oil treatment strategy for both ADHD and autistic spectrum disorders may be counteracted by Selenium and Zinc:
It's a catch-22 of the ADHD world. We've been told to feed ourselves and our kids as much of the omega-3 rich cold water fish as we can muster in order to balance their dietary fats and the subsequent hormonal effects. On the other hand, we're supposed to curb our fish product consumption for fear of mercury. Are there any other options beyond digging into our wallets for the pricey low-mercury wild organic salmon of the Pacific?
Why mercury is so toxic for the brain:
In general, (as one would probably expect) if a metal or compound can be cleared from the body easily, then the risk of toxicity is generally much lower. However, if the material cannot be easily cleared from the system, it can begin to build up in specific tissues or regions of the body.
Unfortunately, the brain is one of those target organs that has an almost magnetic pull for the heavy metal. While the digestive system can partially metabolize mercury into organic mercury-containing compounds, these compounds can make their way across the protective blood-brain barrier (a barrier meant to restrict the access of chemicals in the blood from passing into the brain, however, several harmful organic compounds can make their way across this barrier with relative ease).
In general, fatty acids penetrate the blood brain barrier relatively well, and these important fish fats and oils can make perfect delivery vehicles for some of these toxic compounds. In other words, mercury in fish and fish oil products can be exceptionally hard to isolate or remove from the brain.
Further complicating the matter is the problem of oxidation, especially in the brain tissue. While all organs and tissues of the body can suffer from oxidative damage (think of the biochemical equivalent of rusting or corrosion), the brain, due to its high fat content, is especially susceptible to this harmful oxidation. It is here in the brain that the mercury can become trapped and promote these dangerous oxidative processes.
Mercury and corn syrup: A hidden danger for the ADHD child?
The sugar/hyperactivity debate has been around for ages, although most of the recent evidence often refutes this commonly held assertion. Nevertheless, several nutritionists swear by their convictions about this association. So who is right?
This blogger personally believes that there is an association between sugar and ADHD-like symptoms, but this connection is likely due to secondary factors. Let me explain:
Consumption of high concentrations of sugary foods and beverages can be a metabolically taxing and stressful process on the body. The enzyme systems necessary to metabolize high quantities of sugars are dependent on an ample supply of vitamin and mineral "cofactors" (these will be discussed in more detail later on in this post), or agents that help the enzymes function propertly.
If overtaxed (as by consuming large quantities of soda or candy, for example), these vitamin and mineral cofactors can be rapidly depleted. Common cofactors such as iron, copper, zinc and selenium can be depleted in glucose (sugar) metabolism.
Interestingly, deficiencies in zinc and iron (especially when comorbid sleep disorders including restless legs syndrome are present alongside the ADHD) are common in the ADHD population. In fact, iron may be the underpinning biological factor in an alleged genetic link between ADHD and restless legs syndrome. We will be discussing the role of selenium in ADHD shortly.
Additionally, this depletion can have an effect on the antioxidant levels of the individual including a lowering of levels of pools of the important antioxidant reduced glutathione (we will be investigating the importance of glutathione later on in this post). There is some evidence of ADHD symptoms in adults being at least partially attributed to antioxidant imbalance.
In addition, the insulin rush, surge and fallout from consumption of a sugary meal can also wreak havoc on hormonal balances (including adrenaline, a chemical cousin to several neuro-chemical agents which are often seen to be off-kilter in most ADHD cases). We will save this discussion and go into more detail on the role of sugar consumption and hyperactivity and attentional deficits in later posts.
Returning to the main topic of our post (from our tangent here!), some forms of sugar may also have other hidden dangers with relevance to our post here on mercury and ADHD and related disorders. The processing and manufacturing of high fructose corn syrup (one of the most common and readily available sweetening agents in North America and much of the Westernized world), may actually leave detectable levels of mercury in the sweetener (which, the study also attributes to causing a zinc loss).
As a result, consumption of high levels of corn syrup at least has the potential to up our intake of mercury. If the mercury/autism/ADHD connection holds true, then this is one more (indirect) way in which sugary foods can increase the risk of inattention and hyperactivity associated with the disorder.
Can chelation therapy be used to effectively remove the mercury in our systems?
Our first thought might be to enlist the help of chemical agents which could pull the mercury or other toxic (and easily oxidizable metals) out of our systems.
A recent study has highlighted some possible alternatives on the mercury-fish-ADHD dilemma. One of the strategies involves the use of chelating materials. The word "chelate" comes from the Greek word "claw", and refers to an important chemical property in which a non-metallic compound can tightly bind to or "pick" up a specific type of metal and pull it away.
Ethylenediamenetetraacetic Acid or EDTA, is one of the most well-known chelating agents for removing metals and mineral deposits from hard water, and even has some reported health implications for removing crusty hardening from human arteries.
In theory, it sounds like this may be a good treatment option for removing toxic metals or oxidizing agents from the brains and digestive tracts of children with ADHD and related disorders (i.e. the autism-mercury controversy?).
On the flip side, chelation therapy can be dangerous, especially for children, due, in part, to the fact that the chelating agents are often non-specific for their target metals. This highlights a classic problem in medical research, the rift between theory and practice.
For example, some versions or derivatives of EDTA can "pick up" or remove significant amounts of the important mineral calcium (which, in addition to its role in skeletal function is an extremely important mineral in regulating heart rhythms, and optimizing nervous system function, among other things) along with the desired heavy metals lead and mercury. Cases of deaths due to this chelation therapy for autism have been reported, and recent clinical trials for chelation therapy for autism have been halted.
Enzyme systems: Nature's alternatives to organic chelating agents?
Fortunately, our bodies contain a number of powerful enzymes which not only can protect our brain and other important organs from oxidative damage, but actually help remove harmful or toxic materials from our systems.
However, in order for these enzymes to work at optimal levels, they must be constantly equipped with adequate levels of helpful nutrients or cofactors. Cofactors, often come in the form of our dietary vitamins and minerals, such as zinc, iron, magnesium, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, etc., and are required by numerous enzymes in order for the enzymes to work at peak efficiency. Not surprisingly, several of these cofactors have been discussed for their relevance to ADHD in earlier postings of this blog (see links on nutrients listed above)
This is why nutrient deficiencies can be so hazardous, because literally hundreds or even thousands of enzyme systems may be in jeopardy if our bodies are deficient in just a handful of nutrients.
Two of these important enzyme system and enzyme products are the metallothionein enzyme and the peptide glutathione (which is not an enzyme, but is synthesized via several enzymes and is sensitive to the balance between oxidant and antioxidant levels).
Metallothionein has been implicated in a number of studies concerning the enzyme's relationship to autism. One theory holds that children with autism have either lower levels of this enzyme or higher levels of antibodies to the enzyme (in which the body essentially attacks its own enzyme system as part of the idea of autism being an auto-immune disorder).
While a small amount or research out there supports these claims, it is important to note that these findings are far from universal. In fact, most of the recent body of literature refutes the claim outright. One study in particular negated both the observation that metallothionein was lower in autistic children or that higher levels of antibodies to the enzyme were present in autistic children. On the other hand, lower levels of the antioxidant glutathione are often seen in cases of autism.
(Blogger's note: the reason I'm going into so much detail about autism is because the high degree of symptomal overlap between ADHD and disorders of the autistic spectrum, as well as the high degree of overlap between nutrient deficiencies concerning the two disorders).
The role of selenium and zinc in the processes of the enzyme metallothionein and the antioxidant glutathione:
We have seen in previous cases how boosting levels of one metal in the body can offset the negative effects of another such as the case of iron combatting the harmful effects of lead in ADHD.
It appears that the metallothionein function in autism is intricately tied to copper-zinc ratios, and an excess of copper (or deficiency of zinc) can hinder this enzyme's effectiveness (the presence of heavy metals such as mercury are believed to be at least partially responsible for this skewed zinc-to-copper ratio). Interestingly, significantly higher copper to zinc ratios have also been seen in ADHD children in recent studies. In addition, the transport or delivery of zinc to its desired targets may be dependent on the antioxidant functions of glutathione and the mineral selenium.
While copper and zinc balances have been studied extensively with their relationship to ADHD (here's an earlier post on ten ways zinc can counteract ADHD symptoms, or how zinc can boost the effectiveness of ADHD medications), selenium may be a "sleeper" as far as important minerals for ADHD symptom treatment goes.
While selenium is unlikely to unseat "heavyweight" minerals such as zinc, iron and magnesium for ADHD treatment, selenium is an important mineral for maintaining proper antioxidant balances, either directly (as an antioxidant itself) or indirectly (via its incorporation into selenium-dependent enzymes). The latter is evidenced by a number of important enzymes such as the dependence of the important antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase on selenium.
However, given selenium's wide range of potential benefits (selenium has been implicated as an anti-cancer agent in a number of studies), it appears that this often unheralded mineral may be a useful auxiliary agent in ADHD treatment.
To conclude this message, we must remember that nutrients often work best in combos, not in isolation. This (in this blogger's humble opinion), is why so many nutritional methods which attempt to combat ADHD often fail, in that they often fail to see this interconnection between nutrient interactions. They often instruct the individual to ramp up the dosage of only one or two nutrient which are believed to be deficient, and neglect to take into account the important roles of these supporting nutrient systems as a whole.
We have seen in other postings how omega-3 fatty acids often work well with antioxidants, as well as omega-3's and carnitine for treating ADHD via nutritional methods. Vitamin C can work in tandem with vitamin E as an antioxidant supplement duo, and recent evidence suggests that vitamin C and flax oil may also be a good combo for ADHD as well. Several studies have indicated that magnesium works well with Vitamin B6 (as well as other B vitamins) as an ADHD treatment method. Zinc may also work well with omega-3's as well as vitamin B6, and now, as we have seen, potentially with selenium, as an antidote to mercury's oxidative and toxic effects.
It is imperative that we recognize the importance of these nutrients both alone and in combination, including their potential abilities to counteract chemical agents which may either cause or exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
29 Kasım 2012 Perşembe
Can Zinc and Selenium Counteract Mercury's Effects on ADHD and Autism?
Mercury, an unwanted side-effect of the omega-3 rich fish oil treatment strategy for both ADHD and autistic spectrum disorders may be counteracted by Selenium and Zinc:
It's a catch-22 of the ADHD world. We've been told to feed ourselves and our kids as much of the omega-3 rich cold water fish as we can muster in order to balance their dietary fats and the subsequent hormonal effects. On the other hand, we're supposed to curb our fish product consumption for fear of mercury. Are there any other options beyond digging into our wallets for the pricey low-mercury wild organic salmon of the Pacific?
Why mercury is so toxic for the brain:
In general, (as one would probably expect) if a metal or compound can be cleared from the body easily, then the risk of toxicity is generally much lower. However, if the material cannot be easily cleared from the system, it can begin to build up in specific tissues or regions of the body.
Unfortunately, the brain is one of those target organs that has an almost magnetic pull for the heavy metal. While the digestive system can partially metabolize mercury into organic mercury-containing compounds, these compounds can make their way across the protective blood-brain barrier (a barrier meant to restrict the access of chemicals in the blood from passing into the brain, however, several harmful organic compounds can make their way across this barrier with relative ease).
In general, fatty acids penetrate the blood brain barrier relatively well, and these important fish fats and oils can make perfect delivery vehicles for some of these toxic compounds. In other words, mercury in fish and fish oil products can be exceptionally hard to isolate or remove from the brain.
Further complicating the matter is the problem of oxidation, especially in the brain tissue. While all organs and tissues of the body can suffer from oxidative damage (think of the biochemical equivalent of rusting or corrosion), the brain, due to its high fat content, is especially susceptible to this harmful oxidation. It is here in the brain that the mercury can become trapped and promote these dangerous oxidative processes.
Mercury and corn syrup: A hidden danger for the ADHD child?
The sugar/hyperactivity debate has been around for ages, although most of the recent evidence often refutes this commonly held assertion. Nevertheless, several nutritionists swear by their convictions about this association. So who is right?
This blogger personally believes that there is an association between sugar and ADHD-like symptoms, but this connection is likely due to secondary factors. Let me explain:
Consumption of high concentrations of sugary foods and beverages can be a metabolically taxing and stressful process on the body. The enzyme systems necessary to metabolize high quantities of sugars are dependent on an ample supply of vitamin and mineral "cofactors" (these will be discussed in more detail later on in this post), or agents that help the enzymes function propertly.
If overtaxed (as by consuming large quantities of soda or candy, for example), these vitamin and mineral cofactors can be rapidly depleted. Common cofactors such as iron, copper, zinc and selenium can be depleted in glucose (sugar) metabolism.
Interestingly, deficiencies in zinc and iron (especially when comorbid sleep disorders including restless legs syndrome are present alongside the ADHD) are common in the ADHD population. In fact, iron may be the underpinning biological factor in an alleged genetic link between ADHD and restless legs syndrome. We will be discussing the role of selenium in ADHD shortly.
Additionally, this depletion can have an effect on the antioxidant levels of the individual including a lowering of levels of pools of the important antioxidant reduced glutathione (we will be investigating the importance of glutathione later on in this post). There is some evidence of ADHD symptoms in adults being at least partially attributed to antioxidant imbalance.
In addition, the insulin rush, surge and fallout from consumption of a sugary meal can also wreak havoc on hormonal balances (including adrenaline, a chemical cousin to several neuro-chemical agents which are often seen to be off-kilter in most ADHD cases). We will save this discussion and go into more detail on the role of sugar consumption and hyperactivity and attentional deficits in later posts.
Returning to the main topic of our post (from our tangent here!), some forms of sugar may also have other hidden dangers with relevance to our post here on mercury and ADHD and related disorders. The processing and manufacturing of high fructose corn syrup (one of the most common and readily available sweetening agents in North America and much of the Westernized world), may actually leave detectable levels of mercury in the sweetener (which, the study also attributes to causing a zinc loss).
As a result, consumption of high levels of corn syrup at least has the potential to up our intake of mercury. If the mercury/autism/ADHD connection holds true, then this is one more (indirect) way in which sugary foods can increase the risk of inattention and hyperactivity associated with the disorder.
Can chelation therapy be used to effectively remove the mercury in our systems?
Our first thought might be to enlist the help of chemical agents which could pull the mercury or other toxic (and easily oxidizable metals) out of our systems.
A recent study has highlighted some possible alternatives on the mercury-fish-ADHD dilemma. One of the strategies involves the use of chelating materials. The word "chelate" comes from the Greek word "claw", and refers to an important chemical property in which a non-metallic compound can tightly bind to or "pick" up a specific type of metal and pull it away.
Ethylenediamenetetraacetic Acid or EDTA, is one of the most well-known chelating agents for removing metals and mineral deposits from hard water, and even has some reported health implications for removing crusty hardening from human arteries.
In theory, it sounds like this may be a good treatment option for removing toxic metals or oxidizing agents from the brains and digestive tracts of children with ADHD and related disorders (i.e. the autism-mercury controversy?).
On the flip side, chelation therapy can be dangerous, especially for children, due, in part, to the fact that the chelating agents are often non-specific for their target metals. This highlights a classic problem in medical research, the rift between theory and practice.
For example, some versions or derivatives of EDTA can "pick up" or remove significant amounts of the important mineral calcium (which, in addition to its role in skeletal function is an extremely important mineral in regulating heart rhythms, and optimizing nervous system function, among other things) along with the desired heavy metals lead and mercury. Cases of deaths due to this chelation therapy for autism have been reported, and recent clinical trials for chelation therapy for autism have been halted.
Enzyme systems: Nature's alternatives to organic chelating agents?
Fortunately, our bodies contain a number of powerful enzymes which not only can protect our brain and other important organs from oxidative damage, but actually help remove harmful or toxic materials from our systems.
However, in order for these enzymes to work at optimal levels, they must be constantly equipped with adequate levels of helpful nutrients or cofactors. Cofactors, often come in the form of our dietary vitamins and minerals, such as zinc, iron, magnesium, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, etc., and are required by numerous enzymes in order for the enzymes to work at peak efficiency. Not surprisingly, several of these cofactors have been discussed for their relevance to ADHD in earlier postings of this blog (see links on nutrients listed above)
This is why nutrient deficiencies can be so hazardous, because literally hundreds or even thousands of enzyme systems may be in jeopardy if our bodies are deficient in just a handful of nutrients.
Two of these important enzyme system and enzyme products are the metallothionein enzyme and the peptide glutathione (which is not an enzyme, but is synthesized via several enzymes and is sensitive to the balance between oxidant and antioxidant levels).
Metallothionein has been implicated in a number of studies concerning the enzyme's relationship to autism. One theory holds that children with autism have either lower levels of this enzyme or higher levels of antibodies to the enzyme (in which the body essentially attacks its own enzyme system as part of the idea of autism being an auto-immune disorder).
While a small amount or research out there supports these claims, it is important to note that these findings are far from universal. In fact, most of the recent body of literature refutes the claim outright. One study in particular negated both the observation that metallothionein was lower in autistic children or that higher levels of antibodies to the enzyme were present in autistic children. On the other hand, lower levels of the antioxidant glutathione are often seen in cases of autism.
(Blogger's note: the reason I'm going into so much detail about autism is because the high degree of symptomal overlap between ADHD and disorders of the autistic spectrum, as well as the high degree of overlap between nutrient deficiencies concerning the two disorders).
The role of selenium and zinc in the processes of the enzyme metallothionein and the antioxidant glutathione:
We have seen in previous cases how boosting levels of one metal in the body can offset the negative effects of another such as the case of iron combatting the harmful effects of lead in ADHD.
It appears that the metallothionein function in autism is intricately tied to copper-zinc ratios, and an excess of copper (or deficiency of zinc) can hinder this enzyme's effectiveness (the presence of heavy metals such as mercury are believed to be at least partially responsible for this skewed zinc-to-copper ratio). Interestingly, significantly higher copper to zinc ratios have also been seen in ADHD children in recent studies. In addition, the transport or delivery of zinc to its desired targets may be dependent on the antioxidant functions of glutathione and the mineral selenium.
While copper and zinc balances have been studied extensively with their relationship to ADHD (here's an earlier post on ten ways zinc can counteract ADHD symptoms, or how zinc can boost the effectiveness of ADHD medications), selenium may be a "sleeper" as far as important minerals for ADHD symptom treatment goes.
While selenium is unlikely to unseat "heavyweight" minerals such as zinc, iron and magnesium for ADHD treatment, selenium is an important mineral for maintaining proper antioxidant balances, either directly (as an antioxidant itself) or indirectly (via its incorporation into selenium-dependent enzymes). The latter is evidenced by a number of important enzymes such as the dependence of the important antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase on selenium.
However, given selenium's wide range of potential benefits (selenium has been implicated as an anti-cancer agent in a number of studies), it appears that this often unheralded mineral may be a useful auxiliary agent in ADHD treatment.
To conclude this message, we must remember that nutrients often work best in combos, not in isolation. This (in this blogger's humble opinion), is why so many nutritional methods which attempt to combat ADHD often fail, in that they often fail to see this interconnection between nutrient interactions. They often instruct the individual to ramp up the dosage of only one or two nutrient which are believed to be deficient, and neglect to take into account the important roles of these supporting nutrient systems as a whole.
We have seen in other postings how omega-3 fatty acids often work well with antioxidants, as well as omega-3's and carnitine for treating ADHD via nutritional methods. Vitamin C can work in tandem with vitamin E as an antioxidant supplement duo, and recent evidence suggests that vitamin C and flax oil may also be a good combo for ADHD as well. Several studies have indicated that magnesium works well with Vitamin B6 (as well as other B vitamins) as an ADHD treatment method. Zinc may also work well with omega-3's as well as vitamin B6, and now, as we have seen, potentially with selenium, as an antidote to mercury's oxidative and toxic effects.
It is imperative that we recognize the importance of these nutrients both alone and in combination, including their potential abilities to counteract chemical agents which may either cause or exacerbate ADHD symptoms.
Eat the Garnish (It's Good for You!)
of Maryland finds that microgreens pack a higher density of
antioxidants called carotenoids, plus vitamins C, E and K1. We
suspect younger vegetables store nutrients to help them grow
later on, says author Qin Wang, PhD. Well-endowed varieties:
cilantro, red cabbage, and green daikon radish."
-Health Magazine, December 2012
Early Birds Feel Chipper All Day Long
A recent University of Toronto study finds early risers
generally have a more positive outlook on life than their
sleepyhead counterparts. One possible reason? They
max out daily exposure to morning light, which boosts
mood-lifting serotonin. If you're a night owl, look at these
tips for how to rise-and shine early.
Move your wake-up time back in 10-minute increments
over the course of a few days-your body will more easily
acclimate to the change.
Stick to your schedule on weekends as much as possible.
Waking up around your normal weekday hour at least
one weekend morning can help your body stay on track.
Maximize exposure to natural rays by putting on your makeup
or eating breakfast in front of a window. Even better, take a
quick walk before you head to work."
-Health Magazine, November 2012
The Celiac Disease Epidemic - Why Gluten-Free isn't enough
By Jordan Reasoner
http://scdlifestyle.com/jordan/
On June 10th 2005 my mom died from Cancer at the age of 52… and I miss her every single day.
I was devastated.It tore me apart.It didn’t make sense.It wasn’t fair.How could this happen?
But looking back, the signs leading up to her cancer revealed a pattern:Lifelong “nervous stomach” (diarrhea, gas, and bloating)
Fertility problems Graves’ disease Endometriosis Migraines Fatigue Anxiety Depression Frequent illness Gallbladder cancer Bile duct cancer Liver cancer
And my own Celiac Disease diagnosis in 2007 affirmed my suspicions.
Lifelong untreated Celiac Disease killed my mom…
Celiac Disease is an exploding epidemicThe latest research estimates 1% of the western population has Celiac Disease (1 in every 133 people) with nearly 3 million people suffering in the United States. Lot’s A LOT of people… but what’s worse is the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center estimates 97% of those with Celiac Disease remain undiagnosed.
So why are so many people unaware they have Celiac Disease?The diagnosis itself can be expensive, time-consuming, and misunderstood. The “gold standard” Celiac diagnosis looks for a positive antibody blood test confirmed by an intestinal biopsy. The biopsy is typically ordered by a Gastroenterologist and gathered in a hospital setting during a procedure called an Endoscopy, costing anywhere from $2,000 – $5,000. For some people, that’s just not an option. It isn’t necessarily a lack of tests that’s the problem - it’s the lack of doing tests in the first place. But I’ll get to that in a moment…
I used to think the Celiac Disease epidemic was there all along… that this meteoric rise in the disease was the result of new medical technology and the growing awareness in mainstream media. But I was wrong… well sort of.
We are getting better at finding it - but recent studies provide solid evidence that a Celiac Disease “explosion” is happening because more people are developing the disease, not just because of better testing. In fact, one study performed at the Mayo Clinic suggests the incidence of Celiac Disease in men has increased 4X since 1948! If that’s not enough to convince you that there’s a tidal wave of Celiac Disease headed for us, let’s follow the money. Private Industry has taken notice of the rising population of gluten-free dieters (not all of which have Celiac Disease).
Look at this data:Gluten-free foods and beverages, once considered specialty items, had a compound annual growth rate of 30% in the U.S. between 2006 and 2010… $2.64 billion in total sales in 2010. New reports estimate it will be a $5.5 Billion market by 2012! Corporations wouldn’t be pumping millions of dollars into a market if they thought it could shrink or slow down anytime soon. Not only have that, but pharmaceutical companies are racing to develop several drug treatments for Celiac Disease. The worst part of this story isn’t just the growing epidemic…
You Could Have Celiac Disease and Not Even Know ItCeliac Disease is an autoimmune condition of the gastrointestinal system triggered by gluten, the protein found in wheat. When people with Celiac Disease are exposed to Gluten it stimulates the immune system to attack and damage the intestinal lining, waging war against its own intestinal tissue (villi). The challenge with Gluten is that it’s virtually ubiquitous in today’s world, found in just about everything… from cereal to lipstick. And because Gluten is in just about everything we eat, drink, and bathe with – it can be tough to avoid. We could conceivably consume Gluten in every aspect of our daily lives.
Lately, public awareness has been growing for the digestive symptoms related to Celiac Disease like diarrhea, gas, cramping, and bloating. It’s a good sign, but one problem lies in the fact that only ½ the people with Celiac Disease actually have significant diarrhea as the primary symptom.
Additionally, the disease has been linked to over 300 different symptoms, many of them subtle and seemingly unrelated to digestive problems. Other symptoms include fatigue, unexplained weight loss, depression, anxiety, joint pain, seizures, muscle cramps and many more.
That’s the problem with undiagnosed Celiac Disease… It’s not a lack of available testing - but a lack of recognizing the need to test for it in the first place. The disease is like a chameleon, sometimes manifesting into symptoms that don’t exactly scream out, “Hey Doc, I’m Celiac Disease.” Couple that with an average family physician 10-20 years out of medical school that’s not current on the latest Celiac Disease research and it’s a losing equation for everyone involved.
That’s what my story was like. After losing my mom in 2005 I started having diarrhea more and more every day… sometimes 10 or more gut-wrenching sessions. I was losing weight and malnourished. And even though I had some “classic” Celiac Disease symptoms, I also had a history of depression, anxiety, “nervous stomach”, chronic fatigue, and low iron.
Over the next year, I continued to go to the doctor with worsening diarrhea and received a different diagnosis each visit. First I got sent home with Fiber, then drugs for IBS, and then a colonoscopy looking for Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn’s Disease. It was only because of my emotional pleas the gastroenterologist agreed to take a small intestinal biopsy for Celiac Disease.
The bottom line is this: you could have Celiac Disease and not even know it - and your Doctor might not realize it either.
What Happens in Untreated Celiac Disease?
If Celiac Disease goes untreated… it’s not good. Here’s just a few of the increased risk factors from various studies:
- 30% increased risk for GI cancer
- 40X increased risk for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma of the small intestine
- 77X increased risk for lymphoma
- Anemia (3-6%)
- Arthritis (20%)
- Ataxia (40%)
- Cows Milk Intolerance (24%)
- Dermatitis (5%)
- Diabetes-Type 1 (12%)
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (20%)
- Liver Disease (42%)
- Migraine Headaches (4%)
- Nerve Disease and/or Peripheral Neuropathy (51%)
- Obesity (30-40%)
- Osteoporosis (4.5%)
- Low Bone Density (70%)
- Pancreatic & Thyroid Disorders (5-14%)
The Gluten-Free Diet will save your life (maybe)…It’s widely accepted that the first step in treating Celiac Disease is removing gluten from the diet with 100% strictness. In fact, this is the treatment plan copied right from the National Library of Medicine and typical of most doctor-patient conversations after a diagnosis:
Celiac disease cannot be cured. However, your symptoms will go away and the villi in the lining of the intestines will heal if you follow a lifelong gluten-free diet. Do not eat foods, beverages, and medications that contain wheat, barley, rye, and possibly oats. You must read food and medication labels carefully to look for hidden sources of these grains and ingredients related to them. Because wheat and barley grains are common in the American diet, sticking with this diet is challenging. With education and planning, you will heal. While removing gluten exposure is critical to the treatment of the disease… it isn’t THE only treatment. It’s just part of it. The danger lies in the promise that people with Celiac Disease who follow a strict Gluten-Free diet for life will fully heal. I followed a strict Gluten-Free diet for two years with only minor symptom-relief. And it turns out I’m not alone….
The Gluten Free Diet Isn’t Enough…New research suggests that the small intestines of up to 60% of adults never completely heal from Celiac Disease despite following a gluten free diet. In one study of 241 Celiac Patients – small intestine mucosal recovery 2 years after following a Gluten-Free diet was 34% and 5 years later was only 66%. The authors stated: “Mucosal recovery was absent in a substantial portion of adults with CD after treatment with a GFD.” Another study of 465 Celiac patients after 16-months on a Gluten-Free Diet found that: “Complete normalization of duodenal lesions is exceptionally rare in adult coeliac patients despite adherence to GFD”
So in other words, many of these people followed a gluten free diet for years without completely healing the intestinal damage caused by the disease. If the intestinal damage never heals it is no wonder Celiac Disease patients are more likely to experience cancer or some other debilitating disease. That’s incredibly depressing for people with Celiac Disease… especially if their Celiac Disease diagnosis went anything like mine: I’d finally convinced my Gastroenterologist to order an endoscopy after years of horrible diarrhea, fatigue, and depression. A few weeks after the procedure I got a pamphlet in the mail from her called “Living Gluten Free” with a hand-written note that said: “Jordan – tests showed you have Celiac Disease. Follow a Gluten-Free Diet and you’ll be just fine.” Ummm, what? What’s Celiac Disease and what’s gluten?!? How could gluten be causing all these problems in my life? I’ll really be just fine if I change my diet? I can’t help but wonder how many people around the world get thesame prescription I did and feel desperate when the Gluten-Free Diet doesn’t work.
But here’s what I do know: when I followed a strict Gluten-Free diet for 2 years believing I would be “just fine” and STILL had diarrhea 5-10 times a day, I came face-to-face with insanity. In fact, things got a little scary when I was absolutely convinced I was getting “gluten contamination” from everything (like the dishwasher, cooking pans, silverware, water, air, kissing, breathing, whatever). It reached the lowest point when I thought I couldn’t eat anywhere but my own kitchen without getting “glutened.” But the reality is: it wasn’t gluten contamination at all. The gluten free diet wasn’t working for me…
How to tell if The Gluten Free Diet isn’t working for youIf you have Celiac Disease and you’re following a Gluten-Free diet - but still experiencing any of these symptoms, the Gluten-Free Diet isn’t working for you either. (Remember: Celiac Disease symptoms may or may not occur in the digestive system).Recurring bloating and cramping Chronic or recurrent diarrhea Constipation Nausea Liver and biliary tract disorders Weight loss Pale, foul-smelling stool Iron-deficiency anemia unresponsive to iron therapy Fatigue Arthralgia Tingling numbness in the legs Sores inside the mouth Skin rashes/acne Tooth discoloration or loss of enamel Unexplained infertility or recurrent miscarriage Osteopenia or osteoporosis Anxiety or Depression
Each of these symptoms can present themselves as part of Celiac Disease and simply removing gluten can help. Many people even see a disappearance of random symptoms after they go gluten free. However, if you have Celiac Disease and any of the these symptoms are still present… even on a Gluten-Free Diet, it’s likely gluten free isn’t working for you. It might be providing some relief, but it’s not healing the underlying damage in your gut… which dramatically increases your risk for cancer and the other diseases I just mentioned. That doesn’t mean all hope is lost either….
Why My Mom’s Story Matters to YouMy mom is a prime example of what can happen when Celiac Disease goes undiagnosed and untreated. She suffered through stomach pain, an irradiated thyroid, rounds of chemotherapy, and an early medical retirement from her career. Above all – we lost her too early.
That’s part of the reason I fought for my diagnosis - why I pressed my doctors to get the tests I wanted. Why I followed my Gluten-Free prescription with the strictest adherence. Yet I still suffered from life threatening symptoms. So much so that I wrote my first will at the age of 24 because I didn’t think I’d live much longer unless they miraculously figured out what else was wrong with me. Then I got lucky and found a new doctor with new ideas about what it meant to treat Celiac Disease. A new doctor, that finally helped me stop my diarrhea for the first time in 6 years.
I’m one of the majority - One of the 60% that didn’t get better from a Gluten-Free diet alone. I needed to do more to treat my Celiac Disease. Jordan
Carolanne LeBlanc Email: GlutenFreeInFlorida@Yahoo.com FaceBook: www.facebook.com/glutenfree.inflorida E-group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GlutenFreeInFlorida Meeting: Cypress Palms, 400 Lake Avenue N E, Largo, FL 33771
Healing...Gluten-Free, what's to eat??
People simply want to feel better. That’s not so hard to understand. But what people need to remember is that the first step is to heal the damage that’s already been done and if that took years to happen it might take time to repair. So be you need to be patient.
Sometimes the best thing to do is to stop a moment, take a step back and begin again with a slower approach. Yes, you want the Gluten out of your life – but it's not going to happen overnight. Give yourself a little time. I normally ask people to dedicate the first 6 weeks to just cleaning up their diet. Go back to basics. Instead of lamenting over what you can’t eat…why not focus on what you can.
This is a list of ‘beginner’ foods, things that are good for the body, pretty easy to digest and a great place to start. Use your common sense. If something makes you sick, don’t eat it. If you have a hard time digesting food try soups and soft cooked foods at first. Remember the goal is to give your intestines a break…not create more work. There is nothing processed - if it comes in a can or box just put it back on the shelf. Do most of your shopping around the outer edges of the grocery store. Fresh or frozen is great…but make certain there are no ‘added’ ingredients. If you’re drinking juices…add an equal amount of filtered water. Stay away from the sugar…that’s a simple rule many of us should follow. If you like your coffe or tea just remember to make it a bit weaker for a while.
Allspice
Almond butter
Almond milk
Almond oil
Almonds
Anchovies
Apple Cider
Apples
Apricots
Artichokes
Asiago cheese
Asparagus
Aspartame
Avocadoes
Avocado oil
Bacon
Baking soda
Bananas
Bay Leaf
Basil
Beef
Beets
Berries
Black beans
Black radish
Blue cheese
Bok Choy
Bourbon
Brazil nuts
Brick cheese
Brie cheese
Broccoli
Brussell sprout
Butter
Cabbage
Camembert
Canola oil
Cantaloupe
Capers
Carrots
Cashews
Cauliflower
Celery Root
Celery
Chard
Cheddar
Cherries
Chestnuts
Cilantro
Cinnamon
Club soda
Coconut
Coconut milk
Coconut oil
Coffee
Collard greens
Colby cheese
Corn oil
Courgette
Cranberry
Cucumbers
Custard apple
Dates
Cottage Cheese
Echinacea
Edam cheese
Eggplant
Eggs
Filberts
Figs
Fish
Flax seed oil
Fowl
Garlic
Gelatin
Ghee
Gin
Ginger
Gorgonzola
Gouda cheese
Grape juice
Grapefruit
Grapes
Grapeseed oil
Green tea
Gruyere
Ham
Haricot beans
Havarti cheese
Hazelnuts
Honey
Jalapenos
Kale
Kidney beans
Kimchi
Kiwi fruit
Kumquats
Lamb
Leek
Lecithin
Lemons
Lentils
Lettuce
Lima beans
Limburger
Limes
Macadamia
Macadamia oil
Manchego Cheese
Mangoes
Mead
Meats
Melon
Monterey Jack
Muenster
Mushrooms
Mustard
Navy beans
Nectarines
Nutmeg
Olive oil
Olives
Onions
Orange juice
Oranges
Oregano
Papayas
Paprika
Parmesan
Parsley
Passion Fruit
Peaches
Peanut butter
Peanut Oil
Peanuts
Pears
Peas
Pecans
Peppermint tea
Peppers
Persimmons
Pickles (dill)
Pine nuts
Pineapple
Pistachio nuts
Plums
Pork
Pork Rinds
Poultry
Provolone
Prunes
Pumpkin
Raisins
Rhubarb
Romano
Roquefort
Rosemary
Rutabaga
Saccharine
Safflower oil
Sage
Salt
Sashimi
Saurkraut
Scotch whisky
Sesame oil
Shellfish
Spearmint Tea
Spices
Spinach
Split peas
Squash
Stilton cheese
String beans
Sunflower oil
Swede
Swiss cheese
Tabasco sauce
Tangerines
Tarragon
Tea
Thyme
Tomato juice
Tomatoes
Vanillin
Vinegar
Vodka
Walnuts
Walnut oil
Wasabi
Water chestnut
Watercress
Watermelon
Wine
Yoghurt
Zucchini
Carolanne LeBlanc
Email: GlutenFreeInFlorida@Yahoo.com
FaceBook: www.facebook.com/glutenfree.inflorida
E-group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GlutenFreeInFlorida
Meeting: Cypress Palms, 400 Lake Avenue N E, Largo, FL 33771
28 Kasım 2012 Çarşamba
Brazi Bites Cheese Bread
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Did You Know?
good source of protein and calcium, though anyone
following a low sodium diet may want to check the
labels carefully.
Yes, olives are healthful. It's true that olives are high
in fat, but most if it is the heart-healthy monounsaturated
type of fat. So enjoy them as often as you want. All
varieties are good sources of fiber, vitamin E, and
minerals such as iron and copper. Green olives are
unripe while darker ones are ripe. All olives are cured
or fermented to make them edible."
-Natural Choices Magazine, Issue 11
Cancer Fighters
colorectal tumors, according to new research
published in the American Journal of Clinical
Nutrition. The findings suggest that eating more
magnesium-rich foods may help prevent colorectal
cancer. Such foods include spinach and other green
vegetables, nuts, beans, yogurt, and whole grains."
(Gluten free whole grain of course)
-Natural Choices Magazine, Issue 11
Diet Tips to Ease PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) Symptoms!
 |
| (Image credit to Getty Images) |
You might also like to know more about best foods to prevent breast cancer and aging, before continuing!
Furthermore, healthy foods also can be essential nutrients to give a significantly supports through different phases in your life. For instances, they can be used to help reduce PMS, increase the level of female fertility, relieve some symptoms of menopause, ease your stress level, etc. Whatever how old you are, you can improve and enjoy your life with a healthy diet.
Common suggestions for women of all ages
Don’t go too far when thinking about healthiest foods. You can start from the basics but can give a significantly improvement to your health in long term.
Fresh fruits & vegetables, lean sources of protein, healthy fats, and whole grains can be good basic choices for a well-rounded diet. It is not difficult to get them every day. These kinds of foods can provide a lot of health advantages. They are high in energy which means will be so helpful for lifelong weight control. Furthermore, they also can be a key answer for feeling & looking great at any age!
Below are other simple ideas for your best nutrition and diet option:
- Limit your consumption of caffeine and alcohol! Some studies found that women with excessively consumption of caffeine are at higher risk of having more hormone changes and elevated calcium loss. Then for those who drink more than 2 alcohol drinks /day are also at higher risk of developing osteoporosis. Read also more detailed information about the link between caffeine and osteoporosis!
- Eat protein in moderation! We all agree that protein is one of the most essential nutrients for the body, but everything that is consumed too over will bring bad effect to the body. In other words, avoid consuming too much protein (particularly for animal-based protein)! Too much protein can lead to more calcium loss which then will reduce the density of your bone and put you at higher risk of osteoporosis.
- Get plenty of iron from your diet! In fact, women are more likely to have iron deficiency than men - the cycle of menstruation is one of major factors why this happens. Therefore, it’s important to maintain the level of iron in your body. Fortunately, there are a lot of iron-rich foods that you can choose in your diet. Spinach, iron-fortified cereals, lead red meat, lentils, and dark poultry are some iron-rich foods.
- Maintain your calcium (Ca) intake! Again, women are also more likely to develop osteoporosis than men. Therefore, it’s important for them to get adequate Ca to improve /maintain the health and density of their bone. Plant-based calcium-rich foods are more recommended than animal-based sources of calcium. Kale, collard greens, Brussels sprouts, beans, and broccoli are great plant-based sources of Ca.
- Always remember to prioritize plant-based and whole foods! A variety of legumes, beans, and whole grains are good choice to get more fiber and energy. Don’t forget also to fill most of your plate with fresh leafy green vegetables and fruits. And focus on locally-grown foods (in order to get as fresh as possible of foods) and minimally-processed foods!
Not all women experience symptoms of PMS. But did you know that your lifestyle habits also can affect your PMS? Some studies found that women with unhealthy weight (overweight) are more likely to experience PMS symptoms.
Another factor is stress, if you cannot control your stress your PMS symptoms are also more likely to occur. Experts believe that stress has a significantly contribution of how intense and severe the PMS symptoms that occur. Therefore, it’s important to relax your mind. Doing yoga, exercise, and deep breathing are great choices of effective ways to relax the mind.
Don’t forget also to get adequate rest and sleep. These are not only intended to ease your stress but also reduce the risk of fatigue (one of common PMS symptoms). Furthermore, cigarette smoking also should be avoided – many studies found that it may increase the risk of moderate & severe PMS.
The following are some nutrition tips to ease your PMS symptoms:
- Again, cut out alcohol and caffeine, because both are believed can worsen your PMS symptoms! Trans-fat foods also should be limited!
- Get to know your best choice! Some appropriately supplements may work effective to ease your symptoms. See if vitamin supplements, flaxseed oil supplements, fish oil, or eating more fish will ease the symptoms. In addition, for some women, taking a daily supplement /multivitamin may relieve cramps (one of common PMS symptoms).
- Egg yolks and red meat should be avoided, because both can lead to inflammation. It’s much better to go with plant-based proteins, such as nuts and soy.
- Don’t overload on salt and sugar! Too much sugar can trigger the decreased serotonin in your brain which then may affect the mood and your PMS symptoms. And for salt, if you consume it too much, this will worsen water retention. Choose whole foods instead of overly processed foods. If you cannot cut out salt in your diet, make sure to drink lots of water!
- Add more high-quality foods of calcium and vitamin D in your diet! Experts believe that vitamin D may help maintain your emotional changes, and calcium can help relieve anxiety and depressive symptoms. Of course, vitamin D and calcium are also essential nutrients for other health reasons, particularly such as for preventing osteoporosis. Soy milk, yogurt, cheese, and free-fat milk are good sources of vitamin D and calcium. If necessary, you also can consider appropriately supplements!
- Never skip your breakfast! Hormone changes due to PMS also can cause appetite problem. Sometimes you may have lack of appetite or vice versa (overly hungry). Therefore, it is important to always never skip your breakfast.