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Vegan Makeup Brushes – Where Are They?
Find out where to get vegan friendly Makeup Brushes here.
read moreVegan Food Allergies: How to Deal, Ways to Heal
I’ve heard from countless readers and clients that they, too, suffer multiple food allergies and would appreciate any tips on dealing with them.
read moreTips for Living a Gluten Free Life
by Dr. Ian Wahl, DAc, LAc, CH Gluten has been a huge topic in the news in 2009. We notice that more foods are being promoted as “gluten-free”. Yet most people have no idea what gluten is or why there are “gluten-free” foods. Let’s see if we can bring some clarity to why even Chex Cereal is now being advertised as “gluten-free”. Gluten is nothing more than a protein in wheat, rye, barley and oats. Most of us would never know if we ate something with gluten in it. However, some people have a sensitivity or intolerance to gluten which manifests as a “wheat allergy”. If you have a wheat allergy, your body thinks that wheat is a harmful substance that needs to be attacked and repelled. The symptoms of a wheat allergy vary, but commonly manifest as some gastrointestinal distress, maybe skin irritations, and even sinus congestion. On the other hand, there is a more serious autoimmune disorder known as Celiac Disease. Celiac disease is not a “wheat allergy”. It is a genetic disorder in which the body attacks itself when gluten is ingested. Celiac disease is difficult to diagnose without specific blood testing. Most people with celiac disease have been misdiagnosed because of its wide range of symptoms. The following are a sampling of the symptoms of celiac disease: Short-term symptoms include, bloating after eating gluten, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, difficulty concentrating, irritability, itchy skin rashes Long-term symptoms include chronic fatigue, anemia, osteoporosis, easily fractured bones, chronic weight loss. It is estimated that as many as 1 in 133 Americans have celiac disease with as many as 2 million people who are unaware that they even have it.[1]Although there is no cure for celiac disease, following a gluten free diet will allow the intestinal lining to heal and will also relieve all celiac symptoms. The long-term effect of not following a gluten free diet for someone with celiac disease can be life-threatening.[2] Gluten is in many food products, such as bread, pizza, cookies and cakes, but is also a hidden substance in foods in the forms of food starch, natural flavoring, fillers and seasonings. Gluten is also found in many over-the-counter and prescription medications as fillers and excipients. Gluten is also often used in cosmetics, health and beauty products and household products. You can see how a person with celiac disease must be vigilant in order to eliminate all gluten from their lives. The good news is that today gluten-free foods are available in most local grocery stores as well as in specialty food stores and on-line. Even restaurants have become so familiar with celiac disease, that many provide gluten-free menus. Tips for Following a Gluten Free Diet 1.When baking, there are great substitutes for wheat flour now available. They contain a combination of rice flour, tapioca starch and potato starch, which can be substituted 1:1 for wheat flour in many recipes. These ready-made, all-purpose, gluten free flour products are available at many grocery and specialty stores, as well as on-line. 2. Although the internet is filled with misinformation, the following websites are accurate and provide a tremendous amount of information on how to live a gluten free life: www.glutenfree.com; www.glutenfreemall.com; www.celiacdisease.net;www.csaceliacs.org. 3. As mentioned above, many restaurants now have gluten free menus. However, when eating out, always inform the server that you are on a gluten free...
read moreThe Truth About Echinacea
Echinacea, also known as purple coneflower, has gained popularity in recent years as a nutritional supplement that proponents believe is helpful in staving off the common cold and shortening its duration.
read moreSpring Clean Your Body, Jump Start Your Life
“Detoxification” or “cleansing” is the process by which we can release environmental toxins, disease, and old metabolic waste from our bodies, and allow them to function at a much higher level. We “spring clean” our homes, and we can give our bodies that same fresh start.
read moreRaw Food Health
One shouldn’t embark on a raw foods diet without researching how to make a smooth transition and maintain a proper nutrient balance. Read here to learn more.
read moreThe Protein Revolution in Your Kitchen
If you’re worn out from the struggle to lose those annoying bulges, this is your kind of revolution. If you want to go to the jean size you wore when you know you looked your best, now’s the time. You can do it so fast you won’t believe your eyes.
read moreOur Symbiotic Relationship With Fruit
Humans and plants are symbiotic with each other, meaning, both rely on each other to mutual benefit. This statement assumes that plants are aware on some level, and studies have shown recently that plants do possess a primitive nervous system.
read moreOats in a Gluten Free Diet
Oats not only do not cause gastrointestinal symptoms, but also do not prohibit the healing of the villi of the small intestine, which gluten damages in those with celiac disease and has been noted in other related diseases, as well.
read moreLower Blood Pressure Naturally Through a Raw, Vegan Diet
The best way to start eating a heart healthy diet is to focus on consuming more fresh fruits and vegetables while minimizing processed foods.
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