Melatonin and Gluten

It is not until you go gluten free that you
realize how sneaky gluten can be.  It hides
in places you probably would not think to
look.  Many over the counter supplements
use fillers in their products, however most
use rice, some use soy and others wheat. 
There lies the problem, wheat.

Last Day Super Spices

5.  Turmeric-  With many health benefits, here
are just a few.  It contains an active component
called curcumin, which may help stop cancer
from spreading and help prevent type 2 diabetes.

Day 2 Of 3 Super Spices

3.  Dried red pepper-  The compound in dried red
peppers called capsaicin, make the chilies hot. 
They contain several phytochemicals and carotenoids,
particularly beta carotene, which give you antioxidant
and anti-inflammatory benefits. 

Day 1 Of 3 Super Spices

There are many spices that are beneficial to your health.
Here are a few that are easy to find and use.  A couple
of sprinkles a day, can keep the doctor away.

1.  Ginger- My favorite of them all.  Ginger can help with
nausea, stomach aches, and pain.  It can help with heartburn
and bloating.

Last Day Gluten Free Flours

9.  Amaranth Flour-  This flour has a nutty, earthy taste
that tends to take on the flavors of other ingredients.
Amaranth is a highly versatile plant.  It can be consumed
as a leaf, cereal or flour.
     This flour has many benefits.  It helps with blood sugars,
supports bone health and contains protein. 

10.  Buckwheat Flour-  Yes it is gluten free, despite its name.
Buckwheat is a seed that provides many benefits, it is known
as a super food.  This seed provides the body with B vitamins,
zinc, iron, folate, manganese, and magnesium.  Buckwheat can
help lower cholesterol, blood pressure, fight diseases and
improve digestion.

Day 4 Of 5 Gluten Free Flours

7.  Sorghum Flour-  This is a heavy flour, works best
in recipes that require a small amount of flour or when
used mixed with another lighter flour.  This flour
provides high quantities of fiber and antioxidants. 
Sorghum also helps with blood sugar and any
inflammation.  Sorghum flour contains tannins that
are though to help with weight loss.

Day 3 Of 5 Gluten Free Flours

5.  Tapioca Flour-  Tapioca is one of the purest forms
of starch there is.  It is used as a thickening agent in
recipes.  It is a low calorie, sugar free option.  In a
quarter cup of tapioca flour there is 100 calories, 26
grams carbohydrates and almost no sugar, fat or
protein.

6.  Chickpea Flour-  Chickpea flour is also known as
gram flour, garbanzo bean flour.  Chick peas provide
high levels of fiber to help with digestion and promote
weight loss.  One way to use chickpea flour is for a
hearty pancake or for bread.

Day 2 Of 5 Gluten Free Flours

3. Rice Flour-  Another gluten free flour is rice flour,
non allergenic, and digests well.  Brown rice flour is
the closest you will get to the taste of pasta.  Try to
buy only brown rice flour, as the milling to make it
white destroys many of the vitamins and fiber.

4.  Almond Flour-  This is a great tasting flour, the
most expensive of the flours.  It is packed with vitamins
and minerals.  It is high in fiber and great for baking
cookies, muffins, breads and any other baked good.
You can also try coating chicken to make chicken
tenders.

Day 1 Of 5 Gluten Free Flours

Once you find out you need to go gluten free, the
first thing people think is no pizza no flour.  Most
people today use white flour, which is not very
healthy. Good news, there are many good gluten
free flours available.  I will list a few and go over
when to use them.

Gluten Free Zucchini Fritters

Yummy Zucchini Fritters

With summer here, zucchinis are showing up in
the gardens of many.  Here is an easy and
yummy way to use them.

Ingredients
1 large zucchini
1 tsp. salt
pepper to taste
1tsp.baking powder
1 egg
1/3rd cup gluten free flour
1/3 cup gluten free bread crumbs
Olive or canola oil

Supplements That Do Not Work For Celiacs

Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder that
causes damage to the lining of the small intestine.
It can only be treated by following a gluten free
diet.  Not eating gluten works because gluten is
the protein that the body reacts to in order to start
the inflammatory response that damages the small
intestine.

Gluten Free Snack Ideas

When you are following a gluten free
diet, grabbing a quick snack requires
some thought.  Here are a few quick
snacks to keep on hand.
1.  Corn or rice crackers, with some
cheese. 
2.  Quinoa bread or crackers
3.  Popcorn
4. Gluten free pretzels
5. Yogurt or cottage cheese(gluten free)
6. Frozen yogurt or ice cream (gluten free)

Day 2 Of 2 Tips For A Gluten Free Diet

A few more tips on following a gluten
free diet.  Take advantage of the kitchen.
While it will take more effort, it will be
less expensive, and healthier to cook at
home than eating out.  It also reduces the
risk of cross contamination. 

When cooking at home, watch the ingredients
you are using, many sauces and dressings
contain gluten.  Most dressings and sauces
are available in gluten free.

Day 1 Of 2 Tips For A Gluten Free Diet

Gluten free products are seen more often
on the shelves of any grocery store, along
with special menus in restaurants.
When eating gluten free there are a few things
to keep in mind.  Here are a few:

1. Reading food labels-  Packaged food comes
with a allergen list on it.  This makes it easier
to see if it contains wheat.
 

Hidden Sources Of Gluten

Here is a list of hidden sources of gluten.  Some
even surprised me.

• Envelope glue
• Twizzlers
• Some medications
• Some supplements
• Salad dressings and sauces
• Soy sauce
• Some flavored coffee
• Imitation seafood
• Some toothpaste
• Some chewing gums

It always comes down to label reading.
If you cant read the label do not eat it.

Last Day Celiac Facts

Treatment for Celiac disease seems
easy but is very challenging.  No matter
how severe your symptoms are all patients
are advised to go on a strict gluten free
diet.  When many social events focused on
foods, you need to be aware of all the gluten,
to avoid ingesting any.

In the end you need to always be aware
of any cross contamination, and hidden
gluten.  Always read labels, ask questions,
and always be prepared.

Celiac Facts Day 4 Of 5

If you think you may have Celiac disease,
get tested.  One of the reasons many go
undiagnosed is that celiac can show up
in many ways.  Many people state they
had symptoms for 10 years and have
not been treated effectively.  If you are
suffering from abdominal pain, fatigue,
diarrhea, or headaches, talk to your
doctor. 

Preliminary testing requires a simple
blood test.  If the blood test is positive,
further testing will be needed to
diagnosis you.

Celiac Facts Day 3 Of 5

Celiac disease can be difficult to diagnosis.
The symptoms vary person to person.  Kids
with the disease often present with GI symptoms,
like diarrhea or abdominal pain, but adults may not. 
Its not always obvious what's going on, which is
why the CDF estimates 2.5 million Americans with
Celiac are undiagnosed.

Celiac Facts Day 2 Of 5

Celiac disease symptoms build over time.
When you ingest gluten the gluten proteins
prompt an immune reaction.  The body attacks
itself, damaging the small intestine. Taking
the brunt of the damage are the villi, the
lining of the small intestines. 

Celiac Facts Day 1 Of 5

Celiac is an autoimmune disease triggered by
the ingestion of gluten and other similar proteins
found in wheat, rye, and barley.  It is not a food
allergy, or intolerance.  There is no cure, only
treatment is a strict gluten free diet.