Risks Of Untreated Celiac Disease

If celiac goes undiagnosed, it can lead to many
complications.  It can lead to the follow:

• infertility
• bone loss
• nerve damage
• anemia
• lactose intolerance
• vitamin deficiencies
• mineral deficiencies

Who Should Be Tested For Celiac Disease

So should you be tested for celiac disease?
Anyone with a first degree relative with
celiac disease should be  tested.  This
would be a sibling, parent, or child.  Celiac
disease is a genetic disorder and can develop
at any time.  It is most commonly diagnosed
in adulthood during the 40s and 50s. 
Some facts are:

• 1 in 133 healthy people
• 1 in 22 first degree relatives
• 1 in 39 second degree relatives

Last Day Minerals You May Need

3.  Iron

Iron is needed to carry oxygen throughout the
body's cells so they can produce energy.  It has
been said up to 30% of the world's population
may have an iron deficiency.  This deficiency
is called anemia, it is treated with iron pills
and/or a diet in high iron foods. 

4. Potassium

This is an electrolyte that counteracts the
negative effects of sodium.  Potassium helps
maintain blood pressure, helps regulate fluid
balance and controls the electrical activity
of the heart and muscles.

5.  Zinc

Zinc is known for its antioxidant and
immune boosting properties.  It is
commonly taken as a supplement. It is
lost through sweat, so athletes often need
more.

Day 1 Of 2 Minerals You May Need

Most minerals we need we get from the foods we eat. 
Sometimes we just can't consume enough, and this
can lead to deficiencies.  Many people are deficient
in one or more essential minerals. 
Mineral deficiencies are most commonly diagnosed
by a blood test.  Here are 2 out of 5 you may find
yourself deficient in.

Merry Christmas!

Last Day Tips For A Safe Gluten Free Holiday!

10.  If you are up to it, host the holiday yourself.
You can make a great gluten free dinner and deserts.

11.  Make life easier and buy fresh gluten free cookies.
These are often time consuming, and just easier to buy.

12.  If a guest ask what to bring, have them bring an
item that is naturally gluten free, like fruit or wine.

Most important, enjoy the holidays whether with
friends or family.  Be safe and a happy and healthy
gluten free holiday to all.

Day 3 Of 4 Tips For A Safe Gluten Free Holiday!

7.  All fruits and vegetables are gluten free.
Add a yummy dressing and enjoy.

8.  If you are friendly with the host, ask what
is being served.  Offer to help bake or bring
a gluten free side dish or desert.

9.  If is a serve yourself, go first to avoid any
cross contamination.  Most people mix up the
serving utensils.

Day 2 Of 4 Tips For A Safe Gluten Free Holiday!

4.  Most mashed and sweet potato dishes
are gluten free, ask if any flour was added.

5.  Watch any dressings or cream base items.
Many times flour is added to thicken these
items.

6.  Cornbread, not always gluten free.  Many
times it is mixed with flour.  There are many
you can buy to make yourself.

7.  The yummy potato pancakes.  These if
bought, are most likely not gluten free.  Again
read the labels and ask always.  Wheat flour
is often added.

Day 1 Of 4 Tips For A Safe Gluten Free Holiday!

Here come the holidays.  Are you ready to
have a safe gluten free one?  Whether it's
Christmas, New Year's or Hanukkah, here
are a few tips to make them safe.
To start, gluten free eating has gotten
easier over the years, with more products
available and many more stores to shop in.
Here are some tips to start the  holiday off
right.

Last Day Benefits Of Sorghum Flour

Last day, benefits of Sorghum flour.

4.  It is packed with essential minerals and
vitamins.  It is loaded with calcium, copper,
zinc, phosphorous, potassium and B vitamins.

5.  It is a good alternative for diabetics.
It is one of the best flours for those with
diabetics.  Again high in fiber, helps with
glucose control.

Day 1 Of 2 Benefits Of Sorghum

One healthy flour alternative is Sorghum.  It is rich,
bittery and is high in fiber.  This millet is grown in
India and is a great gluten free alternative to all
purpose flour.

Last Day Common Food Allergens Shellfish

Seafood along with peanuts and tree nuts
are the most common triggers of anaphylaxis.
Shellfish can be used to describe both crustacean
and molluscan shellfish.

The term shellfish must be declared on food
labels. 
Here is a list of terms that means presence of shellfish:

• Crab
• Craw
• Cray
• Lobster
• Shrimp
• Clam
• Mussel
• Oyster
• Scallop
• Snail
• Squid

Day 7 Of 8 Common Food Allergens Eggs

Eggs are a great source of protein, and found
in many foods.  Many sauces and dressings
use eggs as a base.

Egg washes are often used on baked goods to
make them look shiny.

Even some vaccines contain egg and are unsafe
for those with allergies. 

Cooking without eggs can be a challenge.  Try
to substitute flax meal with water, mix till
frothy and use in recipe. 

Here is a list of terms that contain eggs:

• Albumin
• Globulin
• Lecithin
• Mayonnaise
• Meringue
• Ovalbumin
• Vitellin

Day 6 Of 8 Common Food Allergens Milk

There are many great non dairy milk
alternatives available.  There is almond
milk, soy and even cashew milk.  Low
fat and many with extra calcium.

There terms indicate the presence of milk:

• Milk
• Yogurt
• Kefir
• Whey
• Sour cream, Cream
• Cheese, cream cheese
• Butter
• Casein

Day 5 Of 8 Common Food Allergens Fish

The term fish encompasses all finned
fish including :

• Anchovies
• Bass
• Catfish
• Grouper
• Haddock
• Halibut
• Herring
• Mahi
• Pike
• Pollock
• Salmon
• Scrod
• Sole
• Snapper
• Swordfish
• Tilapia
• Tuna

Many dressings and sauces contain traces of these
fishes.  Be sure to read the ingredients for any of
these words if you have an allergy.

Day 4 Of 8 Common Food Allergens Tree Nuts

The term tree nuts encompasses the following:

• Almonds
• Brazil
• Cashew
• Chestnuts
• Hazelnuts
• Macadamia
• Pecans
• Pine nuts
• Pistachios
• Walnuts

Watch food made with nuts, such as pesto sauce.
Avoid for cross contamination.  Be careful at salad
bars and the toppings at yogurt stores.

Day 3 Of 8 Common Food Allergens Wheat

Gluten free products are usually wheat free.
If you have a severe wheat allergy look for
products made in a certified gluten free
facility to minimize cross contamination.

Common foods such as soy sauce, broth,
gravies, and some medicines contain wheat.

These terms indicate wheat:

• Bread crumbs
• Bulgur
• Couscous
• Durum
• Einkkorn
• Farina
• Flour
• Kamut
• Semolina
• Spelt
• Triticale
• Wheat

Day 2 Of 8 Common Food Allergens Peanuts

Peanuts along with tree nuts and seafood are
the most common triggers of anaphylaxis.

Some people with peanut and tree nut allergies
are also advised to avoid seeds. 

Look for products made in a dedicated nut free
facility.  Avoid products whose ingredient label
says, "made in a facility that also processed peanuts",
to be safe. 
These terms indicate presence of peanuts:

• Arachis oil
• Beer nuts
• Kernels
• Nut meats
• Goober nuts
• Valencias

Day 1 Of 8 Common Food Allergens Gluten

Wheat is considered a common food allergen.
However, gluten is not considered common and
therefore, is not required to be declared.

Wheat free does not necessarily mean that a
food is gluten free.  It may contain other sources
of gluten such as barley or rye.

Malt flavoring and malt vinegar may be derived
from barley and should be avoided on a gluten
free diet.  Be sure to read the labels carefully.

Tips To Avoid Food Allergy Reactions during the holidays

Holidays are a great time to spend with family
and friends.  Here are some ideas to help to
avoid any food reactions. 

1.  Freeze dishes ahead of time.  Prepare items
and any side dishes that you can bring with
you.  When  ready to eat defrost and serve.  It
 will be a dish you like and you know is ok to eat.

2.  Only use foods from products you trust and
are labeled allergy free.