So, I’ve had a sinus infection for the past two weeks and
the timing could not have been worse. It threw a wrench into my plans. I was
supposed to retest for H. Pylori on May 6th, but in order to do so,
I would have had to go off all my supplements, which is required for these
particular labs. Well, I was unable to do that because it would have left my
immune system vulnerable at a time when it was working on over drive. My Naturopath had to talk some sense into me and tell me to wait to retest because
it was best that I stay on my supplements until my sinus infection passed. I
guess we all need the voice of reason when we are ill.
I was glad to take her advice and my sinus infection is finally gone, but my
retesting is delayed a week. That doesn’t sound like much, but when you have to
wait for 3 weeks to get results back an additional week seems like a good chunk
of time. Well, I’m anxious for results and they should be back around the
beginning of June. I’m glad the sinus infection is gone and I’m anxious to be
able to move on to healing my gut, that said I want to address a gluten free
diet and my view after being gluten free for more than 2 years.
GLUTEN FREE
There was a great article this month in the Natural Living
publication that is put out by Sunflower Markets. I really enjoy and look
forward to this free publication. The article was called Gluten Free Upgrade and it
really summed up my view on how a Gluten Free diet or any diet should be approached
in order to have a nutrient dense diet. The point is that we should all be
getting the majority of our nutrients from our food, but the problem is no
matter how healthy any of us are with regard to proper diet, our soil is becoming
more and more depleted of necessary nutrients and therefore supplements become
necessary for some of us, if not all of us. In my case I have an issue with
malabsorption, so despite how healthy I eat, I am very deficient in many
vitamins and minerals, so it is therefore necessary for me to take certain
supplements which have been recommended by my doctor based on lab results. The
most important part of any diet is that we are eating a whole foods diet. For a
definition of whole foods diet: Whole Foods Diet
In many cases after being diagnosed with an auto immune
disease, which requires you to remove gluten from your diet or if it is because some health issue that
creates a sensitivity or intolerance to gluten... many individuals start with
replacing items such as pizza, pastries and breads with gluten free alternatives. This is not ideal and
replacing processed items in the diet for gluten free processed items such as
white rice flours, potato flours, xantham gum, guar gum… is not the way to go.
When going gluten free it is important to view this as an adventure in
discovering new foods. There are so many nutrient dense naturally gluten free
foods in their whole form. Quinoa, Buckwheat, Amaranth, Brown rice, Wild Rice,
Gluten Free Oats… As for baked goods I was an awesome baker prior to going
gluten free and my friends and family always reaped and enjoyed the benefits.
When I went gluten free it was a challenge and I really didn’t do any baking
for almost a year and then I started experimenting. Some things were a success
and some a huge failure, but I learned from all of it and I came to the
conclusion that almond flour is my most favorite gluten free flour to bake with
for so many reasons. It makes the most nutritious and yummy goods ever… better
than baked goods that are not gluten free and they are protein packed and full
of good fats. Unfortunately this may not be the best option for those with a
nut allergy, but trust me there are other good options out there for individuals
with nut allergies. There is a fabulous cookbook that I discovered written by a
local woman in Boulder, CO. She and her son were diagnosed with Celiac disease
and she felt there was a need for such a book and I agree. Check out Elana
Amsterdam’s blog and cookbooks here: Elana's Pantry
As for whole foods diet, I love this cookbook, Whole Life
Nutrition, because it mirrors much the way I’m used to cooking and expands my
repertoire. I also like it because it was recommended by a couple of my doctors
and if you are wondering if you have food allergies or sensitivities there is a
great “28 day Elimination Diet” guide. Elimination diets are truly the best way
to discover food allergies and sensitivities: Whole Life Nutritiion
This diet was how my doctor figured out I had parasites
because I literally reacted to every food that was added back into my diet. It
was a pretty good indicator, which we then confirmed by lab tests for parasites
that came back positive. The parasites are now gone (see prior posts).
PSORIASIS
In addition to a gluten free diet, which usually indicates an individual has digestive issues, digestive issues can result in an auto
immune disease called Psoriasis. Definition for Psoriasis: Psoriasis
Psoriasis is something I have suffered from for many years.
More information about relation between Cardiovascular
disease and Psoriasis: Cardiovascular Disease linked to Psoriasis
I wanted to address Psoriasis because on May 20th
there will be a Walk to Cure Psoriasis and it is locally held at Sloan’s Lake.
To sign up, go here: Walk to Cure Psoriasis
A story of a little girl, she reminds me very much of
myself when I was her age, who will be participating in the walk and is
afflicted with Psoriasis and Arthritis.
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!
…And last but not least I want to acknowledge all the
mothers out there and the importance of their nurturing qualities. There are so
many great mothers in my life past and present and certainly there will be in
the future. Although I don’t have human children, I do have two furry kids and
I love them dearly. I don’t know what I would do without their unconditional
love. Happy Mother’s Day! Treat yourselves well. Cheers!
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