Gluten free shopping

Gluten allergies are relatively common. 1 in 111 adults (0.9%) have a gluten allergy. When people with gastrointestinal complaints were studied, 1 in 30 adults (3.3%) were found to have a gluten allergy. This makes a gluten allergy quite common, especially when people with chronically uncomfortable guts are considered. Gluten Free is everywhere: supermarkets, magazines, and celebrity diets. Is it good for you? Does it have real health advantages? Can it help you lose weight and stay healthy?





Gluten is a protein found in certain types of grain -- wheat, rye, barley -- that can cause an autoimmune reaction in in the small intestine, resulting in symptoms ranging from stomach pain to nutrient malabsorption. People that suffer from this are often diagnosed with celiac disease, which affects more than 3 million Americans nationwide. The most effective solution is a strict, gluten-free diet. Just how many people can't tolerate gluten? A much wider audience is suffering from milder symptoms of gluten intolerance than previously realized -- nearly 18 million Americans. Those with even the slightest bit of intolerance are turning their focus to gluten-free foods to alleviate these uncomfortable side effects.

 Should I go gluten-free? Stocking up on every food item that touts the "gluten-free" label seems like a no-brainer -- but that's not always the best-case scenario. Gluten binds foods like pretzels and cake together. Without it, food companies are forced to add extra fat and sugar to make up for the lack of texture and flavor. Hello, extra calories! Gluten-free foods can be quite expensive, too (bread at $6?). These products may be the remedy to your GI issues but could be causing a thickening waistline and a thinning wallet. My advice: Seek out foods that are naturally gluten-free, instead of trying to eat something that's trying to be something it's not.

 5 gluten-free carbs that won't break the bank or widen your waistline:

  Oatmeal -- I get this question all the time: "Is oatmeal gluten-free?" The answer is yes, naturally it is. That being said, oats are usually processed in food facilities that also contain wheat products so the chance of cross contamination is high. However, there are companies that have isolated, specialized farms that produce gluten-free grains without this concern. Bob's Red Mill has an entire line of oat products ranging from quick rolled or steel cut oats to GF oat flour. Pick your pleasure! Polenta -- This freshly-ground corn product actually yields a lot of options. Trader Joe's offers an organic variety that works great as a substitute for pasta or used as a pie crust in an egg white and spinach quiche. Since polenta is gluten-free to start with, you won't find any extra sugar or fat. A 1/4 tube serving is only 70 calories and provides two grams of protein.

  Buckwheat -- People usually group buckwheat into the cereal grain category, but it's actually a fruit seed related to rhubarb and is packed with magnesium and phosphorous. Replace rice side dishes with buckwheat or add to soups instead of using noodles. Besides its hearty flavor, buckwheat satisfies hunger with six grams of protein and five grams of fiber per one cooked cup serving. Wheat free tortillas -- Going Gluten-free can make sandwiches and wraps difficult. Using a low calorie, wheat free tortilla makes an excellent substitution. French Meadow bakery uses tapioca starch and rice flour to make a delicious wrap at only 120 calories.

  Amaranth -- One of the lesser-known grains, amaranth contains more protein than wheat in a form that is more readily available to the body. When compared to other grains, it's also the front runner in calcium, iron and an important amino acid called lysine.
Using digestive enzymes can be effective in minimizing the impact of gluten for those with gluten intolerance or gut injury.


Click on the colored links for more shopping options




Gluten Free crackers and snacks

crackers gluten free

gluten free cookies

gluten free corn chips

gluten free lays

gluten free vegetable chips

gluten free candy

gluten free soda











Glucomann (also called Miracle and shiritaki noodles)

* made of naturally water soluble fiber with no fat, sugar, or starch.
* contain zero net carbohydrates and zero calories, no gluten -made of a healthy natural fiber called Glucomannan.
* wheat & gluten free and kosher.
* Easily absorbs the flavors of any soup, dish, or sauce.
* are instant and come in a variety of styles
* have shown beneficial effects backed by medical studies for Type II Diabetes, Constipation, Obesity, and Cholesterol!

What are they made of: Glucomannan, a water-soluble polysaccharide that is considered a dietary fiber. Glucomannan is a food additive used as an emulsifier and thickener. Products containing glucomannan, marketed under a variety of brand names, are also sold as nutritional supplements for constipation, obesity, high cholesterol, acne vulgaris and type 2 diabetes. Though there is some clinical support for potential health benefits, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any product containing glucomannan for the treatment of these medical conditions.

Miracle Noodles

Shirataki noodles absorb the flavor of whatever you add them to, so don't be shy with the sauce. These weight-loss noodles leave you feeling full and satisfied all-day long. Shirataki noodles contain little carbs or calories, and are rich with dietary fiber. They are low carb, and good for a healthy diet. Shirataki noodles are thinner than wheat noodles, do not break as easily, and have a different texture. They are mostly composed of a dietary fiber called glucomannan and contain very few calories and carbohydrates (sometimes even zero). Glucomannan is a water-soluble dietary fiber made from the roots of the Asian Konjac plant.

miracle noodles gluten free



















Consider gluten free cereal, usually made of rice or corn.

gluten free post cereal

gluten free chex

gluten free oatmeal

gluten free kellog









Gluten free bread

gluten free pie crust gluten free bread mix

gluten free cake mix







Soy sauce contains gluten, there are substitutes

soy sauce gluten free






Gluten Free condiments

gluten free condiments








Gluten Free Pasta

gluten free pasta







Many Restaurants have Gluten Free Menus, for example:

Romanos Macaroni Grill
BJ's Brewhouse
PF Changs
Bonefish Grill
Boston Market
Chili's
Chipolte's
Outback Steakhouse
Ruby Tuesday's
TGI Friday's

You can download an app that will help you for example: Eating Out G-Free Offers tips on how to find a gluten-free menu, create a gluten-free shopping list, lists of foods to avoid and how to stay gluten-free while dining away from the home. Supplements The G-Free Diet, by Elisabeth Hasselbeck. Find Me Gluten Free Lists restaurants ratings and reviews based on how gluten-friendly the businesses are in the area.

There are Gluten Free product lines

Udi's gluten free
Glutino gluten free




This blog will be updated often. Please feel free to leave a suggestion.

Natural Hemorrhoid relief

A hemorrhoid is a swollen or inflamed vein in the rectum and anus. They are similar to varicose veins you might see on a person's legs.

Hemorrhoids are typically caused by an increase of pressure in the veins of the lower rectum.

Types Of Hemorrhoids

There are two types of hemorrhoids that you should be aware of, they are...

Internal hemorrhoids are characterized by the bulging out of veins from the anus and by a bloodstained stool.
External hemorrhoids are characterized by an abnormal growth around the rectal region. This growth may be accompanied by irritation, itching and a burning sensation around the affected area - and sometimes blood alongside the stool.
Hemorrhoid Causes

Here are some of the most common causes of hemorrhoids...

Standing or sitting for long periods of time
Straining with bowel movements - Usually caused by constipation or hard stools
Sitting on the toilet for a long time
Diarrhea
Heavy Lifting
Insufficient intake of fluids
Severe coughing
Pregnancy or childbirth
Obesity
Genetics
Hemorrhoid Symptoms

Recognizing the symptoms of hemorrhoids is the first step towards properly treating and preventing them. Here are some of the most common symptoms of hemorrhoids...

Irritation and/or itching in the rectal area
Swelling in the anus or internal anal area
Difficulty or obstruction in passing stool
Formation of blood clots inside the anus
Lumps hanging from the anus - Noticed in more advanced stages of hemorrhoids
Prevention Of Hemorrhoids

There are several preventive steps you can take to help relieve some of the pain and discomfort you may be experiencing. By following these steps, you will find relief from existing hemorrhoids - and help prevent future hemorrhoids from occurring.

When you have the urge for a bowel movement, do not delay - Go immediately
Follow a high fiber diet - Take fiber supplements if needed
Increase fluid intake - Drink plenty of pure drinking water to help soften the stool
Perform a colon cleansing program to help empty the large intestines and regulate your bowel movements
Exercise on a regular basis - This will help regulate bowel movements
Keep your anal area dry and clean
Following these preventive steps will help reduce and prevent the build up of waste materials in the large intestine. By doing this, you are reducing your chances of becoming constipated or straining to have bowel movements.

Treating Hemorrhoids

When treating hemorrhoids, the main objective is to relieve the pain and discomfort. Typically, one or more of the following treatments should be used, depending on the severity of the hemorrhoids.

Sitz Bath - Soaking the rectal area in hot water
Pain medications, creams, ointments and suppositories (Tucks, Dermoplast, Preparation H, ProctofoamAnusol) Topical medications are used to help shrink the hemorrhoids
Cleansing the entire rectal area with warm water after each bowel movement
Fiber supplements or laxatives to help soften the stool
If you suffer from hemorrhoids and are experiencing the symptoms listed earlier, these treatment recommendations should help you tremendously. It is always recommended to consult with your medical practitioner first.

Colon Cleansing To Prevent Hemorrhoids

The hemorrhoid information I mentioned in the prevention section, shows that performing a colon cleansing program is an effective way to prevent hemorrhoids.

Colon cleansing is a process of clearing out all of the accumulated fecal matter, toxins and other impurities from inside the colon. This accumulated waste material often leads to serious health conditions and diseases - including hemorrhoids.

By combining colon cleansing with the prevention tips listed above, you will be taking safe and effective steps towards preventing and treating your hemorrhoids.




















Topical essential oils are also useful with soothing hemorrhoids.

Sexibalm

The safest and most effective home remedies for painful hemorrhoids are the natural oils or essential oils. As opposed to dry herbs, which require more preparations before they can be used as cold compress or poultice, natural oils are easier and less messy to apply on the affected parts.

Tea tree oil which comes abundantly from Australia is one of the most traditionally proven as effective treatment for inflammations or swelling common to burns, acne and painful hemorrhoids. Studies have shown that its efficiency as natural treatment comes from its antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial ingredients that help strengthen the immune system and thus, prevent infection. It also has mild antiseptic ingredients that can cure the inflamed anal area.

Apply generous amounts of the coconut oil with aromatherapy (Sexibalm) to the affected area at least twice daily for at least 3 days. Whenever you use the bathroom (or at least twice daily), reapply the oil to make sure the area is covered. You should see substantial shrinking (if not the disappearance) of your hemorrhoids within the 3 days.

I have lavender and tea tree with coconut oil available in a topical balm (Sexibalm) and suppositories in the office. Applying essential oils directly to an inflamed area without a carrier substance can be painful and is not recommended.

You could also put lavender and tea tree oils in a Sitz Bath . You could also use herbs.

Chai Yok We have an herbal vaginal detox steam in the office that can also be used for hemorrhoids. The concoction of herbs used in the steam bath could be the main reason why most women experience its health benefits. Mugwort is brewed with other herbs like wormwood. Mugwort helps in detoxification and an antiseptic. It has also an ability to stimulate hormones and keep the uterus healthy. It’s also used for nausea, fatigue and headaches.

Wormwood, on the other hand, helps in treating bladder infections, constipation, fever and induces uterine contractions. The combination of these two powerful herbs will help ease hemorrhoid symptoms like inflammation and pain.

All of the herbs in the tea are antifungal and antibacterial. They help rid your body of toxins and pesticides, fight infections and even help clear up hemorrhoids. There are also some cases where people use the steam bath before they undergo hemorrhoid surgery.  You could also buy the herbs and put them in a Sitz Bath.  Call 832-237-4200 to purchase.




 FDA Disclaimer The statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration). Products are not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. If a condition persists, please contact your physician. The information provided by myself or this website is not a substitute for a face-to-face consultation with your physician, and should not be construed as individual medical advice. The testimonials on this website are individual cases and do not guarantee that you will get the same results.

Natural Supplements for post Myocardial Infarction treatment

Myocardial infarction is a technical term used to describe an irreversible injury to heart muscle.

In an acute myocardial infarction, the flow of blood from a blood vessel in the heart is blocked, whereby the cardiac muscle receives insufficient oxygen and heart tissue dies. In many cases, the supply of blood in the deadened portion of the heart can be restored via the so-called balloon technique. But after a myocardial infarct, the heart suffers permanent damage, primarily to the left ventricle.

Myocardial Infarction cause
The most common cause of acute myocardial infarction is narrowing of the epicardial blood vessels due to atheromatous plaques, otherwise known as hardening of the arteries. Plaque rupture with subsequent exposure of the basement membrane in the lining of the blood vessel results in platelet aggregation, blood clot formation, fibrin accumulation, hemorrhage into the plaque, and varying degrees of vasospasm. This can result in partial or complete blockage of the vessel and subsequent myocardial ischemia, which means lack of oxygen resulting in muscle tissue damage. Total occlusion of the vessel for more than 4-6 hours results in irreversible myocardial necrosis, but reperfusion within this period can salvage the myocardium (heart muscle) and reduce morbidity and mortality.

Myocardial Infarction risk factors
Six primary risk factors have been identified with the development of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. These include hyperlipidemia (high blood cholesterol and triglycerides), diabetes mellitus, hypertension, smoking, male gender, and family history of atherosclerotic arterial disease. The presence of any risk factor is associated with doubling the relative risk of developing atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. Stress and lack of exercise are additional factors.

There is no proof yet that taking supplements reduces the risk of myocardial infarction, but in my opinion, ongoing studies will likely eventually show that certain supplements, when used properly, can reduce the risk for myocardial infarction.

Of course, a patient with heart disease would already be on a number of medications, so I am writing this blog to give some ideas to one of my patients, without increasing her pill count.

Fish oil, rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids and derived from oily fish such as tuna, salmon and mackerel -- is already recommended by the American Heart Assn. to help prevent cardiovascular disease. It has been shown to reduce blood triglyceride levels and slightly lower blood pressure, lowering the risk for heart attacks and strokes.

Coenzyme Q10
Heart Attacks: In a small trial of patients with recent myocardial infarction, Coenzyme Q10--used in addition to aspirin and cholesterol-lowering drugs--decreased the likelihood of further cardiac events for at least one year after the heart attack. The dosage of CoQ10 used in the study was 60 mg twice daily.















Vitamin D
Low levels of 25(OH)D are associated with higher risk of myocardial infarction in a graded man- ner, even after controlling for factors known to be asso- ciated with coronary artery disease.

Consider tea:

Black Tea and Green tea have superb antioxidant properties. Drinking 10 to 20 cups a day can provide protection against heart disease and many other illnesses.

Hawthorn berries regulate, heal, repair and soothe the heart.
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of hawthorn blossoms, steep for five to ten minutes, strain and take 2-3 cups daily for a month.
Or, take 10 drops extract in liquid twice daily, or take 1 tsp. of tincture three times daily.

Ginkgo biloba increases the blood supply to the brain, prevents accumulation of blood platelets and controls angina.
Take 20 drops of tincture three times daily. Take two 40 mg capsules of 24% standardized extract.
Note: If you take prescription blood-thinning medication, consult your health care provider before using ginkgo.













Ginger has a tonic effect on the heart, lowers cholesterol and inhibits blood platelet collection.
Make a fresh ginger infusion using 2 slices of fresh root per cup of water.
Take 2 cups daily.

Try eating pomegranates and goji berries
The results of one study demonstrates, that daily consumption of pomegranate juice for 3 months may decrease myocardial ischemia and improve myocardial perfusion
















Food allergies triggering myocardial infarction are rare, but ruling out common food allergies and/or avoiding foods that may trigger, can be helpful. I use Quest and Alcat in my Allergy evaluations and perform IgE and IgG testing.